Chidinma Iroegbu
A group of friends, colleagues, and advocates under the platform Guardians of Ahmed has raised over ₦5.5 million and established a dedicated trust fund to support Ahmed Salami, a Nigerian vlogger living with autism, cerebral palsy, and ADHD.
This was disclosed in a statement made available on Wednesday by the Deputy News Editor, The Sun Newspapers, Ms Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, on behalf of the Guardians of Ahmed and the Board of Trustees.
The initiative, which honours the legacy of Ahmed’s late mother, Rafat Salami, is scheduled to take place ahead of her first death anniversary on December 20, 2025. Rafat Salami passed away in December 2024 after years of dedicated care for her son.
At a brief ceremony held in Abuja, the group formally handed over the bank statement of the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund to Ahmed’s elder brother and caregiver, Jameel Salami. The trust fund has been opened with Fidelity Bank and currently holds ₦5,528,105.43.
Ahmed Salami is a confirmed signatory to the account, alongside members of the Board of Trustees: Dr Jumai Ahmadu (Chairman), Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, and Mr Francis Oko Mohie (Secretary).
According to the organisers, the funds were mobilised through voluntary and transparent contributions, including ₦3,472,436.70 from Ms Lara Owoeye-Wise, coordinator of Guardians of Ahmed, and ₦2,055,668.73 from Mrs Daisy Jonathan, coordinator of Warrior Mums Africa.
Presenting the bank statement, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Acting Director at the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), commended the collective sacrifice that made the initiative possible.
She also praised Jameel Salami and the family for their continued dedication to Ahmed’s care, describing Rafat Salami as a woman who lived a selfless and impactful life.
“I am really impressed with what I am seeing and with what I have heard. Rafat was a dear friend to all of us, and I am happy she is being honoured in this way,” Ahmadu said, while praying for wisdom and strength for Ahmed’s caregiver.
Jameel Salami, who received the bank statement on behalf of the family, expressed deep appreciation to the group, noting that the handover demonstrated transparency and trust.
“I trust this group of people. You haven’t been doing this for a year, but take a look at what you’ve accomplished. I don’t want anyone saying things are happening that are not happening. I can confidently allay people’s fears,” he said.
Also present at the event were Evelyn Mensah Agu, Executive Director of Patsilver Educational Support and Therapy Centre; Mrs Rabi Usman Awobajo, Founder of Natural Care Therapeutic Services, Abuja; Dr Habiba Usman Aliyu of the Federal University Kashere, Gombe State; Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Deputy News Editor of The Sun Newspapers; and representatives of Fidelity Bank, Abigail Udume and Loveth Ossai.
Speaking on behalf of the Guardians of Ahmed, Taiwo-Obalonye stated that the meeting was convened to reinforce transparency and accountability in the management of the funds.
“This meeting was about transparency, especially since it took time to set up the trust fund. It was important to clear all doubts and assure everyone that the promise made to Ahmed has been fulfilled,” she said.
An update on Ahmed’s condition revealed that he is coping well despite the loss of his mother and is eager to return to vlogging, with stable caregiving arrangements in place.
The Guardians of Ahmed have called on the public to continue supporting the initiative. Donations can be made directly to the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund, Fidelity Bank, Account No. 5601613076. Supporters are encouraged to contribute at least ₦12,000 annually to help sustain Ahmed’s long-term care and needs.