NGO vows to sustain drive to support vulnerable persons in Abia
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
A Non-governmental/profit making organisation known as The Holy Infant Jesus Pilgrim Centre has renewed commitment to supporting vulnerable persons in Abia State while calling for support from the state government and good spirited individuals.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Mrs Ezeala Benny Nkechi-Ugo, made the call during a
campaign to raise funds for the establishment of the organization’s permanent headquarters and other facilities aimed at improving the welfare of disadvantaged members of society.
She said the organisation was established to provide support and hope to vulnerable members of society, including unemployed persons and widows.
She said, “This centre provides material assistance to beneficiaries to help them meet their basic needs, while also visiting communities to educate young people and other residents on moral values.
“Our programmes include campaigns against prostitution, drug abuse, cultism and other social vices, as well as the teaching of Christian values aimed at strengthening people spiritually and morally.
“We want to raise not just people who are fed, but people who are morally upright, spiritually strong and useful to society.”
She noted that society is currently confronted with several challenges, including moral decay, drug abuse among youths, cultism, internet fraud, sexual and gender-based violence, prostitution, disrespect for elders and broken homes.
The CEO stressed that providing food and material assistance alone was not enough, adding that good character and moral values must also be promoted.
“Our centre plans to introduce moral re-armament and character training for children and youths, family values and responsible parenting classes for women and widows, citizenship and ethics training, as well as counselling against drug abuse, cultism and other forms of crime.” She added.
She appealed to the government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and individuals to support the organisation’s Phase One project, which includes acquiring land, establishing a charity unit and constructing a moral training hall and headquarters.
She also identified inadequate mobility as one of the major challenges facing the organisation, explaining that members often have to charter tricycles to reach communities and carry out their humanitarian activities.
The Chief of Staff to the Abia Governor, Caleb Ajagba, PhD, commended the founder and management of the Holy Infant Jesus Pilgrim Centre for the initiative.
Ajagba who was represented the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Igwe Samuel, lauded the organisation for focusing on vulnerable and physically challenged persons, whom he said were often neglected in society.
He assured assured the organisation of the state government’s support for its project, while encouraging the organisers to remain committed to their humanitarian work.
Ajagba urged members of the public and other stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote positive values and improve the lives of vulnerable people in society.
In a remark Barr. Blessing Hezekiah, expressed appreciation to guests and supporters for attending the fundraising event.
She commended the Holy Infant Jesus Pilgrim Centre for its efforts to give hope to the hopeless and expressed optimism that the organisation would continue to grow and achieve the objectives for which it was established.
The fundraising launch, which attracted dignitaries, government representatives, members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities and other stakeholders, was held as part of efforts to mobilise support for the organisation’s humanitarian and moral development programmes.
Participants during the event.