A 16-year-old Nigerian, Miss Nadia Zakaria, daughter of the serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has built, commissioned and officially handed over a newly constructed and fully equipped orphanage home to Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The commissioning ceremony, held amid jubilation by community members, religious leaders, children and well-wishers, marked a historic moment for the orphanage, whose management described the gesture as a restoration of hope, dignity and a brighter future for vulnerable children.
The magnificent edifice, equipped with modern facilities, was constructed through funds personally sourced by the teenager through donations and support from family, friends and members of the public.
Speaking emotionally at the event, Miss Nadia Zakaria narrated how the project began when she was only 15 years old.
“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 explained that the financial challenge initially appeared insurmountable.
“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.
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 young philanthropist urged other young Nigerians to embrace humanitarian service regardless of age or financial status.
“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.
To every single person who donated, shared my message, encouraged me or simply believed in this project, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This would not have been possible without you.”
Addressing the children who will reside in the home, she added:
“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.”
In her remarks, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she did not contribute financially to the project, emphasizing that her daughter independently mobilized the resources used for the construction.
“My daughter, Nadia, sourced the money spent on the building by herself without me contributing one kobo to the project,” the Senator stated.
She further revealed that Nadia is already planning another humanitarian intervention in Kogi Central.
“She is already developing a plan to build a heavily equipped care home for pregnant women in Kogi Central,” Senator Natasha announced.
The Senator commended her daughter’s determination and described the project as evidence that young people can become agents of positive social transformation when guided by compassion and purpose.
The Founder of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, Pastor Kisito Adomu Zuberu, became visibly emotional while recounting the condition of the children before the intervention.
“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.
Pastor Zuberu noted that the orphanage has continued to invest in the education of the children despite severe challenges.
“Two of the children have been sent to university. One is studying at the School of Nursing, Obangede; another, Alhassan, has graduated from the University of Abuja; another is at Kwara State University, and one is awaiting NYSC mobilization. Eight children are currently in primary school, while two others are learning vocational trades , one in tailoring and another in a different skill acquisition programme,” he explained.
In a goodwill message issued by the management, staff and children of the orphanage, the institution expressed profound gratitude to Miss Nadia Zakari and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for what it described as an extraordinary act of love, compassion and generosity.
The orphanage stated that the project has provided not merely shelter but hope, security, dignity and a place the children can proudly call home.
The commissioning attracted dignitaries, community leaders and residents who applauded the uncommon humanitarian initiative. Many described the project as one of the most inspiring youth-led charitable interventions witnessed in Kogi State in recent years.
With the handover of the facility, Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home now possesses a modern residential complex capable of significantly improving the welfare, safety and educational development of vulnerable children in Okene and beyond.
The event was more than the unveiling of a building; it was the unveiling of a powerful message that compassion, when matched with determination, can transform lives regardless of age.
