Saudi Group Feeds 950 Orphans in Kwara

A Saudi Arabian humanitarian organisation, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has provided food assistance to 950 orphans in Kwara State. The gesture is under an Orphan Support Project implemented by Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home. The Project Manager, Barrister Farid Abdulrazaq Salman, disclosed this during activities marking the close-out phase of the […]

A Saudi Arabian humanitarian organisation, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has provided food assistance to 950 orphans in Kwara State.

The gesture is under an Orphan Support Project implemented by Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home.

The Project Manager, Barrister Farid Abdulrazaq Salman, disclosed this during activities marking the close-out phase of the project in Ilọrin.

Salman said the feeding intervention forms part of a comprehensive welfare and empowerment programme targeting orphaned and vulnerable children across the state.

According to him, about 950 children living in orphanages benefited from regular food supplies, while an additional 100 vulnerable youths outside orphanages are currently undergoing skills acquisition training.

“The project was made possible through the support of the KSrelief whose funding enabled us to implement a holistic intervention covering feeding, education, healthcare, psychosocial support and economic empowerment,” he said.

He disclosed that the project which started in March last year, has reached about 95 per cent completion and would be fully concluded next month.

Salman said beneficiaries have completed training in tailoring, catering, ICT and computer hardware maintenance, tricycle riding and welding, and received certificates alongside empowerment equipment to support economic independence.

He added that training is still ongoing in hairdressing, furniture, cabinet making and electrical installation, with all required equipment already procured.

The project, he noted, also covered school fees for two academic terms, while the final term and remaining learning materials are scheduled for immediate disbursement.

He acknowledged the leadership of the President of Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home, Mallam Abdulrazaq Ibrahim Salman, whom he described as the driving force behind the initiative.

“The Orphan Support Project reflects leadership rooted in compassion, service and human dignity. Our commitment is to continue investing in the welfare, education and empowerment of vulnerable children,” Salman said.

Also speaking, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Qazeem Ojiwusi, said the project was designed to address key challenges facing vulnerable children by equipping them with practical skills for self-reliance.

He said the food support is critical due to lack of stable access to basic nutrition by many children in orphanages.

He warned that such a situation could increase their susceptibility to negative influences if left unaddressed.

“These children are already without parental guidance and basic means of livelihood. Providing regular meals not only ensures their physical wellbeing, it gives them the stability they need to focus on education and positive activities”, he said.

He underscored the link between unprotected youth and insecurity.

In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Nnafatima Imam, praised the foundation for its consistent support to the orphans and vulnerable children across the state.

Dr. Imam said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s mandate on child protection, youth empowerment and poverty reduction.

She assured the foundation of the state government’s readiness to partner on future programmes including skills acquisition, mentorship and psychosocial support.

She further urged other philanthropists and corporate organisations to support initiatives targeted at uplifting the less privileged in society.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Olori Muslimat Dawodu, thanked the foundation for the food supplies and empowerment support.

She said the intervention would improve service delivery to over 80 orphans in her care.