Nadia Zakaria, the 16-year-old daughter of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has successfully constructed and donated a fully equipped orphanage in the Etahi Community of Okene, Kogi State. The facility, named the Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, was officially opened on Saturday during a ceremony attended by local residents and religious leaders.
Nadia conceived the project at the age of 15, driven by a desire to assist children who lack the typical advantages many others enjoy. According to a statement issued by the Senator’s aide, Sam Idoko, Nadia managed to secure the necessary funding through the support of friends, family, and community members. She emphasized that age should not be a deterrent for young people aiming to create positive change, urging others to start initiatives even without significant resources.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that she did not provide the financing for the project, noting that her daughter independently raised the funds. The Senator further revealed that Nadia is already planning a subsequent initiative focused on a care home for pregnant women within Kogi Central. The project founder, Pastor Kisito Adomu Zuberu, praised the transformation, noting that the children, who previously slept on the floor, now reside in a well-furnished building.
