The Foundation empowers 2,500 people in Central Kogi with skills, scholarships and more

“My People First” Foundation has launched a comprehensive humanitarian and empowerment initiative across Kogi Central, targeting over 2,500 beneficiaries through skill acquisition, medical assistance and social support programmes.

The Foundation revealed that more than 2,500 candidates have registered for its skills acquisition program designed to reduce unemployment and promote self-sufficiency among residents.

According to the organisers, participants will receive training in various income-generating sectors, including tailoring, fashion design, hairdressing, catering, ICT, digital marketing, carpentry, welding and agriculture.

Speaking on the initiative, the founder of the foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, commended the tremendous 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 program is designed to give them the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

Omade also revealed that the Foundation has awarded scholarships to three exceptional teenagers to pursue tertiary education.

“We believe that education remains a powerful tool for transformation. Supporting these young people is part of our broader vision of investing in the future,” he added.

As part of its humanitarian efforts, the Foundation has extended its support to an elderly woman in Obehira after a viral video drew attention to her living conditions. The organization committed ₦1,000,000 for the renovation of her house, awarded her a monthly stipend of ₦100,000, and provided groceries and medical assistance.

Omade said the intervention aimed to restore dignity to women.

“No one deserves to live in such conditions. Our intervention is to ensure that he lives comfortably and with dignity. We will continue to monitor his well-being,” he said.

Additionally, the Foundation awarded a full scholarship to a young girl who drew attention to the woman’s plight.

“We are inspired by his courage. Supporting his education, especially his dream of studying law, is our way of encouraging compassion and responsible advocacy,” Omade said.

As part of its medical awareness programme, the Foundation has taken up the treatment of Mr Adayi Salawu Yusuf Ojo, a construction worker suffering from a serious ankle injury, with surgery scheduled for next week.

Likewise, he is supporting police corporal Nuhu Mustapha, who suffered gunshot wounds while on duty in 2024 and has been unable to walk since.

Omade reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to assist vulnerable people in urgent need of medical care.

“We cannot turn our backs on people in critical condition. Our goal is to provide timely medical support and give them a chance to recover,” he said.

The Technical Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata, while commending the foundation, described its efforts as effective and timely.

“This is a commendable initiative. The Foundation has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving people’s lives and this kind of support is what communities need,” he said.

My People First Foundation noted that its programs aim to provide sustainable solutions to poverty and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups across the State.