By Lanre Oloyede
As part of its commitment to fostering a society where women are empowered, children are educated, persons with disabilities (PWDs) are valued, and equal opportunities are available for all, the Hajiya Hadiza Foundation organized an impactful end-of-year event on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.
The event, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, included a prayer session and the distribution of food palliatives to over 200 beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries, primarily widows and persons with disabilities, hailed from areas such as the FCT, Bwari, AMAC, and Mambilla Barracks, as well as groups like the Mairo Women Foundation, Police Officers Wives Association, Ministry of Women Affairs, among others.
Dignitaries and partners graced the occasion, delivering goodwill messages. Among them were Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, the National Secretary of Transport Drivers, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, and representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (C.A.R.E.), Zenith Bank, religious leaders, and others.
Senator Yusuf commended Hajiya Hadiza for her selfless efforts in uplifting the less privileged, emphasizing that supporting vulnerable groups should not rest solely on the government. He highlighted the creation of the Disability Commission during his tenure as Senate Committee Chairman on Special Duties, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the needs of Nigeria’s over 35.5 million persons with disabilities.
Hajiya Hadiza shared her personal story, revealing how losing her parents and siblings at a young age inspired her lifelong mission to support others. “I am overjoyed whenever I can positively impact someone’s life,” she said, encouraging beneficiaries to reach out to her whenever they need assistance.
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa lauded the foundation’s dedication to persons with disabilities, noting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured that the government would continue to collaborate with the foundation to support PWDs and other vulnerable groups.
Dr. Chike Okogwu of C.A.R.E. expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hajiya Hadiza, praying for divine blessings in recognition of her humanitarian work. “All persons with disabilities present here appreciate and love her for her compassion and generosity,” he remarked.
The event also featured an award presentation to Hajiya Hadiza by Princess Abigail Chinyere Amalaha, President of the United Towns Agency (UTA) Nigeria, along with the Arewa Gamji Emirate Royal Council and the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS). The awards celebrated her outstanding humanitarian contributions.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of cash gifts, clothing materials, rice, vegetable oil, salt, spices, and two cows. These items were shared among widows and PWDs from across Abuja, representing various religious and social backgrounds.
The program ended with prayers and heartfelt gratitude from beneficiaries, cementing the foundation’s reputation as a beacon of hope and compassion.
