From Near Death to University Graduate: Asuku’s Intervention Transforms Orphan’s Life
By Lawal Ozomata James
A young orphan who was reportedly arrested and left in a critical condition after being mistaken for an errand boy working for kidnappers in Kogi State in 2018 has graduated from the university, following the intervention and educational support of Pharm. Chief Abdulkareem Mohammed Jamiu Asuku.
The remarkable story, described as one of compassion, intervention and destiny, began along the Okene–Ajaokuta road in Kogi State, where the young man was waiting to board a vehicle to a farm settlement in search of work and a means of feeding himself.
According to the account, he was mistakenly suspected of being an errand boy for kidnappers and subsequently arrested by operatives of the then Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). He was taken to the SARS office in Lokoja, where his condition reportedly became critical.
- Advertisement -
His uncle, alarmed by the situation, sought help and contacted the office of the then Director-General of Protocol to the Kogi State Government, Pharm. Chief Abdulkareem Mohammed Jamiu Asuku.
Chief Asuku, according to the account, responded swiftly by personally intervening to secure the young man’s release.
Upon seeing his condition, Asuku reportedly arranged for him to be taken to a hospital for urgent medical attention and resuscitation. By the grace of Almighty Allah, the young man regained consciousness.
However, the intervention did not end with his rescue.
According to James, Chief Asuku opened his home to the young man, giving him a sense of belonging, hope and direction at a critical period of his life.
He subsequently enrolled him at Harmony International College, Lokoja, where he completed his secondary education.
The young man later gained admission to the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, to study Business Administration.
His education was reportedly fully sponsored by Chief Asuku through the Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku Youth Empowerment Foundation (PAAYEF), an initiative established to support young people and create opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind.
James stated that PAAYEF has also supported the education of several young people in tertiary institutions within Nigeria and abroad.
He described the foundation as a source of support to many Kogi youths, particularly in education and other areas aimed at helping young people become self-reliant and pursue purposeful lives.
Today, the young man who, according to the account, was once struggling simply to survive has graduated from the university.
James said the transformation represents more than an academic achievement, describing it as a journey from uncertainty and danger to hope, dignity and a promising future.
He noted that the story demonstrates how an individual’s timely intervention can significantly alter another person’s life trajectory.
“What began in 2018 as a desperate struggle for survival has become a story of hope, transformation and a new beginning,” James stated.
He added that the experience underscores the importance of compassion and intervention in public service, stressing that helping people in vulnerable circumstances can give them the opportunity to overcome difficult beginnings and realise their potential.
James therefore prayed for Almighty Allah to continue to bless Chief Asuku for the lives he has touched and for his commitment to the empowerment and development of young people in Kogi State.
He also prayed for Allah to grant him the wisdom, strength and resources to continue contributing to humanity and supporting young people to build better futures.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 16, 2026
