A 16-year-old Nigerian, Miss Nadia Zakaria, has built, equipped and commissioned a new orphanage home for vulnerable children in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Nadia, daughter of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, officially handed over the facility to the Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home at a ceremony attended by community leaders, religious leaders, children and other well-wishers.

The commissioning was marked by jubilation as the orphanage management and residents expressed appreciation for the intervention, which they said had provided the children with a safer and more dignified environment.

Speaking at the event, Nadia said the project began as an idea when she was 15, after she reflected on the circumstances of children who did not have the opportunities she had growing up.

“My name is Nadia Zakaria, I’m 16 years old, and today is a very special and emotional day for me.

“About a year ago, this was simply an idea. I wanted to do something meaningful for children who, through no fault of their own, have not had some of the opportunities that many of us take for granted,” she said.

According to her, she was motivated by the desire to provide vulnerable children with a safe and loving environment.

“I have been blessed to grow up in a loving and supportive home, surrounded by people who care for me. And I found myself asking: What about the children who didn’t get that same chance? Don’t they deserve to feel safe, loved and cared for too?”

Nadia said although raising the funds needed for the project initially appeared difficult, she was encouraged by contributions from family members, friends and members of the public.

“At first, raising enough money to build an orphanage seemed almost impossible. I was only 15, and I had never done anything like this before. But I decided to try.

“With the incredible generosity of my family, friends and even complete strangers, we raised enough not only to build this home, but also to furnish every room.

“And today, what started as an idea has become a home,” she said.

She urged young Nigerians not to allow their age or financial circumstances to prevent them from contributing to society.

“This experience has taught me something that I hope other young people will remember: You don’t have to wait until you are older, richer or more powerful to make a difference. You just have to care enough to start,” she said.

Addressing the children, Nadia said she hoped the facility would provide them with security and an environment in which they could pursue their dreams.

“I hope you always know that you are loved, you matter and your dreams matter.

“May this home be a place where you feel safe, where you laugh, where you grow, and where you are never afraid to dream big,” she added.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said her daughter independently raised the funds used for the project, stressing that she did not contribute financially to the construction.

“My daughter, Nadia, sourced the money spent on the building by herself without me contributing one kobo to the project,” the senator said.

She disclosed that Nadia was already working on another humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting pregnant women in Kogi Central.

“She is already developing a plan to build a heavily equipped care home for pregnant women in Kogi Central,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

The senator commended her daughter’s initiative, describing the project as evidence of what young people could achieve when driven by compassion and a commitment to helping others.

The Founder of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, Pastor Kisito Adomu Zuberu, became emotional while recounting the condition of the children before the intervention.

“When they came last year, the children were sleeping on the ground, but today Miss Nadia Zakari has given us a fully equipped mansion,” he said.

Zuberu said the orphanage had continued to prioritise the education and development of the children despite its challenges.

He disclosed that two of the children had proceeded to university, with one studying at the School of Nursing, Obangede, while another, Alhassan, had graduated from the University of Abuja.

According to him, another child is studying at Kwara State University, while another is awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He added that eight children were currently in primary school, while two others were undergoing vocational training, including tailoring and another skill acquisition programme.

In a goodwill message, the management, staff and children of the orphanage expressed appreciation to Nadia and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for what they described as an exceptional act of compassion and generosity.

The management said the project had provided more than a physical structure, describing it as a source of hope, security and dignity for the children.

The commissioning attracted residents, community leaders and other dignitaries, many of whom applauded the initiative.