Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), has donated foodstuff and offered scholarship to orphans at the Anwarul Faidah Orphanage, also known as ”Gidan Marayu”, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.
Mr Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, who was flanked by his wife, Laylah, visited the orphanage facility on Monday as part of activities marking the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the orphanage is housing over 70 orphans whose parents were killed in Borno, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau.
The lawmaker said that the gesture was aimed at supporting the orphans to get quality livelihood, adding that it would go a long way to give them a sense of belonging.
Mr Gagdi, who said that the scholarship was basically for the orphans in primary and secondary schools, expressed deep concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern region.
“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our children, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
”We need to come together to address this challenge; we need an action that is aimed at reducing the number of Almajiri children, who are forced to beg on the streets instead of attending school.
”So, we are here to provide succour to these underprivileged kids and give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
Mr Gagdi also reiterated his commitment to prioritise the welfare of his constituents, particularly the vulnerable ones.
He, therefore, called on spirited individuals to support the less privileged persons at all times.
The lawmaker also donated food items and cash to the Quintessential Health Care Centre, a mental rehabilitation centre in Jos.
Responding, Prof. Goar Suwa, the executive director of Quintessential Health Care Centre Jos and Auwal Mustapha, the Administrative Manager of the Gidan Marayu, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of items donated include, bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and noodles, meat, clothing, cash, among others.
NAN
