5,000 Kwara residents get food, cash support as Zainab Kawu launches foundation
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
No fewer than 5,000 people in Kwara State benefited from free medical checks, medicines, cash and food items during the launch of the Arike Hopeful Hearts Foundation by Hajia Zainab Kale Kawu, wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu.
The beneficiaries included 2,500 women who received free medical checks and medicines, while another 2,500 people received cash and food items as palliatives during the foundation’s launch.
The foundation was unveiled on Monday at Agaka Community, Oja-Oba, Ilorin, as part of activities marking Zainab Kawu’s birthday, with a stated focus on improving access to basic healthcare and supporting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
Speaking at the event, the founder said the initiative was inspired by her desire to give back to society by addressing challenges faced by vulnerable people, particularly those relating to access to healthcare and timely health information.
She said the foundation would promote healthcare awareness, prevention and early detection, with particular attention to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as post-menopausal health and other basic healthcare needs.
According to Kawu, the foundation would combine healthcare interventions with humanitarian support for women, children and vulnerable families, noting that many health conditions could be better managed when detected early but that some people suffer silently because they lack access to screening and relevant health information.
She therefore called on healthcare professionals, development partners, philanthropists, organisations, community leaders and individuals to support the foundation as it begins its activities across Kwara State, stressing that simple interventions such as medical screening, health information and assistance to vulnerable families could make a lasting difference.
Also speaking, her husband, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, pledged his support for the initiative and described his wife as passionate about helping people in need, expressing confidence that the foundation would contribute to improving the wellbeing of women, children and other vulnerable people in Kwara State.
