More than 1,500 physically challenged men, women and children from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds on Saturday joined former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Dr Betta Edu, to break their fast in the Karonmajigi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The interfaith Ramadan and Lent gathering, held behind the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, formed part of Edu’s decade-long tradition of sharing meals with vulnerable communities during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent.

The programme, which began years ago in Bogobiri and Nasarawa Bakoko communities in Calabar, Cross River State, dates back to Edu’s tenure as Director-General of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and later as Commissioner for Health in Cross River State.
According to organisers, the event was also dedicated to prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edu had similarly hosted prominent religious and community leaders in previous editions of the initiative. In 2025, she hosted the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and his entourage for an iftar gathering with Muslim communities in Calabar.

The dinner was attended by the Acting Governor of Cross River State and members of the management of the University of Calabar, bringing Muslims and Christians together in the state during the same period last year.
During the weekend visit to Karonmajigi, Edu met with visually impaired individuals and other persons living with various disabilities in the community, many of whom face daily social and economic challenges.
She was particularly moved on encountering beneficiaries of previous empowerment initiatives who had continued to sustain their livelihoods through support earlier provided under government programmes.

Some of the beneficiaries had received Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and vocational training, alongside start-up support to help them establish small businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Ibrahim Jubril, who is visually impaired, recounted how the intervention had helped his family survive.
He said, “Dr. Betta, since you empowered us with the POS business on behalf of the President in 2023, that is what my family of 15 has survived on for over two years now. We pray that the government remembers persons living with disabilities again.”

Responding, Edu expressed satisfaction that earlier empowerment programmes were still benefiting families.
She said, “Seeing the seeds we sowed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership still yielding fruits for families is profoundly encouraging.”
Edu also called for greater national support for persons living with disabilities, stressing the importance of ensuring access to education and healthcare for their children.

She further commended the local family health centre serving the community and encouraged residents to make effective use of the facility so that children could receive proper medical care and routine immunisations when due.
The interfaith gathering, which combined both Lent and Ramadan observances, highlighted unity among Nigerians beyond religious, ethnic, cultural and economic differences.
During the event, Edu offered prayers for peace, development and improved security across the country.

She also prayed for Nigerian families and children, particularly those living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Karamajigi, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammed Katsina, the Secretary of Communities of Persons Living with Disabilities in the FCT, Muhammed Dantani, expressed appreciation for Edu’s continued support to the community.
Dantani recalled that Edu’s relationship with the Karonmajigi community began during her time as National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Community members also acknowledged what they described as her enduring impact through empowerment programmes, educational support, provision of shelter, vocational training and assistance for business start-ups.
Residents concluded the event with prayers for Edu’s continued success, protection and long life, praising her for bringing joy, food and hope to the Karonmajigi community.