From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Hajia Zainab Kawu, wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for 2027 general election in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Kawu, has launched the Arike Hopeful Hearts Foundation, with a commitment to improving access to basic healthcare and providing support for women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
The foundation was unveiled on Monday at Agaka Community, Oja-Oba, Ilorin, during an event held to mark Zainab Kawu’s birthday.
Speaking at the occasion, the founder said the initiative was born out of her desire to give back to society by addressing challenges confronting vulnerable people, particularly in accessing healthcare and obtaining timely health information.
Related News
She said the foundation would focus on healthcare awareness, prevention and early detection, with particular attention to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as post-menopausal health and other basic healthcare needs.
“I believe life is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the lives we touch, the burdens we ease and the hope we give,” she said.
Kawu noted that many people continue to struggle with access to basic healthcare, while women, children and vulnerable families face difficulties requiring greater attention and practical intervention.
“Our mission is to provide compassionate and practical support, particularly for women and children, while promoting health awareness, prevention and early detection,” she said.
She stressed that the foundation would go beyond material assistance, saying its broader objective was to promote dignity, health consciousness and stronger communities.
“For me, this foundation is about more than assistance. It is about restoring dignity, creating awareness, bringing healthcare closer to people and, most importantly, giving hope,” she added.
According to her, simple interventions such as medical screening, providing useful health information, caring for a child or supporting a woman could have a lasting impact on individuals and families.
“Sometimes, changing a life begins with simply reminding someone that their life matters,” she said.
She appealed to healthcare professionals, development partners, philanthropists, organisations, community leaders and individuals to support the foundation in achieving its objectives.
Zainab also pledged that the foundation would operate with integrity, listen to the needs of beneficiaries and take practical steps to address challenges confronting vulnerable people.
“As we begin this journey, I make this promise: We will listen, we will serve, we will act with integrity and we will continue to give hope.
“As I celebrate another year of life, I am reminded that every birthday is an opportunity to grow, serve and make a meaningful difference,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to her husband and family for their encouragement and support, while praying for the wisdom, resources and compassion to sustain the foundation and ensure that its interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.
Also speaking at the event, her husband, Engr. Sulaiman Kawu, pledged his full support for the initiative, describing his wife as a woman passionate about helping people in need.
The PDP governorship candidate said he was confident that the foundation would make meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of women, children and other vulnerable groups across Kwara State.
He said his wife’s commitment to humanitarian service had continued to earn his encouragement, stressing the importance of supporting initiatives designed to address the challenges facing ordinary people.
He urged supporters and well-meaning members of the public to encourage the foundation and contribute to the success of its humanitarian activities.
Zainab described the launch as more than the establishment of an organisation, saying it represented a commitment to humanity and the creation of healthier and more caring communities.
“As I celebrate another year of life, I am reminded that every birthday is an opportunity to grow, serve and make a meaningful difference,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to her husband and family for their encouragement and support, while praying for the wisdom, resources and compassion to sustain the foundation and ensure that its interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.
