The Sarah Dagah Foundation has provided food items and transportation support to indigent persons under its Supporting Mothers in Low-Living Environments (SMILE) Project in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The food distribution exercise, which took place on Saturday 17th January 2026 at the Riyom Community Hall, covered beneficiaries drawn from Riyom, Ganawuri, and Bachi communities. A total of 100 persons benefited from the programme, with each recipient receiving a 10kg bag of rice, a 10kg bag of beans, as well as cash support to aid transportation.
Speaking during the distribution, the Coordinator of the Sarah Dagah Foundation, Mr. Dung Hwyere, who represented the foundation, said the initiative began in 2021 as part of efforts to provide support to the most vulnerable members of society. He explained that over the years, the foundation has focused on empowering youths and assisting indigent persons through various interventions, including the award of scholarships, establishment of business centres, and provision of start-up support for small businesses.
Mr. Hwyere noted that the SMILE Project specifically targets mothers and elderly persons living in low-income environments, with the aim of bringing relief and putting smiles on their faces, especially in view of the prevailing economic challenges in the country. He added that although the programme was delayed, it was still timely and meaningful. He appreciated traditional leaders for helping to identify beneficiaries within their communities and expressed hope that the food items would provide some relief to the recipients.
The foundation is the vision of its founder, Chief (Mrs.) Sarah Dagah, popularly known as “De Sele Jos” (Mother That Helps of Jos). She is a mother, scholar, accountant, auditor, philanthropist, woman champion, and an inspiration to millions of women and girls across Africa, whose passion for community development and social welfare continues to drive the foundation’s humanitarian initiatives.
The District Head of Riyom, Da Samuel Jok, commended the foundation and its founder for their consistent support to local communities, describing the gesture as a reflection of genuine concern for the welfare of the people. He offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon the foundation.
Also speaking, the representative of the Ataa Aten of Ganawuri, HRH Yakubu Chaimang, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items and offered prayers for the foundation and its staff.
The Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Hon. Bitrus Sati Shuwa, represented by Hon. Dachung Solomon Pam, alongside Da Daniel Gyang Dalyop, Gwong Bachi, expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and commendable. They noted that persistent insecurity and attacks in the area have further worsened the economic conditions of residents, making such support critical.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Riyom Development Association, Mr. Illiya Fondong, thanked the foundation for remembering the people, praying that God would replenish the resources used for the project.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rebecca Gyang from Bachi community expressed gratitude to the foundation, noting that the support would go a long way in assisting their families. She also called on traditional leaders to take steps toward curbing youth involvement in the consumption of harmful substances and excessive alcohol.
The Sarah Dagah Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups across Plateau State.
