Natasha’s teenage daughter builds orphanage home in Kogi community

Nadia Zakaria, the 16-year-old daughter of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has demonstrated remarkable initiative by building, equipping, and handing over a fully functional orphanage home in Etahi Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. The newly constructed facility was officially commissioned on Sunday amidst celebrations by community members, religious leaders, and well-wishers.

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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.

The project was initiated by Nadia when she was 15 years old and was funded entirely through donations and support she mobilized from her family, friends, and the wider public. The orphanage has been entrusted to the management of Oyiza-Salem Divine Orphanage Home, which hailed the intervention as a significant development that will offer shelter, dignity, and an improved environment for the vulnerable children under its care.

During the commissioning, Nadia shared her inspiration, stating, “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.” She added, “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?”

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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 recounted the initial challenges of fundraising due to her age and lack of experience, noting, “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 encouraged young Nigerians to engage in humanitarian initiatives, regardless of their age or financial capacity.

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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.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted that she did not contribute financially to the project, emphasizing her daughter's independent efforts in mobilizing the necessary resources. Nadia expressed her gratitude to everyone who donated, shared her message, or offered encouragement, stating, “To every single person who donated, shared my message, encouraged me or simply believed in this project, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This would not have been possible without you.”

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To every single person who donated, shared my message, encouraged me or simply believed in this project, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This would not have been possible without you.