16-Year-Old Nadia Zakaria Builds, Inaugurates Orphanage Home

A 16-year-old Nigerian philanthropist, Miss Nadia Zakaria, has built, inaugurated and officially handed over a newly constructed and fully equipped orphanage home to Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Nadia, daughter of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, undertook the project through funds she personally mobilised with support from family, friends and members of the public.

The inauguration, held amid jubilation from community members, religious leaders, children and well-wishers, marked what the management of the orphanage described as a significant milestone in its efforts to provide vulnerable children with a safe and dignified environment.

The new facility is equipped with modern amenities and furnishings, providing improved accommodation and welfare facilities for the children.

Speaking emotionally at the event, Nadia said the idea for the project began when she was 15, after she became concerned about children who lacked the opportunities and support she had experienced growing up.

“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 she was motivated by the desire to give vulnerable children 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?”

According to her, raising the funds required for the project initially appeared difficult, especially given her age and lack of experience in undertaking such an initiative.

“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,” she said.

Nadia expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the initiative, noting that their contributions made it possible not only to construct the building but also to furnish it.

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

The young philanthropist encouraged other young Nigerians to embrace humanitarian service, regardless of their age or financial circumstances.

“You don’t have to wait until you are older, richer or more powerful to make a difference. You have to care enough to start.”

She also expressed gratitude to those who donated, promoted the project and encouraged her throughout the process.

Addressing the children who will live in the facility, Nadia said: “I hope you always know that you are loved, you matter, and your dreams matter.”

She prayed that the new facility would provide an environment where the children could feel safe, develop their talents and pursue their dreams.

In her remarks, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she did not make any financial contribution to the project, stressing that her daughter independently mobilised the funds used for 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 further disclosed that Nadia was already planning another humanitarian intervention in Kogi Central.

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

The senator commended her daughter’s determination, describing the initiative as evidence of the capacity of young people to contribute meaningfully to society when driven by compassion and purpose.

Also speaking, the founder of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, Pastor Kisito Adomu Zuberu, became emotional as he recounted the difficult conditions under which the children previously lived.

“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.

Pastor Zuberu said the orphanage had continued to prioritise the education of the children despite its financial challenges.

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

He added that another child was studying at Kwara State University, while one was awaiting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation.

According to him, eight children are currently in primary school, while two others are undergoing vocational training, including tailoring and another skill acquisition programme.

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

The institution said the project had provided more than shelter, describing the new facility as a source of hope, security, dignity and a place the children could proudly call home.

The commissioning attracted dignitaries, community leaders and residents who applauded the initiative, with several describing it as an inspiring youth-led humanitarian intervention in Kogi State.

With the handover of the facility, Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home now has a modern residential complex aimed at improving the welfare, safety and educational development of vulnerable children in Okene and surrounding communities.

The event therefore marked not only the commissioning of a new building, but also a demonstration that age does not have to be a barrier to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.