‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

‎‎A widow, Mama Salametu Shaibu, received a new lease of life on Friday as My People First Foundation donated a fully furnished four-bedroom bungalow to her in Obehira-Uvete, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

‎‎The gesture attracted widespread commendation from government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and residents who described it as a practical demonstration of compassion and support for vulnerable members of society.

‎‎Mama Salametu had earlier drawn public sympathy after reports emerged about her difficult living conditions in a dilapidated structure, where she reportedly struggled to meet basic needs.

‎‎Moved by her plight, the foundation, led by Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, adopted her case in March 2026 and pledged to provide her with a decent home.

‎‎The promise became reality on Democracy Day as the foundation officially handed over the completed and fully furnished bungalow to the beneficiary amid celebrations by community members.

‎‎Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Works, Taiye Abanika, commended the foundation for complementing government’s efforts at improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens across the state.

‎‎He described the intervention as a worthy contribution to social development and urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture.

‎‎The project was commissioned by Islamic scholar and philanthropist, Sheikh Abdulrahman Khalifa Okene, alongside Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata.

‎‎Also in attendance were the Ohi of Okene, Dr. Isah Okatahi Mamman; members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Jibril Abu and Alhassan Zakariya Otokiti; Kogi State Deputy Chief of Staff, Hilary Egwudah Ojomah; the Provost of the College of Nursing, Obangede, and several other dignitaries.

‎‎Speaking at the event, community leaders and residents praised Hajiya Omade for her sustained support for widows, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups through humanitarian interventions across Kogi State.

‎‎They described the project as a symbol of hope and dignity, noting that it had transformed the life of a woman who once faced severe hardship.

‎‎They also said the intervention reflects the ideals of democracy by promoting inclusion, compassion, and shared responsibility for the welfare of citizens, particularly the less privileged.

‎‎An emotional Mama Salametu expressed gratitude to the foundation and offered prayers for its leadership and supporters for making her dream of owning a decent home a reality.

‎‎The commissioning of the bungalow further highlights the growing impact of My People First Foundation in the areas of humanitarian service, social welfare, empowerment, food security, and support for vulnerable members of society.