The Khalifah and Rukkaiya Foundation for the Aged and Senior Citizens’ Welfare.is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring dignity, ensuring well-being, and promoting the inclusion of elderly citizens across Nigeria. Founded from a deeply personal experience of caring for aged royal parents, the Foundation was established to address the growing neglect and vulnerability experienced by senior citizens, particularly in underserved communities.
Empowering Women Through Enterprise: Launch of Our Cottage Mat Production Industry
The Khalifah and Rukkaiya Foundation for the Aged and Senior Citizens’ Welfare is proud to announce the launch of its Cottage Production Industry, a transformative initiative designed to empower rural women through sustainable employment and economic opportunity.
This new program focuses on the production of high-quality, handwoven mats for both local use and international export. Rooted in cultural craftsmanship and powered by community resilience, the initiative provides a platform for rural women to gain income, skills, and independence—while preserving traditional weaving techniques.
🎯 Our Objectives:
Create Jobs for Rural Women
By training and engaging local women in mat weaving, we are opening new economic doors and reducing financial dependency in underserved communities.Promote Export-Ready, Made-in-Nigeria Products
We are tapping into the global market with beautifully handcrafted mats that reflect the heritage and artistry of our people.Support Community Development
Proceeds from the project are reinvested into the welfare of senior citizens and other community-driven programs by the Foundation.
📍Impact at a Glance:
Dozens of women already trained and employed
Eco-friendly production methods
Growing network of buyers, including interest from international home décor and cultural retailers
This cottage industry is more than just a production line—it is a movement. A movement that uplifts women, preserves culture, and promotes grassroots economic growth.
We invite partners, corporate buyers, donors, and NGOs to join us in scaling this impact. Together, we can create a future where rural women thrive—and every mat we export carries a story of dignity, skill, and hope.
Our philosophy is rooted in three core beliefs:
1. Dignity is Non-Negotiable
Every elderly person, regardless of background or economic status, deserves to live their later years with respect, comfort, and support. We champion a society where aging is not a burden but a stage of life celebrated and embraced.
2. Empowerment Over Pity
We do not believe in charity without purpose. Our approach is to empower, not enable—by creating opportunities for the elderly and those who care for them, particularly women in rural communities. Whether through income-generating projects, health education, or access to social support, we focus on solutions that restore independence and confidence.
3. Community-Led, Compassion-Driven
Our work is people-first. We engage communities, listen to their realities, and co-create programs that reflect their needs. Compassion is not a slogan for us—it is the guiding principle in how we serve, lead, and grow.
