A humanitarian intervention by the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has transformed the life of a spinal cord patient and brought critical development projects to Warwade community in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The intervention, which followed the public exposure of the patient’s condition through a radio programme aired on Aminci Radio Kano, culminated in the reconstruction of his dilapidated home, the commissioning of a borehole with more than six water collection points, and the inauguration of five new WOFAN groups comprising four women’s groups and one men’s group, forming a cluster in the community.
SolaceBase reports that the beneficiary, Zuladaini Ibrahim, called into a radio programme focused on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), where he lamented his health condition and the daily challenges he’s facing.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Aminu Adam Gama, a journalist with Aminci Radio Kano and anchor of the PWD programme, explained how the intervention came about.
According to him, Zuladaini called into the live programme and revealed that he had been battling a spinal cord condition for more than 16 years.
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“He explained that he had no means of livelihood and that his elderly mother was forced to beg in neighbouring villages to feed him. He appealed for assistance during the programme.
“The following day, I travelled to Birnin Kudu, met him, conducted an interview, and documented his situation through videos and photographs.
“I used my contacts as a journalist to reach out to many individuals and organisations that I believed could assist him, but none did anything beyond making promises.
“However, when I contacted the Board Chair of WOFAN Group, Dr Salamatu Garba, describing the situation, she immediately agreed to help. She connected me with her representatives, who visited the community and assessed the situation.
“Today, we are witnessing the outcome of that intervention. WOFAN rebuilt his home, installed solar power to enable him generate income by charging mobile phones, provided food items for him, and also constructed a borehole for the community, which had long suffered from a lack of access to clean water,” he said.
Moved by the situation Board Chair of WOFAN Group, Dr Salamatu Garba, directed immediate intervention to improve the welfare of the patient and address some of the pressing needs of the community.
Represented at the event by the District Head of Aujara, Alhaji Aminu Dan Mallam, Dr Garba said the organisation’s response was driven by its commitment to supporting vulnerable persons and promoting sustainable community development.
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He noted that while the initial intervention focused on providing decent shelter for the spinal cord patient, WOFAN also identified the need for improved access to clean water and economic empowerment opportunities for women in the area.
As part of the intervention, WOFAN rebuilt Zuladaini’s house, replacing the old structure that had become unsafe and unsuitable for habitation. The organisation also installed a solar power system to enable him to earn income through mobile phone charging services.
In addition, WOFAN constructed a borehole equipped with more than six water collection points to provide clean and safe drinking water for residents, reducing the burden of water scarcity and improving public health in the community. The water supply was also connected directly to Zuladaini’s residence.
The organisation further inaugurated five new community groups, four for women and one for men, to strengthen participation in its empowerment programmes. The groups are expected to benefit from capacity-building initiatives, financial inclusion programmes, and livelihood support designed to improve household incomes and promote self-reliance.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Persons with Disabilities in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Mallam Adamu Abdullahi, commended WOFAN’s support for PWDs.
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According to him, WOFAN had previously provided members of the association with 30 bags of fertiliser and other farming equipment to support their agricultural activities.
He also praised the organisation for assisting Zuladaini and constructing the borehole, noting that the community had suffered for years from inadequate access to water.
Abdullahi prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the founder of WOFAN and the organisation’s members.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of Small-Scale Traders in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Sadiya Ibrahim, said WOFAN had supported members of her association with rice and start-up capital.
“WOFAN supported us with rice and business capital, which enabled us to start our businesses. Today, we are self-reliant and able to support ourselves,” she said.
