Owerri agog as Uloma Rochas Nwosu unveils Elfreeda Foundation + Exclusive Photos
By AZUH AMATUS
It was the gathering of heavy weights recently in Owerri, the serene capital of Imo State, when Mrs. Uloma Rochas Nwosu, unveiled her pet project- Elfreeda Foundation in a grand style.
Elfreeda Foundation is an open shelter that provides basic needs for homeless women and children.
The ceremony was graciously chaired by the wife of the acting president, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, who also doubled as the special guest of honour.
The glamorous and high-octane event was also graced by the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, his amiable wife, Nneoma and chief of staff, Honourable Uche Nwosu.
Several other dignitaries from different walks of life also stormed the epoch gathering which held at the posh Imo Trade And Investment Centre.
In her welcome address, visibly elated Uloma Rochas Nwosu, thanked all for coming to witness and support the birth of her pet project, which she revealed was conceived when she was a teenager.
Shedding more light on what they do at Elfreeda Foundation, beautiful and cerebral Uloma, who is the first daughter of Owelle Okorocha, disclosed that they strive everyday to create a safe haven where homeless women and children find stability and access to the basic needs of life.
“We have four key departments at Elfreeda Foundation and they include the Shelter, Thrift Store, Food Bank and Resource Centre. They all work together to help achieve our basic goals and needs for the society.
For example, the Shelter is a 100 bed temporary facility where homeless women and children are welcomed and cared for. They are allowed to stay for the night or for a minimum of 30 days and are provided with a bed a meal a day.”
Speaking further, Uloma stated that the Thrift Store provides clothing for homeless women and children in need and also supports the foundation’s funding.
“Here donations from individuals, partners and organisations will be retailed at minimal prices to the public. The third is our Food Bank, which ensures that homeless women and children under Elfreeda Foundation have a meal a day. We appeal for donations from well meaning individuals, partners and organisations.
And lastly, is our Resource Centre, which provides counselling, guidance and one on one help to those in need. We continually do this to ensure that homeless women and children build stable and independent lives as they get integrated into the society.”
Uloma who was full of appreciation to her parents and family for their support in birthing this laudable initiative, called on all to get involved by donating, volunteering and amplifying through massive awareness.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Mrs. Osinbajo, who commended the founder’s bold initiative, also called on well meaning Nigerians to support noble causes like this, especially those geared towards alleviating the sufferings of vulnerable women and children in the society.
Owelle Okorocha, who beamed with smiles while the grand gathering lasted, in his address hailed his daughter for taking the bold step and daring to tread where many had failed.
Okorocha, a philanthropist extraordinaire and founder of the ubiquitous Rochas Foundation, pledged his unflinching support to the actualisation of Elfreeda Foundation, which he declared has come to stay.
Amazingly, aside the presence of some leading Nollywood stars, who added glamour and glitz to the gathering with their famous faces and personalities, the historic unveiling also featured a fashion show with elegant models strutting the run ways in poise, power and elegance.
