Hajia Zainab Kale Kawu, wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has launched the Arike Hopeful Hearts Foundation with a commitment to improving access to basic healthcare and supporting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

The foundation was unveiled on Monday at Agaka Community, Oja-Oba, Ilorin, during an event organised to mark Hajia Zainab’s birthday.

Speaking at the occasion, the founder said the initiative was born out of her desire to give back to society by responding to challenges faced by vulnerable people, particularly in accessing healthcare and obtaining timely health information.

She said the foundation would focus on healthcare awareness, prevention and early detection, with particular attention to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as post-menopausal health and other basic healthcare needs.

“I believe life is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the lives we touch, the burdens we ease and the hope we give,” she said.

Kawu noted that many people still struggle to access basic healthcare, while women, children and vulnerable families often face additional challenges requiring deliberate interventions.

“Our mission is to provide compassionate and practical support, particularly for women and children, while promoting health awareness, prevention and early detection,” she said.

She explained that the foundation would not be limited to material assistance, but would seek to restore dignity, take healthcare closer to communities and equip people with information that could help them make better health decisions.

“For me, this foundation is about more than assistance. It is about restoring dignity, creating awareness, bringing healthcare closer to people and, most importantly, giving hope,” she said.

According to her, seemingly simple interventions such as medical screening, sharing useful health information, caring for a child or supporting a woman in difficulty could have a lasting impact.

“Sometimes, changing a life begins with simply reminding someone that their life matters,” she added.

She called on healthcare professionals, development partners, philanthropists, organisations, community leaders and other well-meaning individuals to support the foundation in achieving its objectives.

The founder also expressed appreciation to her husband and family for their encouragement and support, promising that the organisation would operate with integrity and remain responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries.

“As we begin this journey, I make this promise: We will listen, we will serve, we will act with integrity and we will continue to give hope,” Kawu said.

Also speaking, her husband, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, pledged his full support for the initiative, describing his wife as a woman passionate about helping people in need.

The PDP governorship candidate said he was confident that the foundation would make meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of vulnerable women, children and other members of society across Kwara State.

He urged supporters and other well-meaning individuals to encourage the initiative, stressing the importance of backing efforts designed to address the challenges confronting ordinary people.

The launch, which coincided with Hajia Zainab’s birthday, marked the beginning of what she described as a long-term commitment to humanitarian service and the promotion of healthier communities in Kwara.

“As I celebrate another year of life, I am reminded that every birthday is an opportunity to grow, serve and make a meaningful difference,” she said.