Founder of the Future Pathways Foundation, Sa’adatu Sani Musa, last week, empowered 100 persons with disabilities in the Niger East Senatorial District of Niger State.
Each beneficiary was given cash and a 25kg bag of rice by the philanthropist.
For years, Sa’adatu has been known for her humanitarian work, but the initiative reaffirmed her philosophy of empowerment as a right rather than charity.
“In our foundation, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity, to dream, and to participate fully in society,” she said during the presentation.
Nigeria has more than 25 million persons with disabilities, according to the National Population Commission, with most living in rural and semi-urban areas where access to services is scarce.
Although the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act was signed into law in 2019, implementation has remained slow.
Beneficiaries at the event shared how the support offered relief.
Ibrahim, a visually impaired father of three, said the ₦50,000 would help revive his small provisions stall.
For Aisha, who uses a wheelchair, the rice meant her household would not go hungry for weeks.
Observers say the testimonies underline the importance of such interventions, which reaffirm the humanity of groups often overlooked.
The Future Pathways Foundation has, over the years, organised women’s empowerment drives, youth training programmes, and scholarship schemes.
“What Sa’adatu is doing is not just giving rice or money. She is reminding us that every life matters,” a community leader said at the event.
Sa’adatu has indicated that the foundation will seek partnerships with public institutions and private stakeholders to scale its reach.
For the 100 beneficiaries, however, the gesture was not only about material support but also recognition and hope.
