Joy filled the air in Kaduna as 100 widows and orphans received free housing units from the Adashe Women Housing and Empowerment Society, marking a major milestone in one of Nigeria’s emerging social housing initiatives.
The homes, located in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, were officially handed over by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Umma Sani, whose emotional personal story inspired the project.
A Dream Rooted in Pain and Purpose
Dr. Sani, who lost her father at the age of one and grew up as the last of eleven children, said her difficult childhood—marked by frequent evictions and homelessness—fuelled her desire to provide shelter for vulnerable women and children.
“Today, 100 women have been given more than a home; they have been given shelter, peace, and an environment where they can raise their children,” she said.
She disclosed that the project was made possible through a collaboration involving:
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Adashe Women Housing and Empowerment Society
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Family Homes Funds
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Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
The initiative, she added, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on affordable and inclusive housing.
More Than Shelter: A Path to Empowerment
Dr. Sani emphasised that the housing scheme goes beyond providing accommodation.
“We empowered them with starter packs and even gave them pens to start their businesses. The idea is not just to give houses but to give them the tools to stand on their feet,” she said.
She expressed satisfaction with the beneficiaries’ commitment throughout the training programme that preceded the allocations.
The CEO described the Kaduna project as a pilot, adding that the model will be replicated in all 36 states.
Government, Partners Commend Project
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of Kaduna State’s Ministry of Housing Development, Shehu Salisu, said both federal and state governments remain committed to delivering housing solutions for the vulnerable.
He urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities to encourage future interventions.
Also addressing attendees, the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Ltd., Abdul Muktar, highlighted the organisation’s ongoing projects in Ibadan—targeting families of fallen military heroes—and Calabar, designed for the less privileged.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Sarah Owojere, described receiving a home as “a dream come true,” explaining that she previously lived in unsafe conditions and experienced recurrent flooding.
“I am very happy and appreciative. God has really granted my heart’s desires,” she said.
