Mr Dominic Yahaya, the paramount ruler of the Atyap Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday launched a foundation to support the educational pursuit of victims of attacks, particularly orphans in his domain.
The paramount ruler launched the ‘Jumma Gambo Yahaya Foundation’ at his palace in Zango Kataf with N4 million to cater for 118 orphans out of the 267 registered.
Yahaya said, “This is the first batch of the scholarship, which cuts across seven communities, including Hausa-Fulanis, who are also victims of the carnage.”
He disclosed that Gov. Babagana Zulum’s giant strides in promoting the education of children orphaned by the Boko haram insurgency inspired him to launch the foundation.
“Atyap chiefdom has experienced similar sad developments; hence, the need to assist the orphans who have lost both parents during banditry attacks,” Yahaya added.
According to new reports, the kingdom had suffered an intense attack in three years, leading to the death of close to 500 people in about 20 villages.
The traditional ruler called on other well-meaning individuals and organisations to key into the project and ensure victims of attacks received the education they needed.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Zangon Kataf LGA, Mr Francis Sani, who commended the traditional ruler’s gesture, supported the foundation with N1.5 million.
He said that the council has been doing so much to settle the medical bills and school fees of some of the victims.
The event’s Chairman, Barnabas Tagan, said the gesture was a tribute to their rich heritage and an embodiment of their collective responsibility towards the most vulnerable members of their chiefdom.
According to him, the gesture symbolises the chiefdom’s unwavering commitment to providing hope and a brighter future for those facing adversity.
“Orphans and widows often bear the brunt of life’s harshest trials. They are left to navigate a challenging world with limited resources and support.
“It is during these times of adversity that we must step forward and extend a helping hand.
“We launch this scholarship with the conviction that education is the most potent tool for transformation.
“Education empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty, opens opportunities, and instils self-confidence,” Tagan added
