Yuletide: 35.5 million PWDs in dire need of support, says Foundation

Ahead of the yuletide, the Hadiza Foundation has called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the rescue of over 35.5 million persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

The founder of the foundation, Hadiza Umar, who spoke during the end-of-year prayer session with the less privileged held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, said she is most overjoyed whenever she is able to impact anyone’s life.

She revealed that she had lost her parents and siblings at a very tender age and had faced life with level-headedness, adding that this explains her resolve to use the blessings from God to help the less privileged and be the hope for the hopeless.

Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf thanked Hadiza for being a beacon of hope and for her unrelenting effort to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

He revealed that as the Senate Committee Chairman on Special Duties during the 9th Assembly, the committee was instrumental in the creation of the Disability Commission.

He stated that Nigeria has over 35.5 million persons with disabilities, adding that taking care of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable people should not be left in the hands of individuals alone.

He commended Hajiya Hadiza, especially for using her personal funds without depending on the government to carry out her passion for putting smiles on the faces of these citizens.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, appreciated Hadiza’s efforts and dedication to persons with disabilities, adding that the work of the foundation aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He assured that the government will do its best as it partners with the foundation to bring support and assistance to persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chike Okogwu of The Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (C.A.R.E.) prayed that Hajiya Hadiza’s rent in heaven is paid in rewards for all her good deeds to persons with disabilities and all the beneficiaries, noting that all persons with disabilities present thank and love her for her extension of love.

The event also featured the presentation of an award by Amb. Princess Abigail Chinyere Amalaha, President of United Towns Agency (UTA) in Nigeria, a United Nations-accredited agency, the Arewa Gamji Emirate Royal Council, and the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS) to Hajiya Hadiza in recognition and appreciation of the humanitarian work she has been doing.

A highlight of the event was the prayer session and the distribution of cash gifts, clothing materials, rice, vegetable oil, salt, spices, and two slaughtered cows shared to the widows from the five Area Councils in Abuja, and those from the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mambilla Barracks, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Budget and Planning, persons with disabilities, and the less privileged with different religions and backgrounds in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).