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“Finally, Potable Water!”

That’s what it was for the Pupils and Staff of Helena Schools on the occasion of the Commissioning of the Water Borehole donated to the School by Mrs. Nigeria|Tourism United Nations World some days ago.

The warm reception, prayers, hugs, high-energy-yet-emotional songs showered on the Beauty Queen by the Pupils are gifts that shall forever be cherished. The gratification that comes with knowing that your “little” may have translated to “so much” for some, is simply priceless!

In her words, “neither Crowns nor Sashes are required to engage in acts of charity, a beautiful cause wherein nothing is ever too small”.

Special thanks to God for the life, health, willingness and resources to have been able to get this far, while praying for His continued special grace to do much more and leave more positive prints across many lives, and by extension, the world.

Deepest appreciation to Ms. Maria Svensson for all the love and support which she has offered in more ways than just financial, from Month 1 of this journey up until this moment. God bless her everyday.

So, before this begins to sound like a valedictory speech, enjoy the attached photos.

WABIO FOUNDATION, NESH, COMMENCE NATIONWIDE TEST & TREAT MALARIA CAMPAIGN IN ASABA, HOSTED BY DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT.

It has been many weeks of “giving back” activities in the nationwide Test and Treat Malaria Outreach program powered by WABIO Foundation and NESH Foundation, in partnership with the Association Of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), and in collaboration with State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies (SPHCDA) and National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP).

The nature of this outreach program is unique, in that it affords Sponsors the liberty to choose the Local Government Area they’d like their donations sent to.

Each Test and Treat Malaria pack contains simple and convenient NAFDAC-approved Do-It-Yourself Urine Malaria Test (UMT) kits as well as ACT medication to be distributed for free to low-income Nigerian families. The plan is to reach 50,000 households in every State in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

The support so far from Corporate Nigeria, Parastatals and public-spirited individuals, has been overwhelming, and underscores the increasing national awareness for broad-based stakeholder intervention in proper malaria case management.

WABIO Foundation Founder, Ebele Enemchukwu and Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Founder of NESH, were in Asaba, the Delta State Capital to mark the official commencement of the distribution phase of the 5-year program.

The event which held at the Delta State Government House, in the office of the Secretary to The State Government, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, had in attendance, the Honorable Commissioner Of Health, Delta State, Dr. Mordi Ononye; Hon. Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, the Chief Of Staff and representative of the President of ALGON, Hon. Kolade Alabi; Representative of the IBRU Organization, Hon. Kenneth Ibru; Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, Chief Whip, Delta State House Of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Ocho C. Ochor, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House Of Assembly. Representatives from NMEP, Fyodor Biotechnologies (manufacturers of the UMT Kits), as well as ladies and gentlemen of the Press.

In her opening remarks, Ebele Enemchukwu stated that Asaba was chosen because the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a Medical Doctor himself, and the donation being made was by the IBRU Organisation, whose Founder, Late Olorogun Michael Ibru, was a foremost Nigerian Entrepreneur, and whose son, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, is the current Executive Chairman.

With disturbing statistics on annual malaria cases and associated deaths shared, Mrs. Enemchukwu enlightened everyone on the reason for embarking on the nationwide campaign, especially at this time of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Founder of NESH, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju added that like WABIO Founder had stated, the campaign was our way of contributing to the actualization of the ZERO MALARIA goal by the year, 2030. “The core message remains”, he added, “TEST before you TREAT!”

As a final Speaker at the event, the SSG, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, on behalf of the Governor and beautiful people of Delta State, extended appreciation to the Team, while emphasising the need for more of such collaborations in the future.

When the official segment was done, onward movement of the materials continued to Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North, hometown of the IBRU Dynasty and chosen Local Government Area for the distribution. Reports to come in soon.

Special thanks to the IBRU Group, NNPC/Total & Partners, Stanbic IBTC Bank, NLNG, FERMA, Engr. Uzodike Ajulu (CEO, Cutix Plc.), Airtel Nigeria, United Nigeria Airlines, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, for their redeemed and pledged support towards the program, while believing that more Corporates and public-spirited individuals shall rise to this worthy cause. Next stop is Lagos State

Mrs. Tourism visits Modupe Cole Child Care & Treatment Home School

The second charity visit was equally as interesting and rewarding as the first. I spent quality time with the students of Modupe Cole Child Care & Treatment Home School.

I’m not sure how to correctly capture in words, what/how I felt by my encounter with the lively occupants of this home. To make it easier to understand, it’s a school for the physically and/or mentally challenged! Of the many lessons and realities I was exposed to, one that will linger on is the reminder that we should always be grateful for the gifts we have. When we complain about the many things we wish we had, remember to say “Thank you Father” for that which you have……physical health ….mental health…for family….the freedom to move around on two feet when and to where we please…..for EVERYTHING! I’m certain they didn’t choose this life! Who would anyway?

Interestingly, in all the visits I have made to various homes, I can safely say that this group has been the most energetic and entertaining! Those who could speak asked me questions (verbally and with gestures), shared their names and the names of those who couldn’t speak (Bashirat, Anuoluwapo, Michael), some asked to have shots with me (the home allows this, probably because chances of reintegrating into the society is slim), and then my favourite part……. they sang the loudest birthday song I ever heard! As much as I enjoyed it, I kept wondering how November became the new May (my birthday month). It then hit me that it was likely owing to the fact that they had hosted visitors who chose to celebrate their birthdays at the home. So to them, I was another birthday celebrant! Very sweet nonetheless!! They finished up with an even louder “Hip! Hip!! Hip!!!…… to which we responded Hurray!!! in unison”

We should all experience that sense of fulfilment which comes with knowing you just made a difference (big or small)! I couldn’t agree more with the saying that it is indeed more blessed to give than receive.

Special thanks to Maria Svensson and Pastor Christian Ike for their support and contribution towards the successful execution of this project. God bless you abundantly, and supply your needs according to His riches in glory…..Amen.

There’s room for whoever wishes to join me on any of my future charity projects.

God bless us all always!