Plateau State Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, Prof. Patrick Dakum and his family have launched a foundation to support widows, persons with disability and the vulnerable in memory of their late son, Daniel Dakum.
Speaking at the launch, Daniel’s mother, Mrs. Sarah, Dakum, relived how her son showed early signs of responsibility to his younger brothers whom he used to correct when they misbehaved before he passed away in 2005.
She said, “Launching a foundation today in his honour gives us an opportunity to continue to serve humanity. As a family, we are using the foundation to continue to do what he enjoyed doing while he was alive. We want to leave a legacy of love which he held dear.”
Daniel’s father, Prof. Dakum, stated how devastating he felt losing a son who was fast growing into a dependable young man.
He said the mission of the foundation was to honour Daniel’s legacy by empowering individuals and communities across Nigeria to live healthy, prosperous lives with dignity.
As part of the launch, the foundation handed over 50 eye-glasses and 10 sensor walking sticks to visually impaired persons, while over 10 pairs of crutches and wheel-chairs were presented to the mobility impaired.
The foundation also offered scholarships and grants to some beneficiaries. A cheque for N1.6m was donated to Bethany Christian Academy where the late Daniel obtained secondary education before proceeding to the United States for higher learning.
The Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) announced its support for the take-off of the Daniel Dakum Foundation (DDF) with the offer of health insurance and access to primary, secondary and tertiary health care to 166 widows for one year.
Similarly, in a goodwill message read on behalf of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the ministry pledged to support 400 women to ameliorate their plight.
