Philanthropist Bags Humanitarian Service Award from Nasarawa Journalists…details

By Olu Benjamin

Alhaji Mohammed Maikaya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maikaya Development Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization has bagged a Humanitarian Service Award from a group of journalists in Nasarawa state for services rendered to humanity.

Mr David Dari, Chairman of the Nasarawa West Reporters Forum (NWRF) presented the award to the awardee in Toto local government area of Nasarawa state on Thursday.

Our reporter gathered that the NWRF comprises journalists of media houses domiciled and focused on covering activities in the Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone of the state comprising Keffi, Karu, Kokona, Nasarawa and Toto local government areas.

Some of the media outlets include NTA, NBS, Aljazeera Newspaper, Platinum FM, Maloney FM among others.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Maikaya who expressed pride and joy to be honoured for his efforts in uplifting the lives of the less privileged in the state described the award as a bit more special than previous ones given that it came from journalists.

“This award is very special because you guys have been following us, monitoring our activities and seeing the impact we made in various communities across the state. I assure you that I do not take this honour done me lightly,” he said.

He then assured the journalists of his commitment to sustain his foundation’s interventions in helping the poor, unemployed youths and widows in state, adding that the award will only spur him to do more.

“This year we have paid scholarships to 422 students in tertiary level and this cut across all the local government areas in the state.

“Aside that we are developing a template. We are working with National Health Insurance Authority to support the healthcare in every ward in Nasarawa state.

“It is cut across and not centred on any particular local government. This is aside the football competition we have been organizing for the past four years.

“So I wanted to assure you that we will do more. Nothing brings me more joy than supporting people in need and those determined to fulfil their dreams,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Dari explained that the forum came up with the idea of rewarding indigenous philanthropists who have made significant impact in the lives of people of the state and out of the shortlist recommended by exco of the forum, members unanimously voted for Alhaji Mohammed Maikaya.

Dari who said the Humanitarian Service Award given to Maikaya was the first assured that the award presentation would be annually to motivate other well meaning and well to do citizens of the state to contribute to the development of the state and support the less privileged.

Our reporter further reports that Maikaya Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the social, economic and health wellbeing of individuals and communities at large with key focus on peace, economic empowerment for women and youth, health and education.

…end.