Kogi Governor Hails Foundation for Providing Home to Vulnerable Resident
Ododo Commends Foundation as Elderly Kogi Woman Receives New Home
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has praised the My People First Foundation for donating a new home to an elderly woman in Okene Local Government Area, describing the gesture as a powerful example of compassion, social responsibility, and community development. The four-bedroom bungalow was officially handed over to Salamatu Shaibu in Obehira, Okene, as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of society.
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Represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, the governor said the donation reflects the values of empathy and shared responsibility that are essential for building stronger communities. He noted that meaningful leadership is demonstrated through actions that improve lives and create opportunities for disadvantaged citizens.
Housing Remains a Key Human Need
Governor Ododo emphasised that access to decent housing remains one of the most fundamental human needs and a critical component of social welfare. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-centred development through investments in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment, and social protection programmes.
According to the governor, initiatives that provide safe and secure shelter contribute directly to improving the quality of life for citizens and support broader efforts to reduce vulnerability across communities. He added that the state government would continue implementing policies designed to expand access to decent living conditions for residents.
Traditional Ruler Commends Philanthropic Gesture
The Ohi of Okene, His Royal Highness Dr Okatahi Mamman, also commended the foundation and its founder, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, for extending support to the elderly beneficiary.
The traditional ruler described the donation as a reminder that generosity is driven more by goodwill and compassion than by wealth. He encouraged other individuals and organisations to emulate the initiative by supporting vulnerable people within their communities.
Community leaders and government officials present at the event praised the project as an example of how private initiatives can complement government efforts in addressing social and housing needs.
Foundation Seeks to Expand Housing Support
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Omade explained that the foundation’s intervention was inspired by personal experiences of kindness she received during a difficult period in her life.
She said the My People First Foundation was established to support vulnerable individuals, restore hope to disadvantaged groups, and complement government efforts in improving living standards. According to her, the organisation intends to construct additional homes for indigent persons before the end of the year.
Omade called on citizens to embrace a culture of compassion and community support, stressing that acts of kindness can have lasting impacts on the lives of beneficiaries and society at large.
Stakeholders Highlight Role of Partnerships
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Donor Agencies and Multilateral Partnerships, Dr Ozomata Abdullahi, described the project as a model for community service and social intervention. He noted that collaborative efforts between government, private organisations, and philanthropic groups can accelerate development outcomes and improve living conditions for vulnerable populations.
Similarly, Zakari Otokiti, the member representing Okehi Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, said the housing donation demonstrates the positive impact that targeted community support initiatives can have on improving lives.
Growing Importance of Housing-Focused Interventions
The donation comes amid increasing attention on housing accessibility and social welfare initiatives across Nigeria. While government-led housing programmes remain important, stakeholders have continued to emphasise the role of non-governmental organisations, foundations, and private individuals in bridging housing gaps and supporting vulnerable groups.
Experts note that community-driven housing interventions can complement public-sector efforts by delivering targeted support to individuals who may struggle to access formal housing opportunities. Such initiatives also contribute to broader goals of social inclusion and poverty reduction.
Conclusion
The donation of a four-bedroom bungalow to an elderly woman in Kogi State has drawn praise from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and community leaders, who described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership. As the My People First Foundation plans additional housing projects for vulnerable residents, the development highlights the growing role of philanthropic partnerships in addressing housing and social welfare challenges across Nigeria.
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