By Okhide Em’ya David .
For 43 years, since the School for the Developmentally Challenged, Hearing and Visually Impaired was built by the government at Ukhegie Street, off Isekhere Road, Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria, an essential human need like water has never been in regular supply.
The narrative, however changed recently when a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO), founded by 34-year old Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila’s Isaiah 58 Mandate, donated a 10,000-water gallon borehole.
It was a sight to behold when the pupils of the school and other disabled persons invited to the occasion displayed various entertainment skills from intuitive dancing as well as singing of National Anthem by the deaf while the blind performed cultural dances.
The audience who could not help but endlessly applaud the students’ rare display of sophisticated artistry predicted that in the next decade many “celebrities” will emerge amongst them.
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, before unveiling the project commended the donour, Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila whom he described in golden colours as a rare gem, standard vision bearer for the progress of Edo people and indeed Nigeria and prayed God to replenish her financial bounty. .
Obaseki who was represented by an adviser on special Education, Osariemqwn Osaigbaekhoe called on other kind-hearted Edo “Sons and Daughters especially in the Diaspora to emulate her and partner with him in the onerous task of repositioning the State. “.
Founder, Isaiah 58 Mandate, Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila, said while addressing uests, school children that the NGO dates backs to 9 years ago and has carried out several donations of food items, rehabilitation, workshops, end of year events for orphans and vulnerable children, medical bill settlement for indigent children, as well as providing maternal health support.
Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila said inspiration to execute the borehole project which costs about 3 million Naira was received from the ” holy ghost ” and it came after having a cup of clean water where it suddenly occurred to her that many people may not have access to portable water.
She said on enquiry they were informed that since inception, the school which houses 700 Physically challenged Children had lacked water in its premises .
She commended the Chairman, Edo State Basic Education Board, Dr Joan Oviawe and other officials and staff of the Board, for their technical support during approval, execution and commissioning of the Project.
Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila paid glowing tributes to her parents for their unreserved kindness and support for her philanthropic activities which is berthed on the Biblical ” givers never lack ” philosophy, saying her mother Mrs. Mercy Bazuaye would accompany her to various markets to buy food items and others to give to the needy..
She says the water borehole project will not only provide light to the schools as well as the adjoining Ivbiore Primary School, but has extended both light and reticulated water supply to the school’s neighbors, adding that it is the sincere hope of the NGO that* there will be clean water for all by 2024.
In his speech, her uncle and the Aiwwrioghene of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osatohamwen Bazuaye said they were very proud of the philanthropist and prayed God to continuously guide her towards achieving her goals in life.
Chief Bazuaye enjoined the beneficiaries, ( school pupils ) school authorities and general community to take the project as their own and protect it against vandals.
The father of the day Engineer Albert Bazuaye described his daughter as a unique child adding that her philanthropy dates back to her early childhood, remaking that even while in primary school, she always wanted sweets bought for her and her friends.
Engineer Bazuaye said “Gifting is in Naomi’s spirit,” and prayed God to sustain the human kindness in her as well as bless her to find fulfilment in her endeavors.
Others who spoke at the event included Director, Edo State based Management Committee, Mr. Nosakhare Obaduagboyi.
Highlights of the event was the commissioning of the water Borehole and handing it over to the beneficiaries as well as feeding of the 700 Children of the school and other guests.
Naomi Bazuaye Uwaila is a seasoned energetic individual, skilled in financial planning and investment, and analysis projection as well as credit risk management for individuals, companies and corporations.
Currently a Phd Student in Canada, she has an MBA in Finance, an MSc in Financial Risk Services and Operations, with a B.Sc in Accounting. She has extended training in Development courses in Creative thinking as well as Design Thinking.
