Ramadan Kindness: TMM Donates Food, Clothing to Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa Orphanage in Kaduna

Ramadan Kindness: TMM Donates Food, Clothing to Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa Orphanage in Kaduna

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria —

In the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines the holy month of Ramadan, a non-governmental organisation, The Muslimah Minds (TMM), has donated clothing, food items and toiletries to the Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa Orphanage Home in Kaduna.

The visit, led by the President of TMM, Hajiya Hauwa Yabagi, was aimed at sharing love and support with the children while encouraging community members to remember the less privileged during the sacred month.

TMM, according to Hajiya Yabagi, is a network of professional Muslim women united by faith, knowledge and sisterhood, working together to empower one another and initiate projects that positively impact society.

Members of the organisation were warmly received by the President of Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Hajiya Rabi Saulawa, who later guided the visiting team through the orphanage where they interacted with the children and caregivers.

Speaking during the visit, Hajiya Yabagi said the outreach was inspired by the essence of Ramadan, a season known for mercy, compassion and generosity.

“We are here today in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a month of mercy and Rahama. Our mission is to empower one another and make meaningful contributions that improve our communities,” she said.

She explained that members of TMM in Kaduna were representing colleagues across Nigeria and in the diaspora in demonstrating kindness and solidarity with the children and the caregivers who dedicate their lives to nurturing them.

According to her, supporting orphans is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, recalling the Prophet’s promise that those who care for orphans will be close to him in Paradise.

She noted that even small acts of kindness could collectively bring significant change to society.

“Like the saying goes, a drop of water makes an ocean. If each of us contributes our own little part, the society will become a better place for everyone,” she said.

Hajiya Yabagi also called on individuals, organisations and government institutions to support orphanages and humanitarian initiatives that care for vulnerable children.

“If you are a mother and you see these children, you will certainly be touched. They are full of life and receiving good care. That is why we appeal to well-meaning individuals, NGOs and government to continue supporting them,” she added.

She offered prayers for the leadership, staff and children of the orphanage, asking Allah to strengthen them and reward their dedication both in this world and the hereafter.

The TMM president also expressed appreciation to members and donors who supported the outreach and recognised the contributions of Hajiya Zainab Tanimu for her online reporting and support to the organisation.

Founded in 2024, TMM is a registered organisation with members across several locations including Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Osun State and the diaspora, and has already carried out humanitarian interventions, including hospital support initiatives.

Responding, the President of Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Hajiya Rabi Saulawa, thanked members of TMM for the visit and their show of love to the children.

She explained that the orphanage operates largely on donations from organisations and individuals, as it receives no government funding.

According to her, the orphanage remains a core part of the association’s mission and must continue to exist in line with the wishes of its founders.

Hajiya Rabi traced the history of Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa to Nigeria’s First Republic, noting that the organisation was established in 1963, while the orphanage was opened on December 1, 1964.

She revealed that the project began with a take-off donation of £500 from the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Since its establishment, she said, more than 3,000 children have passed through the orphanage and its schools.

Many of them, she added, have gone on to become graduates of universities and polytechnics, while others have built successful careers.

“Some of our former children are graduates of the Nigerian Defence Academy, one attended the Nigerian Aviation School in Zaria and is now a pilot, while several others are serving as police officers,” she said.

Now over six decades old, the orphanage is widely regarded as one of the oldest in Northern Nigeria.

Hajiya Rabi emphasised that the founders were clear about their priorities.

“Anything else can stop, but the orphanage must not die. It is where we truly touch lives,” she said.

She explained that many of the children brought to the home are delivered by mothers, grandmothers or relatives, often in difficult circumstances.

The orphanage, she said, accepts the children without judgment because their situation is not their fault.

Over the years, the institution has also facilitated adoption placements to ensure the children grow up in loving homes.

Despite numerous challenges, she expressed optimism that continued support from individuals and organisations would help sustain the orphanage’s mission of giving vulnerable children a chance at a brighter future.