By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
A Jigawa-based woman philanthropist, Hajiya (Dr) Halima Sulaiman Zakari, has donated bags of rice and a bull to widows under the Widows Women Wing Association of Nigeria (WIWAN), operating under the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jigawa State chapter.
The donation, aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by widows during the Christmas celebration, saw 10 kilograms of rice distributed to each of the 250 beneficiaries drawn from the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District, which comprises seven local government areas of the Dutse Emirate.
Speaking during the distribution of the food items, Dr. Zakari, who was represented by her aide, Mr. Umar Baffa Kiyawa, said the gesture was borne out of compassion and a desire to put smiles on the faces of widows during the festive season.
“She would have loved to be here personally, but due to unavoidable reasons, she asked me to represent her,” Kiyawa said.
“This donation is meant to bring joy to our sisters during this global festive period and to make the celebration more meaningful for them.”
He explained that, in addition to the 250 bags of rice, a bull was also donated through the Jigawa State chapter of CAN to support the widows.
“Hajiya is deeply concerned about the welfare of women, particularly widows who have lost vital sources of love, support and happiness. She sends her warm greetings to all the beneficiaries and wishes them a Merry Christmas,” he added.
In her response, the Deputy Chairperson of WIWAN in Jigawa State, Mrs. Happiness Florence, expressed profound appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of genuine humanity and compassion.
According to her, the assistance came at a critical time. “Some of the beneficiaries did not even have rice to cook for Christmas.
This support means a lot to us, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
She further appealed to Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to encourage and support women like Dr. Zakari, particularly in line with the policy advocating 30 per cent allocation of elective and appointive positions to women, urging that she be given the opportunity to contest for the Jigawa South-West Senatorial seat in the state.
