In the spirit of benevolence and sharing during Ramadan, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has partnered with Near Foundation to empower and distribute food palliatives to over 500 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.
The event, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, was aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by vulnerable persons, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Abba Isa described the initiative as a significant demonstration of compassion, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of PWDs.
“Ramadan is a period of reflection, sacrifice, and generosity—a time to extend a helping hand to those in need and share the blessings we have,” the SSA stated. “It is heartwarming to see Near Foundation embody these virtues by organizing this empowerment program to support Persons With Disabilities. On behalf of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my office, I express our profound appreciation and commendation to Near Foundation for this noble initiative.”
The Senior presidential aide emphasized that beyond distributing food items, the program carries a message of hope and inclusion, reinforcing the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, deserve dignity, compassion, and equal opportunities. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of PWDs and promised that similar initiatives would be implemented in the future.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is genuinely concerned about the well-being of vulnerable groups in our society,” he added. “This initiative is one of many steps being taken to ensure the full integration of PWDs into national development. My office remains committed to partnerships that uplift the standard of living of Persons With Disabilities.”
He also lauded Near Foundation for its unwavering dedication to humanitarian service, encouraging further collaborations that would drive sustainable change in the lives of PWDs across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Project Manager of Near Foundation, Abdulmalik Bulakos, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to uplifting the vulnerable in society. He stated that the empowerment initiative aligns with the foundation’s core mission of promoting inclusivity and improving the well-being of underprivileged persons.
“Our vision at Near Foundation is to continue implementing life-changing programs that impact the most vulnerable,” Bulakos said. “We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for PWDs and other disadvantaged groups.”
In his goodwill message, the President of Near Foundation, Mr. Mustapha Zerne, encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the palliatives and remain law-abiding citizens, in line with the values of the holy month of Ramadan.
He assured them that Near Foundation would continue to support them through various empowerment initiatives aimed at improving their lives.
Speaking at the event, a representative from the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Kamal, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) would be actively considered in all intervention programs to ensure no one is left behind, regardless of their abilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Social Development Secretariat, Dr. Sani Amar, commended the SSA’s office and Near Foundation for their efforts. He assured that the Social Development Secretariat would continue to support and collaborate on initiatives that promote the welfare of PWDs.
The event’s highlight was the official distribution of food palliatives to over 500 households of PWDs, ensuring they have essential supplies to sustain them during Ramadan. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the SSA’s office and Near Foundation, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
With this initiative, the government and its partners have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an inclusive society where no one is left behind, especially during crucial moments like Ramadan.
