By NAN
Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, Founder and President of the SAM Empowerment Foundation, has trained and empowered over 100 women and some physically challenged persons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on various vocational skills.
These include hairdressing, fashion designing, food grinding and processing, among others, aimed at promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency.
In addition, Dr. Achimugu donated 10 oxygen cylinders, settled medical bills for indigent in-patients, and distributed gift items to patients receiving care at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The gesture formed part of activities marking her 52nd birthday and was intended to express gratitude to God while giving back to the needy.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of SAM Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Kiema Ogunlana, said the initiative was a celebration of a woman whose life has, for nearly twelve years, quietly, consistently, and sacrificially answered one question: “How can I help?”
According to her, for almost twelve years, the SAM Empowerment Foundation has not merely run programmes but has walked with people, standing in IDP camps, rural communities, hospital corridors, classrooms with leaking roofs, and homes where tomorrow once felt impossible.
“Because of this woman’s heart, children have returned to school, mothers have acquired skills that now feed their families, youths have found purpose instead of frustration, and patients have breathed again—literally and figuratively. Thousands of lives have been reminded that they matter,” she said.
She added, “On behalf of every child who slept better because school fees were paid, every mother who now earns an honest living, every patient who found oxygen, care, and compassion when hope was thin, and on behalf of a team inspired by your example, we say thank you.
“Thank you for showing us that leadership can be gentle, that power can be kind, and that a life lived for others is the greatest celebration of all.
“Today, we do not just say happy birthday; we say thank you for choosing purpose, compassion, and impact over and over again.
“May the lives you have touched rise up silently and speak for you, and may the seeds you have sown continue to outlive us all.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Achimugu and her team were warmly received by the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, led by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Isiaka Lawal, who represented the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud.
In her remarks, Dr. Achimugu expressed appreciation to the hospital management for receiving the Foundation and accepting its humanitarian gesture.
She noted that while many individuals are willing to give, it is equally important for institutions to be receptive to support for the benefit of those in need.
She further announced that the SAM Empowerment Foundation has committed to donating 10 oxygen cylinders monthly to the National Hospital, Abuja, as part of its sustained efforts to support Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Responding on behalf of the CMD, Dr. Isiaka Lawal expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Achimugu and the Foundation, describing the donation as timely.
He noted that many indigent patients struggle to afford even basic medications such as paracetamol.
He encouraged other Nigerians and corporate organisations to emulate the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, stressing that collective support would significantly strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Aisha Bello, a patient at the hospital, thanked Dr. Achimugu for her generosity, wished her a happy birthday, and called on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate her kind gesture. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)
