News
Tinubu’s Aide, Abba Isa, Flags Off FG’s Ramadan Food Distribution for 5,000 Households
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has flagged off the Federal Government’s Ramadan food distribution programme targeting 5,000 households, with a special focus on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
The initiative, organized under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aimed at ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians are supported with essential food supplies during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Abba Isa said the intervention was designed to ensure that no Person With Disability is left behind or goes hungry during the fasting period.
“Ramadan is a month of love, care, and sharing,” he stated. “This distribution is to provide relief to the needy and reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare of the less privileged. The President remains deeply concerned about the well-being of vulnerable Nigerians, and this initiative reflects that priority.”
The SSA used the occasion to specially commend Near Foundation for its unwavering partnership with his office since 2024. He noted that the collaboration extends far beyond food distribution.
“Together, we have concluded plans to extend free medical services, particularly life-changing cataract surgeries for indigent beneficiaries. We have also put in place plans to support educational advancement through scholarship opportunities for Persons With Disabilities,” he said.
He praised the foundation for its consistency and humanitarian spirit, expressing gratitude on behalf of his office and the beneficiaries whose lives have been positively impacted.
Hon. Abba Isa further highlighted the unique significance of this year’s Ramadan, noting that for the first time in many years, Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent commenced on the same day.
This is not merely a coincidence—it is symbolic. It reminds us that beyond our religious differences, we are united by faith, love, and our shared belief in one Almighty God.
Both seasons call us to prayer, sacrifice, charity, and spiritual renewal,” he said, urging Nigerians to use the period to strengthen unity and compassion.
In his welcome remarks, the General Secretary of Near Foundation, Mr. Halil Ibrahim Ince, described the distribution as one of the foundation’s many efforts to reach underserved communities.
He called on other public-spirited organizations to join in supporting the needy, especially during the holy month.
Delivering her goodwill message, Hajiya Nofisat Monguno, wife of the immediate past National Security Adviser, prayed for the acceptance of prayers and acts of worship during Ramadan.
She expressed confidence in Hon. Abba Isa’s leadership, noting that he has continued to effectively represent the interests of vulnerable groups on behalf of the President.
Also speaking, Ambassador Yusuf, representative of the Oluremi Tinubu Campaign Organization, commended the SSA for his compassion and dedication to the needy. He lauded his contributions to youth development in the Northeast and the North in general, assuring him of continued support.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of Women in Politics and Governance, Hajiya Jemila, described the initiative as a reflection of the SSA’s deep commitment to his people. She noted that this was the third such partnership with Near Foundation, demonstrating consistency and genuine care for vulnerable communities.
Mrs. Betty Mube, representing the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, described Hon. Abba Isa as a passionate grassroots leader who remains closely connected to the people and committed to advancing the cause of PWDs.
The Chairperson of the FCT chapter of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Mrs. Maureen Chioma, also expressed appreciation for the SSA’s continuous support for members of the spinal cord injury community in the FCT and across Nigeria.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Director of Special Needs in the Ministry, Mr. Sunday Ezekiah, commended the Office of the SSA and Near Foundation for the initiative.
He disclosed that the current distribution covers the North Central zone, with plans underway to extend it to other geo-political zones. He also praised the SSA’s collaboration with the Ministry in addressing issues affecting Persons With Disabilities.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr. Abdullahi Usman; Convener of the Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta; representatives of the Honourable Minister of Youth; traditional rulers; religious leaders; and beneficiaries drawn from various disability clusters.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of food items to representatives of the different disability clusters, marking the official commencement of the distribution exercise.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
