Kaigama seeks support for vulnerable Nigerians

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged the federal government to support the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

He made this appeal during the 33rd Annual Special Easter Monday celebration, organised by the Sir David Osunde Foundation (SDOF) in Abuja.

For 33 years, SDOF has celebrated Easter Monday by uniting thousands of persons with disabilities, offering both spiritual encouragement and practical support.

This year’s event took place in both Abuja and Benin, making participation easier for beneficiaries in Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.

Presiding over the Abuja event, Archbishop Kaigama described the celebration’s impact as “tremendous.”

He noted the heartening sight of diverse people coming together, receiving assistance, and building a sense of belonging.

“This is what we want. Use your gifts to touch lives,” Kaigama urged attendees.

He praised the foundation, saying, “They are touching lives positively. I urge others to follow this grassroots example.”

Kaigama said the foundation distributed assistive devices and materials to over 1,500 persons with disabilities in 2025.

He cited a beneficiary in Akwa Ibom, who now earns a living using a donated tricycle to transport water.

Kaigama emphasised that while individuals and groups like SDOF do much, government must also fulfil its responsibility to the vulnerable.

Mr Mohamed Isa, Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, commended SDOF’s dedication to empowering Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

He called the foundation’s legacy “a great milestone” in the journey toward disability inclusion in Nigeria.

Isa said SDOF has empowered over 2,000 PWDs annually for more than 30 years, through assistive devices and other vital support.

He encouraged other foundations to emulate SDOF, stating, “This is 33 years of loyalty and transformation.”

Isa added that SDOF’s work has changed lives and public attitudes, creating more inclusive opportunities for PWDs nationwide.

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, praised the foundation’s steadfast commitment to uplifting PWDs across Nigeria.

She noted the year’s special atmosphere, highlighting the diverse presence of physically challenged participants.

Tallen commended SDOF for consistently providing scholarships, mobility aids, and educational support.

She shared inspiring stories, like that of Dr Ayuba Govwa, a past beneficiary who now supports others.

Tallen stated that the foundation’s impact is “too numerous to mention,” transforming countless lives with hope and dignity.

SDOF Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Obumneme, outlined the foundation’s ongoing efforts to support PWDs nationwide.

He said assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, white canes, and hearing aids were distributed.

Items also included talking watches, talking calculators, food items like rice and yams, and clothing.

Obumneme explained that Abuja residents are prioritised due to security and logistics, but similar events hold in other regions like Benin.

State coordinators help distribute aid and follow up to assess its impact.

In over 33 years, more than 10,000 people have benefited from SDOF’s initiatives, including financial and educational support.

Obumneme said their broader mission is to end street begging and promote dignity, independence, and inclusion for PWDs.

“When we see videos of beneficiaries using the items, we know our help reached the right people,” he added.

Beneficiaries Aisha Mohamed and Precious David praised the foundation and prayed for blessings upon those bringing smiles to their faces.