INTRODUCTION
The foundation was set up to commemorate the late Charles and Doosurgh Abaagu. The foundation mission is to advance the human security, dignity and education of youths and children in Nigeria. The foundation provides mentoring, mental and psychological counseling, inspirational talks and grant scholarship opportunities to youths and children of some communities in Nigeria.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE
The ceremony started with a Holy mass presided by Rev. Fr. Theophilus Osugh, where Rev. Fr.Solomon Ujah delivered the sermon. In his message, he encouraged the congregation to love God and hold him in high esteem, he stated the lack of love among Christians and encouraged promotion of love among Christians. He emphasised how sometimes life confronts us with pain, frustration, and disaster but as Christians,we should have the courage to call on God and he will save and answer us. Heencouragedthepeople to leave a legacy behind that people will remember whenthey are gone.
AWARENESS RAISING ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The event started at about 11.45 and was anchored by Mr. Theophilus Amazembawho urged parents on the importance of raising their children in the right path so they will not be involved in bad behaviour such as cyber-crime, cultism, robbery, prostitution, drugs etc.He introduced Mr Cliff Gai and Mr John Baaki of women environmental programme (WEP) as facilitators of the event.
In his remarks, Mr Cliff Gai addressed the community on child trafficking and drugs, associetal issues. Stating that people should not always blame the government. He emphasised on the need for parents to take care of their children and monitor their activities and question any odd behaviour. He urged parents to ensure a background check on individuals or relations who are in the city and come asking to take the children as house help to the cities, as most of these children face slavery, abuse and cannot speak up for themselves which the aftermath results to trauma and has a psychological effect on the children. Speaking further, heurged parents on the need of teaching their children societal values and respect to build future leaders.
Mr John Baaki enlightened the community on the laws and policies that aim to address human trafficking. He further stated the insecurities happening in our country, communities and homes, he stated how some fathers abuse their daughters sexually, young girls have been used as baby factories, children hulking on the street instead of going to school, that such offenses are punishable by law. He also enlightens the community on laws prohibiting violence against women and men (gender base violence) and children.
Mrs Elizabeth Ijeyol speaking at the event encouraged the women to take the responsibility of building their homes as women are society builders.
She further stated that parents should provide for their children as lack can lead their children to get involved in bad behaviour which can eventually lead to depression.
TESTIMONIES
Testimonies from beneficiaries of Charles and Doosurgh Abaagu foundation.
- The students of Saint Charles secondary school Apa-Ogbozu who were present at the event expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the foundation for sponsoring them and other students through school, and for donating the computers to enable them learn computer science skills.
- One of the beneficiaries Miss Chivirter appreciated the foundation for putting her through higher institution and giving her a befitting job.
Other civil society organisations who were present at the event came out to appreciate Dr Priscilla for her good works and for supporting other small NGOs. They expressed their desire to support the foundation to enable her sponsor more children.
Kwande sisters united represented by Mrs Juliet Wombo appreciated the foundation and its good works to humanity.
CLOSING REMARKS
Dr Priscilla Achakpa, speaking at the event, appreciated all who came to grace the occasion. Most especially WEP staff for standing by her throughout the process, she gave a brief history of Charles and Doosurgh Abaagu’s passing on,and the need to keep their good memories alive through the foundation. She stated the activities the foundation has carried out such as: granting scholarship to the less privilege children at both secondary and tertiary level, visiting: prisons and granting bails to some prisoners who have no one, hospitals to provide for mothers and children and pay bills, the less privilege and orphanage homes. She acknowledged all who supported her in ensuring the event was a success.
Speaking further at the event, Dr Pricilla Achakpa declared more scholarship to disadvantaged children of Gajir Tombo-Mbaya community under the Charles and Doosurgh Abaagu foundation, Dr Priscilla appreciated the host Rev. father Theophilus Osug the officiating priest, and Rev.Fr. Solomon Ujah for ensuring the memorial was a success. she also promised to organise summer lessons for fifty students of Saint Charles secondary school Apa-Ogbozu Agatu Local Government of Benue State.
CLOSING
The event came to a close at about 4:00pm with the presentation of some gifts like customized mugs and baskets to the community women and refreshment.