…..Asiya Abdulrahman Foundation unveils shelter, medical support for vulnerable elders
By; Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — A new chapter has opened for vulnerable senior citizens in Katsina State following the launch of a free elderly care home designed to provide shelter, healthcare and other essential support to ageing people without adequate care.
The facility, established by the Asiya Abdulrahman Foundation, was inaugurated on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Gidan Marayu Quarters, also known as Ta’awun Quarters, behind Dandagoro in Katsina metropolis.
The foundation described the centre as the first free elderly care home in the state, with a mission to ensure that vulnerable older people are not left to struggle alone when they can no longer fully cater for themselves.
Speaking shortly after the opening, the foundation’s founder, Asiya Abdulrahman, said the initiative was born out of concern for elderly people whose families may lack the financial or physical capacity to provide them with proper care.
“We are here to support our elders,” Abdulrahman said, explaining that the elderly care centre is one of three facilities operated by the foundation in Katsina.
She said the organisation also runs a migrant home and an orphanage as part of its humanitarian intervention.
According to her, the foundation has already reached nearly 21 families through its various humanitarian activities.
Medical Care, Shelter for Elderly
Abdulrahman said residents of the elderly care home would have access to medical attention, with healthcare professionals available to attend to their needs.
“This is for elders, where we will be taking care of our elders, and we have our medical teams,” she said.
She added that medical assistance would be provided whenever residents fell ill, alongside other forms of support aimed at improving their welfare and dignity.
The founder said her inspiration for the project came partly from elderly care facilities she encountered during her visits to the United Kingdom, particularly London.
She explained that she was impressed by the structured support available to older people in such facilities and decided to adapt the idea to meet the needs of vulnerable elders in Katsina.
“I just want to make sure our elders are not left behind,” she said.
Foundation Takes Campaign to Street Children
Beyond elderly care, the foundation is also targeting vulnerable children found living or working on the streets.
Abdulrahman said the organisation had been assisting children involved in street begging and trading, with some already enrolled in public schools.
She said the children were being given opportunities to combine Western education with Islamic learning, with interventions extending to communities such as Kofar Guga.
The objective, she explained, is to remove vulnerable children from the streets and give them access to education and a better chance at a stable future.
‘I Am From Katsina’
Abdulrahman also explained why Katsina was chosen as a major focus of the foundation’s humanitarian activities despite travelling from Abuja.
“I am from Katsina State as well,” she said, stressing that her connection to the state had strengthened her resolve to contribute to the welfare of vulnerable residents.
She said the foundation’s programmes were motivated by a desire to support people facing difficult circumstances and contribute positively to communities across the state.
Foundation Seeks Wider Support
While unveiling the elderly care home, Abdulrahman appealed to non-governmental organisations, humanitarian groups, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to partner with the foundation.
She said additional partnerships would enable the organisation to expand its programmes and reach more vulnerable people.
“I really need to partner with other NGOs to actually do that. The door is open for everyone. You’re welcome,” she said.
‘No Direct Government Funding’
Abdulrahman disclosed that the foundation had not received direct financial support from the government.
She, however, expressed appreciation for the government’s participation in some of the foundation’s activities, including the programme held at the Government House to mark the commencement of its operations.
“I really don’t have any support from government, but I really appreciate what they did,” she said.
The founder expressed hope that increased collaboration with government agencies, humanitarian organisations and private donors would enable the foundation to expand its support for elderly people, children, migrants and other vulnerable groups.
The opening of the facility marks a significant humanitarian intervention in Katsina, particularly at a time when concerns continue to grow over the welfare of elderly people and vulnerable children who lack sufficient family or institutional support.
