More than 1,500 persons living with disabilities gathered in Karonmajigi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Saturday to share a meal with former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Betta Edu, during an interfaith Ramadan and Lent outreach.
The event, held behind the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, brought together Muslim and Christian beneficiaries in a symbolic gathering that underscored unity across religious divides. The initiative forms part of Edu’s long-standing tradition of sharing meals and support with vulnerable communities during the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
Participants included physically challenged men, women and children from different backgrounds who came together for the communal breaking of fast, prayers and interactions with the former minister.
Edu was visibly moved during the event after meeting several beneficiaries of earlier empowerment programmes who have continued to sustain their livelihoods through interventions introduced during her time in government.
Some of the beneficiaries had received Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, vocational training and start-up support to establish small-scale businesses aimed at helping them achieve financial independence.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Ibrahim Jubril, a visually impaired father of 15, recounted how the intervention had transformed his family’s fortunes.
“Dr. Betta, since you empowered us with the POS business on behalf of the President in 2023, that is what my family of 15 has survived on for over two years now. We pray that the government remembers persons living with disabilities again,” Jubril said.
Responding to the testimonies, Edu expressed satisfaction that the empowerment programmes initiated under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were still making meaningful impact on families.
“Seeing the seeds we sowed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership still yielding fruits for families is profoundly encouraging,” she said.
The former minister also used the occasion to call for increased national support for persons living with disabilities, particularly in ensuring that their children have access to education, healthcare and other social services.
She commended the local family health centre serving the Karonmajigi community and encouraged residents to utilise the facility for routine immunisation and medical care for their children.
According to Edu, the interfaith gathering was designed not only as a humanitarian outreach but also as a platform to promote unity and compassion among Nigerians regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
During the programme, prayers were offered for peace, national development and improved security across the country.
The outreach, organisers said, traces its roots to Edu’s earlier humanitarian engagements in Cross River State, where the initiative began in the Bogobiri and Nasarawa Bakoko communities in Calabar.
The programme started during her tenure as Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and continued when she later served as Commissioner for Health in the state.
Over the years, the initiative has evolved into a broader interfaith gathering that brings together vulnerable groups and community leaders during major religious seasons.
Organisers also noted that this year’s event was dedicated to prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edu has hosted several prominent figures during previous editions of the outreach. In 2025, she received the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and his entourage for an iftar gathering with Muslim communities in Calabar.
