Nadia Zakaria, daughter of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has built, equipped and handed over an orphanage home to Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi.

The 16-year-old Nadia initiated the project at the age of 15 and mobilised funds through donations and support from family members, friends and members of the public.

The facility was commissioned on Sunday in the presence of community members, religious leaders, children and other well-wishers.

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The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the senator’s media aide, Mike Idoko.

The statement said the newly constructed facility had been handed over to the management of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home to provide shelter and a safer environment for vulnerable children under its care.

Speaking at the commissioning, Nadia said the initiative was inspired by her desire to support children who had not enjoyed the opportunities she had growing up.

She said, “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?”

Nadia said raising funds for the project initially appeared difficult because of her age and limited experience.

“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 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,” she said.

She urged young Nigerians to engage in humanitarian activities regardless of their age or financial capacity.

Nadia also thanked everyone who contributed to the project, saying their support made its completion possible.

Speaking at the event, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she did not contribute financially to the project, stressing that her daughter independently raised the funds used for the construction and furnishing of the facility.

“My daughter, Nadia, sourced the money spent on the building by herself without me contributing one kobo to the project,” the senator said.

She added that Nadia was already working on another humanitarian project targeted at women in Kogi Central.

“She is already developing a plan to build a heavily equipped care home for pregnant women in Kogi Central,” Natasha said.

The senator commended her daughter for initiating the project, saying young people could make meaningful contributions to society through compassion and determination.

Earlier, the Founder of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, Pastor Kisito Zuberu, recalled the difficult living conditions previously experienced by the children.

“When they came last year, the children were sleeping on the ground, but today Miss Nadia Zakaria has given us a fully equipped mansion,” he said.

Zuberu said the orphanage had continued to support the education and development of the children despite financial challenges.

He described the new facility as a major intervention that would provide the children with a safer and more dignified environment to live and pursue their education.