Christmas: Hadiza Aliyu’s Foundation Distributes Food Items To PWDs In Abuja

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Hadiza Aliyu’s Foundation (HAF), has launched the distribution of food items to over 150 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.

The initiative seeks to ease poverty and hardship while putting smiles on the faces of vulnerable members of the community during the Christmas season.

Speaking at the event held at the Karmajiji disabilities colony Abuja, the Founder and Chairperson of the Hadiza Aliyu’s Foundation, Hadiza Aliyu Muhammed, underscored her organisation’s commitment to supporting the PWD community.

“We are here to deliver vital support to the Karmajiji community. We came to put happy smiles on their faces because Christmas is approaching, and we are here to give back to society.”

She explained that the foundation initially planned to support 100 beneficiaries but expanded the scope to about 150 persons.

“We are distributing these gifts to at least 150 people as part of our little effort to empower and uplift them and to show support for persons with disabilities, who, for me, are among the most vulnerable in society,” she said.

“This is just a token of my love by coming to share joy with them. Helping the less privileged has a way of beautifying the soul, and this is very important to me,” she added.

Aliyu noted that each beneficiary received 5kg of rice, groundnut oil, and spaghetti, explaining that the aim was to reduce the burden of providing food for their families during the festive period.

“Today, we are providing 5kg of rice for each person, along with groundnut oil and spaghetti. The idea is to ease the struggle of putting food on the table for these people,” she stated.

She also recalled the foundation’s earlier visit to the community, during which residents highlighted key challenges, particularly the issue of sexual abuse affecting children.

“During our first visit, we asked about their challenges, and one of the most disturbing issues raised was the sexual abuse of children. Following that, we organised a sexuality education lecture for primary school pupils to enlighten and sensitise them on the dangers of sexual abuse,” she said.

According to her, sexual abuse is a global issue, and sensitisation remains one of the most effective tools in combating it.

Aliyu further disclosed that the foundation also provided financial support to over 150 persons, noting that while the assistance might not be sufficient, it was driven by her personal commitment.

“I have not received support from anywhere yet. I am just a girl who has dared to dream to become a voice for the voiceless. Everything we are doing now is from my personal effort,” she said.

She expressed optimism that the foundation would soon collaborate with donors and development partners to expand its impact.

“We are hopeful that, by the grace of God, we will collaborate with like-minded donors and development partners so we can create more impact. We also call on the government to enact and enforce stricter laws to protect persons with disabilities and children,” she added.

Aliyu also appealed to donors and institutions to support the foundation financially, noting that many members of the community possess skills and business ideas but lack capital.

“They have crafts and businesses they can do, but their major challenge is funding. With proper collaboration, we can empower them to become self-reliant,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Social Welfare at the Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Gloria A. Onwuka, said the centre falls under the Secretariat’s supervision.

“This centre belongs to us under Social Development and Welfare. That is why we are here. We have been supporting the people here, and we welcome the partnership with the Hadiza Aliyu’s Foundation,” she said.

Onwuka assured that the Secretariat would continue to collaborate with the foundation and link it with like-minded partners to extend support to vulnerable communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Responding, the community leader, Mohammed Suleiman Katsina, expressed gratitude to the foundation and prayed for continued goodwill for the benefactors.

He also appealed to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the living conditions of residents in the community.