By Patrick Ochei
At the Great Saints Orphanage along Issele-Mkpitime road, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, one could see the palpable joy on the faces of staff and children of the Home when a fully loaded pickup van was discharged of food items ranging from bags of rice, bags of beans, bags of garri, bags of onion, cartons of noodles, gallons of both red and groundnut oil, cartons of tomato paste and spices, cartons of Yale bread, tubers of yam, detergents, drinks, roles of tissue paper and many others.
The above is courtesy of the North American Youth wing of the Issele-Uku Association of North America (IUANA), whose President, Master Chibuzor Umemezie was in Issele-Uku to personally present the items to the Orphanage in fulfillment of their annual agenda towards the vulnerable children in Issele-Uku.
Umemezie commended the Orphanage handlers for their love and care in protecting and grooming the children towards becoming a better version of themselves in the future.
He conveyed the greetings of the entire members of the group, assuring them that the North American Youth body was committed to ensuring that the vulnerable children at home are not abandoned while others lavishly celebrate the yuletide season.
“I assure you of our commitment to making sure that everything goes well with you guys for as much as we can. We started this programme with you last year under the platform of the DMV Youth, and we have come to register our presence in your wellbeing this year as the entire North American Youth. We shall continue to do our possible best to better your lives and welfare.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate our dear King, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE) for his exemplary leadership that has seen progress take root in our native home. He has been a good Royal Father to us, and he has taught us the virtue of selfless giving towards community growth and development.
“For every other person who has been collaborating with us, we are deeply appreciative of your kind gestures. We hope that this partnership continues to fester and produce better results as the years go by”, Umemezie affirmed.
In her response for the charity extended to the Orphanage, the Secretary of the Orphanage, Mrs. Confidence Nweke commended the group for their thoughtfulness and show of love towards them in the past and now.
She acknowledged that the DMV Youth Chapter of IUANA brought numerous inexhaustible items to them last year, and now, the North American Youth body has done much more. She stated that this year’s gifts were massive, covering most of the basic things needed at the Orphanage.
Nweke appreciated those who have always had the Orphanage in their remembrance to link up for gestures such as this. She said that the revered monarch of Issele-Uku has been an awesome father to all, including the likes of Chief Barr. Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, Princess Barr. Mrs. Nwoko, Comrade Patrick Ochei and others who constantly showed love and care for the Orphanage.
The visit was monumental, even with the quiet atmosphere in Issele-Uku, due to an unfortunate loss of a prominent son of the land.
Meanwhile, the following formed the delegation that visited; Master Chibuzor Umemezie, Master Isioma Umemezie, Barr. Mrs. Nwoko and Comrade Patrick Ochei, while Mrs. Confidence Nweke and Mrs. Mmakwe Florence, Secretary and Matron of the Orphanage respectively received the visitors on behalf of the UK based founder and CEO, Mr. Emeka Ezeagbor.
From the North American Youth Association, the 2025 reach-out programme for the Great Saints Orphanage, Issele-Uku was vigorously coordinated and executed by the President, Master Chibuzor Umemezie, Vice President, Master Clement Onyebadi, Advisor, Emi Ogwu (nee Nwabueze) and others.
