The “My People First” Foundation has launched a wide-ranging empowerment and humanitarian initiative across Kogi Central, targeting over 2,500 beneficiaries through skills acquisition, medical outreach, and welfare support programmes.
The Foundation revealed that more than 2,500 applicants have registered for its skills acquisition programme designed to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among residents.
According to the organisers, participants will receive training in various income-generating fields, including tailoring, fashion design, hairdressing, catering, ICT, digital marketing, carpentry, welding, and agriculture.
Speaking on the initiative, founder of the foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, commended the overwhelming response and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to human capital development.
“The response we have received is overwhelming. It shows that our people are ready to learn and become self-reliant. This programme is designed to give them the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Omade also disclosed that the Foundation awarded scholarships to three outstanding teenagers to pursue tertiary education.
“We believe education remains a powerful tool for transformation. Supporting these young ones is part of our broader vision to invest in the future,” she added.
As part of its humanitarian efforts, the Foundation extended support to an elderly woman in Obehira after a viral video drew attention to her living condition. The organisation committed ₦1,000,000 for the renovation of her home, placed her on a ₦100,000 monthly stipend, and provided food items and medical assistance.
Omade said the intervention was aimed at restoring the woman’s dignity.
“No one deserves to live in such conditions. Our intervention is to ensure she lives comfortably and with dignity. We will continue to monitor her wellbeing,” she said.
In addition, the Foundation awarded a full educational scholarship to a young girl who brought attention to the woman’s plight.
“We are inspired by her courage. Supporting her education, especially her dream to study Law, is our way of encouraging compassion and responsible advocacy,” Omade stated.
Under its medical outreach programme, the Foundation has taken over the treatment of Mr. Adayi Salawu Yusuf Ojo, a construction worker suffering from a severe ankle injury, with surgery scheduled for next week.
Similarly, it is supporting Police Corporal Nuhu Mustapha, who sustained gunshot injuries while on duty in 2024 and has since been unable to walk.
Omade reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals in urgent need of medical care.
“We cannot turn our backs on people in critical conditions. Our goal is to provide timely medical support and give them a chance at recovery,” she said.
The Technical Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata while commending the foundation, described its efforts as impactful and timely.
“This is a commendable initiative. The Foundation has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of the people, and this kind of support is what communities need,” he said.
The My People First Foundation noted that its programmes are aimed at providing sustainable solutions to poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the state.
