By Uzo Ugwunze
Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), under the Touch-A-Life Housing Initiative has donated 10 sets of fully furnished two bedroom bungalows to 10 indigent widows in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The beneficiaries were handed over keys to the facilities worth N200million after their commissioning by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in company of wife of Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Karimatu Mohammed Ali Pate, Speaker, State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze and other dignitaries.
Speaking during the occasion, Governor Soludo commended the benefactor for his benevolence, calling on other well-to-do individuals to emulate the gesture.
He pledged enforcement of laws against oppressive practices in Anambra burial laws, including forceful shaving of widows’ hair; just he promised to contribute to the widows’ upkeep through their cooperatives.
“We’ve come to celebrate humanity, Sir E and his wife for living out the admonition of doing the work of God while we’re here on earth. No one is too poor to give or too rich to receive.
“Oraifite community is privileged to have men of timber and caliber like Emeka Offor. We call on everyone to keep partnering with government for the growth and development of the State,” he stated.
Vice President, SEOF and President, Touch-A-Life Housing Initiative, Dr. Adaora Offor said the project was born out of deep awareness of injustices being metted on widows in the society.
She called on government at all levels to reconsider laws that dehumanize widows, enact legislation targeted at protecting vulnerable women as well as policies to ensure widows were treated as respectable persons with right to their properties.
She said, “Let me speak frankly about the reality faced by widows in our society. In many parts of Nigeria, we have come to accept as normal what is, in truth, profoundly abnormal.
“We have accepted laws and traditions that strip women of their dignity simply because they have lost their husbands. We stand by as they are forced to drink water used to wash their husband’s corpse. We remain silent as they are denied their right to inheritance and cast out of their homes—all in the name of tradition.
“The Touch-A-Life Project was born out of a deep awareness of these injustices. A woman does not lose her rightful place in society simply because she has lost her husband—that is the essence of a just world. What some call tradition is, in truth, oppression disguised as culture.
“Today, as we commission these houses, we are not merely constructing buildings; we are making a bold statement: widows deserve dignity, respect, and safety.
“I say this to everyone here today: You don’t have to build houses to make a difference. If you can speak, speak up against these injustices. If you can write, document these stories. If you can do neither, stand in solidarity with these women. But please, don’t be silent. Don’t be passive. The cost of inaction is too high.
“A woman does not lose her rightful place in society simply because she has lost her husband—that is the essence of a just world.
“These houses we’re commissioning today are more than buildings; they are models of what is possible when we choose to act. They represent hope, dignity, and a fresh start. We invite others to replicate this initiative in whatever capacity they can. Start small if you must, but start somewhere.”
Appreciating her husband for creating the platform for her to give back to society, Offor also thanked Soludo who she described as solid supporter of the foundation’s vision and unmovable brother, just as she appreciated her parents for their encouragement.
“I acknowledge the man who trusted me, gave me wings to fly, a platform to shine on, and a rare opportunity to make an impact. I attest to the uncommon vision and generosity of my husband, Sir Dr. Emeka Offor, whose heart beats in rhythm with those who need such support the most.
“Your commitment to uplifting others, my dear husband, remains a beacon of hope that serves as an inspiration not only to me but also to several others who witness your acts of kindness daily.
“Permit me to recognise our hardworking state Governor, His Excellency Professor Charles Soludo CFR, a committed and passionate servant leader, whose love for our state is immeasurable.
“He has remained a solid supporter of our vision in the Foundation and an unmovable brother to my dear husband and myself. In the same vein, I also want to recognise my dear Sister and the Mother of our dear State, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo. Her support and prayers has remained constant.
“Permit me to recognize and appreciate the wife of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Karimatu Mohammed Ali Pate. She has remained not just a Sister and Friend but an ardent believer in everything we do to positively impact humanity.
“I want to use this opportunity to acknowledge my parents, Chief Okey and Mrs Obiamaka Ufondu for their encouragement on my chosen path and endless support, even when they do not exactly understand it. Their support has kept my candle burning.
“I won’t also fail to recognise and appreciate Mr Tope Borishade, the Executive Chairman of Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd. (ICNL). For over Four years, Tope has remained a consistent supporter of the Touch-A-Life Housing project. My God, who sees you in secret, will publicly reward you,” she added.
Describing the 4-year old Housing initiative as one birthed from emotional encounter, the SEOF VP recalled the pitiable sight of a woman who slept in a store where she was exposed to the harsh realities of life.
Her words, “We all remember how we stood on empty land with nothing but hope and determination. I also remember vividly the day we completed our pilot house – a humble edifice that represented so much more than just bricks and mortar. It stood as a beacon of hope and a testament to possibility.
“That one house became our blueprint for change and took us into Phase Two, which we gladly commissioned last November by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I won’t fail to recognise a list of amazing individuals whose passion and dedication have continued to fuel this journey. AIG Chris Okey Ezike Rtd, Sir Tony Obi, PDG Ijeoma Okoro, Rt Hon Ikenna Ofodeme (Owelle), Revd Canon Chamberlain Igwenazo, Revd Uche Offor, Mr Peter Onuh and so many other that space and time will not permit me to mention.
“Four years ago, these wonderful human beings prayerfully agreed to join this vision and have remained tirelessly committed. I am indeed, grateful.
Offor further seized the occasion to condole with families of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Onyeka Onwenu who she described as great sympathizers of the foundation’s vision.
“Today, as we commission these new houses, my heart swells with joy, yet aches with sorrow. We lost two great sympathizers of our cause this year: Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ubah and Honourable Onyeka Onwenu.
“Senator Ubah was never absent from our functions; he supported us not only financially but also with his presence and words of encouragement; and dear Honourable Onwenu – I can still see her walking these grounds during the foundation stone laying ceremony, praying with our widows, dancing with them and sharing their tears. She promised to be here today. Life’s journey is truly unpredictable.
“These losses remind us that life is short, but impact lasts forever. We, at the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation will remember them well by continuing the good work of mercy and service to humanity.
“Thank you all for being part of this journey. Together, let us continue to build not just houses, but hope. May our collective efforts continue to light the path toward justice and humanity,” she added.
The benefactor, Sir Emeka Offor praised the wife and others who contributed towards realizing the projects, promising continued support for subsequent phases.
Earlier, Chief of Staff of Sir Emeka Offor, AIG Chris Ezike (rtd) said the beneficiaries were selected through rigorous process, revealing that the fully furnished facilities included Television sets with a year DSTV subscription.
“We’re here to celebrate excellence and special accomplishments by a man and his wife on mission for God and philantropic activities for over 30years. The concept is to give hope to the hopeless and to welcome them back from the journey of sadness.
“The bungalows were built from start to finish by the foundation. Phase 1 of the housing project is done, Phase 2 is dusted and today Phase 3 is fully accomplished,” he added.
