The Chairman Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, says Nigeria is home to over 35.5 million persons with disabilities.
Senator Yusuf made this known at the Hajiya Hadiza Foundation annual end-of-year prayer session at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.
He noted that the efforts of the 9th Senate Committee on Special Duties, in establishing the Disability Commission, was in line with the present administration renewed hope agenda and the foundation.
Senator Yusuf commended Hajiya Hadiza for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
“Caring for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups cannot be left to individuals alone” he stated.
“Hajiya Hadiza has demonstrated exceptional personal commitment, using her resources to bring hope to the hopeless” Senator Yusuf noted.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities Mohammed Abba-Isa lauded Hajiya Hadiza for her alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring attendees of government collaboration with the foundation to further support persons with disabilities.
In his presentation, the Chief Responsibility Officer, Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment, C.A.R.E., Dr. Chike Okogwu praised Hajiya Hadiza’s humanitarian efforts, describing her deeds as paving her path to heavenly rewards.
Earlier, the Founder of the non governmental organization, Ambassador Hajiya Hadiza Umar recount the challenges she faced after losing her parents and siblings at a young age motivated her giving back, to the society.
“I find joy in impacting lives. My doors are always open to the less privileged because I understand their struggles and wish to be a source of hope for them,” she stressed.
Also at the event United Towns Agency (UTA), Arewa Gamji Emirate Royal Council, and the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS) presented awards to Hajiya Hadiza in recognition of her outstanding contributions to humanitarian work
The event brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives, religious leaders, and humanitarian advocates, to support and celebrate the less privileged.
It also fostered unity and hope among attendees of diverse religious and social backgrounds in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A highlight of the event was the distribution of cash gifts, clothing materials, foodstuffs including rice, vegetable oil, salt, and spices as well as two slaughtered cows.
“These items were shared with widows from Abuja’s five area councils, as well as beneficiaries from organizations such as the Police Officers Wives Association, Mambilla Barracks, and various ministries, including Women Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs”
