By Don Peter Okoro JP-UN
A well structured and properly organised Foundation to take good care of the Elderly and Vulnerable members of the society has been inaugurated in Awka, Anambra State. It is known as: Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena HECHARENA Foundation. It is the brain child of Chief Lady Vera Urunwa Ikokwu Osinigwe Oraifite, Ezenwayi Okija.
It was inaugurated and made public on Friday, the 6th of December 2024 at the Conference Hall of Hilton Leisure Hotels, Awka, Anambra State, with many Dignitaries in attendance. In her speech, the Founder/President of the Foundation, Chief Lady Vera Ikokwu noted that the core focus of HECHARENA is to address the health challenges that disproportionately affect the elderly. She stated that:
“Aging brings with it a unique set of physical and mental issues, such as chronic illnesses, mobility impairment and mental health conditions like depression and dementia. Yet these challenges are often overlooked, leaving many senior citizens without the care they need.
HECHARENA is committed to filling the gap by providing specialized services that cater for the physical, emotional and mental health needs of the elderly with compassion and expertise.” The Foundation also has a vision of establishing Nursing and Old Peoples Homes across the length and breadth of the state. Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Prince Udeh- Ubaka, Uba Victor Eze Kum of the Oraifite Royal Dynasty, stated that the necessity of a Foundation as this at such a time as this cannot be overe-mphasized.
He pointed out that HECHARENA Foundation is totally dedicated and committed to the well-being and welfare of the elderly and vulnerable members of the society. He pleaded that old and vulnerable people should no longer be allowed to suffer in pains without assistance. He therefore called on men and women of goodwill to rally round and make the vision a success.
The Chairman of the Governing Board, Chief Onyeka Michael Obidi (Akuenwebe Enugu- Ukwu n’ Umunri) stated that HECHARENA is a Foundation he loves so much and the reason he is involved is because he is looking up to God to be an old man someday. In his words:” I believe that an old man is a blessing to every other human being.” On his message to the members, he replied:”My message is for us to do a good job and make them look good and happy. Once they are happy, we are happy. If they are happy, the only call you will be receiving is that mama needs more provision and you send it.”
On their plans, he revealed:”We have good plans to build Old Peoples Homes for them so that you don’t need to stress yourself to come take care of your aged parents. A place they will be happy to stay.”
On her part, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chief Ify Obinabo, stated that what Lady Vera Ikokwu is doing is in line with Governor Soludo Administration’s vision for people in the diaspora to come back and join hands to develop the state. In her comment, the former Commissioner For Women Affairs and Social Welfare Hon Bridget Obi who is equally the Director, Government Relations and Strategy for HECHARENA Foundation stated that she is very glad to identify with the Foundation. She pointed out that it is also her heartbeat to take care of the elderlies and vulnerables in the society and promised to use her contacts and connections to advance the cause of the Foundation. Hon Bridget Obi who has a great reputation of being kind and compassionate, especially to the less privileged members of the society, pledged her commitment towards making the Old Peoples Home a reality.
In his contribution, the young and dynamic MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr Christopher Molokwu, offered to support the Foundation in any way they deem fit, especially in the areas of media and publicity. The guest speaker, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor Ichie Nzedike Oraifite, spoke on Back To Nature And To True Culture With HECHARENA Foundation. Over 1000 Elderlies benefitted from the program. They were entertained with music, drama, and First Aid Instructions. Each and every one of them went back home with a fat envelope for their logistics. It was indeed a great outing for the elderlies.