Hajia Zainab Bolakale Kawu, wife of the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has launched a health-focused initiative, Arike Hopeful Hearts, offering free healthcare services to more than 500 people across the state.

The initiative, launched on Monday, is aimed at promoting access to basic healthcare while supporting vulnerable women, children and families in Kwara State.

Beneficiaries of the programme received free medical check-ups for diabetes, hypertension and malaria, as well as assessments and support relating to post-menopausal health.

Kawu said the initiative was driven by her desire to give back to society and address some of the challenges confronting vulnerable members of the community, particularly in healthcare, health awareness and social support.

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

"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.

According to her, many people continue to face difficulties accessing basic healthcare and obtaining timely health information, adding that simple interventions could prevent manageable health conditions from developing into serious complications.

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

Kawu stressed that Arike Hopeful Hearts was established not merely to distribute material assistance, but to restore dignity, bring healthcare closer to the people and provide hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

She said the name of the initiative reflected its vision of promoting compassion and collective responsibility towards people experiencing hardship.

According to her, interventions such as medical screening, providing useful health information, caring for a child or supporting a woman could have lasting effects on individuals and families.

"Sometimes, changing a life begins with simply reminding someone that their life matters," she said.

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

She also appreciated her husband and family members for their encouragement and support, assuring that the foundation 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," she said.

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

The PDP governorship candidate expressed confidence in the foundation's potential to make a positive difference in Kwara and promised to continue encouraging his wife's humanitarian efforts.

He urged members of the public and supporters of the initiative to provide the necessary encouragement and support to enable it achieve its objectives.

The launch, which coincided with Zainab Kawu's birthday celebration, marked the beginning of what she described as a long-term commitment to promoting healthier communities and providing practical support for vulnerable people across Kwara State.

"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.