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Nadia Zakaria, the 16-year-old daughter of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has built, furnished and handed over a fully equipped orphanage home to Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Nadia, whose mother represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, mobilised funds for the project through donations and support from family, friends and members of the public.
The facility, which was officially commissioned amid excitement by community members, religious leaders, children and other guests, is expected to provide improved accommodation and welfare for vulnerable children under the care of the orphanage.
Narrating how the initiative began, Nadia said she conceived the idea at the age of 15 after reflecting on the plight of children who lacked the opportunities and support she had enjoyed growing up.
“My name is Nadia Zakaria, I’m 16 years old, and today is a very special and emotional day for me.
“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.
“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?”
She said the financial requirements for the project initially appeared overwhelming, particularly because she had never undertaken such an initiative before.
“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 said the generosity of her family, friends and members of the public enabled her to raise enough funds not only to construct the building but also to furnish it.
“With the incredible generosity of my family, friends and even complete strangers, we raised enough not only to build this home, but also to furnish every room.
“And today, what started as an idea has become a home.”
The teenager urged young Nigerians not to wait until they become wealthy, influential or older before contributing to society.
“This experience has taught me something that I hope other young people will remember: You don’t have to wait until you are older, richer or more powerful to make a difference. You just have to care enough to start,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the project, saying their contributions made the initiative possible.
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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.
“May this home be a place where you feel safe, where you laugh, where you grow, and where you are never afraid to dream big.”
Her mother, Akpoti-Uduaghan, disclosed that she did not provide financial support for the construction, saying Nadia independently mobilised the resources used for the project.
“My daughter, Nadia, sourced the money spent on the building by herself without me contributing one kobo to the project,” the senator said.
She added that Nadia was already working on another humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting pregnant women in Kogi Central.
“She is already developing a plan to build a heavily equipped care home for pregnant women in Kogi Central,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan commended her daughter for her determination, describing the project as an indication of what young people can achieve when driven by compassion and a sense of purpose.
The Founder of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, Pastor Kisito Adomu Zuberu, said the intervention had transformed the living conditions of the children.
“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.
Zuberu said despite the difficulties faced by the orphanage, the institution had continued to prioritise the education and development of the children in its care.
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.
Another child is studying at Kwara State University, while one is awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
He added that eight children were currently in primary school, while two others were undergoing vocational training, including tailoring and another skills acquisition programme.
The management, staff and children of the orphanage expressed gratitude to Nadia and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the intervention as an act of love and compassion that had provided the children with improved shelter, security, dignity and hope.
The commissioning attracted community leaders, residents and other dignitaries, who applauded the initiative.
