By Bonaventure Melah
Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu is not your everyday kind of woman.
Athough she has continued to distinguish herself in public service which has seen her rise to the position of Ag. Director at Federal Capital Territory Administration, what has set this remarkable woman out, is her passion for charity and determination and commitment to lift up the poor, the destitute and the totally abandoned.
What began many years back from using a fraction of her salary to buy food items and share with widows and orphans, has blossomed to become a global platform known as Helpline Foundation.
Today, through the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu distributes food, clothing, beddings, sanitary items, shelter materials and cash to thousands of people and households within the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria.
Apart from food and shelter, Helpline Foundation which offers scholarships to indigent children and youths also serves as an orphanage.
The Foundation operates a food bank which stores various food items donated by good spirited individuals and institutions, usually distributed to the less-privileged persons during its periodic Reach-Out programmes
In 2017, the Foundation introduced a project tagged: “Girl Realise Your Potential”, aimed at making all the needed information available to the girl-child to enable them grow up and make informed decision based on mentorship programmes.\
The Foundation in 2021 set up a Centre to advocate for young boys to express their technical skills.
Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja was given a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in June 2019.
Away from philanthropy, Dr. Jumai is also the founder of Africa Women Conference, Voice of the Girls Parliament and many more human service organizations. She is the Country Head of Global Women Development Network in Nigeria.
In appreciation of her numerous contributions impactful charity and humanitarian projects as well as efforts in the emancipation of women, the girl-child and youths, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu has been honoured with many awards and recognitions including NYSC Honours Award; University of Jos Alumni distinguish Honours, African Achievers Credible Leadership award for Transparency and Accountability; Letter of commendation for commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of duties; letter of commendation from two Honourable FCT Ministers for good initiative, honesty, diligence and accountability.
Dr. Ahmadu is a Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria, Member Chartered Institute of Administration and Member American Management Association (AMA).