Perpetua Egesimba
Festac Town, Lagos, was agog recently, as Ozubulu Diamond Sisters Initiative (ODSI) unveiled plans to construct a multimillion-naira nursing and old peoples’ home.
The event, which took place at the ODU Hall, Festac Town, was the first anniversary and fund-raising ceremony of the organisation. In attendance at the event were several sons and daughters of Ozubulu, Anambra State.
While speaking about the project, the president of ODSI, Mrs. Ify Uzokwe, explained the reason the organisation concluded to build the nursing and old peoples’ home for the aged.
According to her, ODSI is made up of daughters and mothers with the invariable task of looking after the elderly and parents at their old age. She said the women were determined to ensure that the elderly were kept alive and in good health, cared for by professionals who would be properly enumerated.
She reiterated that the old people had been kept at the back seat, relegated to the background and hardly remembered.
“But ODSI has come to their rescue, knowing that we all gathered here will one day get old. In the same light and in line with our organisation’s vision, mission and set out objectives, the launch for the appeal fund was commenced in earnest through vigorous and well-mapped out sponsorship drive, with a view to achieving and leaving behind a legacy in our town, Ozubulu,” she said.
Uzokwe explained that Ozubulu’s population was largely made up of elderly parents, uncles and, adding that most young people would travel outside the community, leaving behind vulnerable elders.
She said the establishment, when functional, would be run by professionals that would keep a proper account of day-to-day activities. According to her, this would show that every kobo raised and realised would be utilised for the right purpose.
The organisation also honoured some sons and daughters of Ozubulu with awards. Their exemplary achievements were an inspiration and a beacon of hope to the community, the organisation said.
“We are proud to present them with the knowledge that each and every one of our awardees today, in the tradition of Hallmarks of Initiative Role Model Awards, cannot be faulted. They are those who have distinguished themselves in the development of our great town Ozubulu,” Uzokwe said.
She also charged Ozubulu women to make a difference in the organisation, initiate worthwhile projects and programmes and serve with passion.
Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Anambra State, Lady Ndidi Mezue, who represented Governor Willie Obiano, congratulated ODSI for their initiative. She described the initiative as laudable and worthy of emulation: “I feel great about this project. They are my people and I am proud of them. They will have my support. I am going to follow the project through. The initiative is great and awesome.”
She also charged ODSI to make judicious use of the money raised at the event.
“On the money realised here today, I trust them because I know they are going to execute the project. The money, as we all know, is meant for a particular project. I know my people. They will deliver,” she said.
Obi of Ozubulu, lgwe Nnamdi Oruche (Ugodinobi Okeife II) was the Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Norbert Mbaegbu was Father of the Day.
Others present at the event were Hon. Peter Uzokwe, president-general, Ozubulu Development Union; Chief Chigozie Anagwu, Osuofia Ozubulu (who was chief launcher); Ichie George Igboegwu, patron and an awardee; another awardee, Chief Goddy Agbasi; Dr. Oge Okeke, matron of the organisation; Mrs. Ngozi Joyce Igwe Nzelu and a host of others.