Rotary Clubs in Kaduna Celebrate Family Day, Empower Widows, Donate Items to Jam’iyya Matan Arewa Orphanage

Rotary Clubs in Kaduna Celebrate Family Day, Empower Widows, Donate Items to Jam’iyya Matan Arewa Orphanage

By Zainab Tanimu, Kaduna, North-West Nigeria

In a heart-warming blend of fellowship, compassion and community service, the Rotary Clubs in Kaduna marked it Family Day with activities that touched lives, strengthened family bonds and brought cheer to the less privileged.

Held at the Jam’iyya Matan Arewa Orphanage Home in Kaduna, the event provided an opportunity for Rotarians, their families and friends to unwind after a year of dedicated service, while also reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian causes. Beyond relaxation and bonding, the celebration featured empowerment support for widows and the donation of essential items to the orphanage.

The atmosphere was filled with joy as families gathered to reconnect, share laughter and renew friendships. For many participants, the occasion was both refreshing and memorable, leaving them uplifted and inspired.

Speaking at the event, the Chair, Family of Rotary Zone 3, 2025, Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Grace Sadiku, described the gathering as a signature Rotary project traditionally held every December to celebrate the “family of Rotary.”

“We are here to celebrate the family of Rotary and ourselves as Rotarians,” she said. “From the beginning of the Rotary year, we have worked tirelessly to touch lives. Today is about enjoying with our families, helping them understand what Rotary stands for and what we do when we say we are attending Rotary activities.”

She explained that hosting the Family Day at the orphanage was intentional, as it combined celebration with service. “This is also an opportunity to empower women, especially widows, and to show love to the children at Jam’iyya Matan Arewa Orphanage. The Christmas period is a time of love, and no matter how little we give, it can put a smile on someone’s face,” she added.

Highlighting the challenges faced by widows, Sadiku appealed to the Kaduna State Government to provide more support to help them secure sustainable livelihoods, noting that many lost their husbands early in marriage and are left to raise children alone.

In her remarks after receiving the donated items, the President of Jam’iyya Matan Arewa, Hajiya Rabi Salawa, expressed deep gratitude to the Rotary Clubs in Kaduna for it generosity and consistent support. She offered prayers for continued blessings upon the Rotarians and all donors who support the needy.

In an interview with Newsreservoir, Hajiya Rabi provided insight into the history and work of the orphanage, revealing that it has been in existence for about 60 years, since 1955. “We have been caring for children and placing them for adoption, especially in the last six years. We are a non-governmental organization and rely heavily on donations from kind-hearted individuals and groups,” she said, adding that 15 children are currently resident at the orphanage awaiting adoption.

She also explained why the Rotary Family Day has been consistently hosted at the Jam’iyya Matan Arewa premises. “I am a Rotarian myself and an old member. Four years ago, I founded the Rotary Club of Kaduna Queen, which was then the only female Rotary club in the world. We meet here, and most of our members are Jam’iyya Matan Arewa women. It is natural that we coexist, and for the past three years, the Family of Rotary has been celebrated here,” she said.

The event featured the presentation of grinding machines to selected widows as part of the empowerment initiative, alongside donations to the orphanage. Cultural dance performances from different ethnic groups added colour and vibrancy to the celebration.

There was also recognition of active Rotarians, with commendations extended to outstanding members. Goodwill message was delivered on behalf of the President of the Rotary Club of Kakuri, Rotarian Ima, by Rotarian Ramatu Ibrahim, President of the Rotary Club of Kawo.

Rotarian Ramatu also on behalf of Rotarian Ima presented a gift to the Assist Zonal coordinator zone 3, for her dedication to humanitarian services.

Children were not left out of the festivities, as food, drinks and other treats were shared freely, making the day truly memorable for everyone in attendance.

Overall, the Rotary Clubs in Kaduna Family Day stood as a powerful reminder that service, love and family remain at the heart of Rotary’s mission to make a lasting difference in society.