Rev Mother Elemchukwu Ifechikwuru and one of the girls from the orphanage
Every year in Delta State, the Unsung Heroes award is held to honour those contributing in one way or the other, to impact positively in their communities. Usually, the heroes are not the type the media sing praises of but, their contributions to humanity and their immediate environments are unquantifiable hence they are branded ‘Unsung Heroes’.
During the last Unsung Heroes Award in Asaba, one of the awardees, Reverend Mother Elechukwu Ifechikwuru caught the attention of National Point.
Reverend Mother Elechukwu is based in Okpanam, Asaba Capital Territory where she operates the Paracletan Orphanage Home. She spoke to Dave Okpogadie, National Point’s Delta State Correspondent on how she started her orphanage.
Excerpts:
How did you start the orphanage and what actually motivated you?
My motivation came from saving a child; a young girl who wanted desperately to abort the baby she was carrying. I was able to convince her to keep the pregnancy. So after giving birth to that child, I was able to appreciate the child immediately I carried the baby. I said to myself, if I could save this child, I could save life. That was what motivated me.
That was how many years ago?
That was 2010.
Today how many children do you have in the orphanage?
Presently there are 12 kids but about 50 kids have passed through the orphanage. I adopt them and I give them life and some I reconcile with their families and they will go with their kids.
Do you get any form of support from government or organizations?
Never! This is the first time I am being involved in awards. All my support come from my personal earnings and some individuals.
Any message to the general public?
All I can say is that it is always better to give than to receive. If we all can imbibe the culture of giving, the world would be a better place and we can change the whole world without waiting for the government.
