World Orphans Day: Dame Okowa Leads Call For More Orphan Helpers

The Wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa has challenged well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to contribute towards the welfare of orphans, saying “let it be that because of you, that child can get a life line and a reason to smile again”.

Dame Okowa who doubles as the founder, O5 Initiative, stated this at the 2021 World Orphans Day celebration held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Government House, Asaba.

The yearly celebration which the Wife of the Governor has committed to for the past 6 years, in conjunction with partners of the O5 Initiative, is an avenue to provide support to Caregivers of registered orphanages and adoption homes in the state.

Dame Okowa said that the celebration should not end as show off but become a practical lifestyle for all who have orphans or domestic assistants in their homes and communities, noting that, when one Orphan gets a helper, “we can change our World One Person at a time”.

She said: “Our gathering here is not only to listen to ourselves but to take practical steps and chart a way forward. Before our very eyes, we have seen orphaned children grow and make progress in different life’s endeavours. So many successful orphans are celebrated around the world because kind-hearted individuals made it possible. Some of us can testify.

“Year in, year out, we gather in different platforms to discuss the well being of Orphaned Children, can we really say there is a difference? If there is a difference, how come the stories we hear or read everyday are so disheartening; the news of how a supposed mother places a hot iron on the laps of a little orphan because of an error committed. There are measures we cannot take against our own children. Why then do we treat these Orphans without love? Be reminded that they are God’s gift to mankind.”

While calling for more attention to the plight of Orphans, She commended O5 Initiative team and her Partners for prioritizing the care of Orphans.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my charge to us this morning is that we should be part of this onerous task. I pray that through this year’s event, the Lord will raise more helpers for Orphans all around the world.

“For the past six years, the O5 team have worked with Care Givers in registered Orphanages across the state. Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic we have not stopped attending regularly to the needs of our Children.

“I thank God for providing the resources through our partners, individuals and corporate organizations; thank you for supporting the O5 Vision. I want to specially recognize Zenith bank for their attention to selected orphanages, every year, God bless you.

“As in our usual style, provision has been made for 48 registered Orphanages and 5 adopted families including the Quintuplet (five girls). This is in fulfilment of our mission to feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless.”

The Governor’s Wife further appreciated the Caregivers for their consistent love and care for the Children in their custody, charging that “In the face of the uncertainty of the future, I urge you to make the word of God your standard for the upbringing of these children. As you sincerely do this, your labour of Love will be rewarded in due season”.

Clergymen, government officials amongst other dignitaries who witnessed the presentation of food items, cash, others to Caregivers, commended Dame Edith Okowa for being steadfast in showing love to underprivileged individuals in the state.

Caregivers who spoke to journalists, showered prayers of blessings and protection for the Governor’s family.

The World Orphans Day, a celebration which takes place on the second Monday in November every year, is a day set aside by the United Nations in honour of Mother Theresa of Calcutta who spent her life looking after the poor and a platform to draw attention to the plight of the World’s Orphans.