Notably,
focus was lost on the teeming children rescued by the Governor through
the Rochas Foundation. The children, drawn from several African
countries were specially honoured by the celebrant and the expectation
was that the milk of kindness and heart of compassion essential in
defining the essential Rochas, more so because this aspect of the man's
worldview and commitment to philanthropy had not been exposed.
Granted
that the Rochas Foundation had been known to engage in charity even
before Owelle became Governor, with schools in parts of Nigeria, many
had thought that the activities of the group was restricted or confined
to Nigeria alone.
Thus,
the 55th birthday celebrations provided a rare opportunity to unveil
the politician's heart of gold and it's broad extension to several
African countries as well as the chilly stories of abandonment, neglect,
excruciating hunger and deprivation that was the lot of the children
until they were rescued by the Rochas Foundation.
Of
course, the visit of Jacob Zuma and the unveiling of a statue and road
named after him blighted other important aspects of the ceremonies as
well as benefits to Imo State. And the Governor was portrayed as
insensitive, obtuse and outright stubborn, a clear deviation from the
objective that informed the visit in the first place.
Notwithstanding
the controversy trailing the visit of the South African Leader special
focus or attention must be given to the philanthropy that has
unquestionably made a Rochas an outstanding personality in the black
continent. It will be a great disservice to humanity to do otherwise.
Unknown
to many of his critics, the Governor had meant to reserve a special
place for the African child as part of activities to mark his 55th
birthday. Though considered rather ambitious by close aides and those
who make up his kitchen cabinets, Owelle was determined to see the
project to a hasty start, a fact that even the worst traducers cannot
wish away.
The
plan, according to insiders was for the setting up of Rochas Foundation
College of Africa in Owerri, capital of Imo State with five orphaned
children from 55 African countries. Meaning that the school is to have
275 children for its take off. A bold and audacious project no doubt.
Of
course, the dream became a reality and the children resumed at the
beginning of the first term of academic calender for the 2017/2018
school year. Sadly, not many knew of this historic and unprecedented
feat. And the benefit of these children to the State and the
significance of this rare act of charity was banished to ignominy.
Perhaps,
it may be necessary at this stage to highlight the story of the
children from Liberia on whom fate has smiled on and are today part of
the the Rochas Foundation College of Africa in Owerri. Their chilly
stories undoubtedly epitomises and mirrors what has become the
circumstance and life of other children in the school.
First
is Hada Sue who lost her mother during childbirth. She has never seen
her father since she was born but believes he may still be alive. She
had been surviving in a local orphanage until Rochas Foundation found
her. Today, she's among those who have found hope and by reason of
being given the opportunity of a good education that even the sky cannot
hinder her goals or stop her from fulfilling destiny.
The
story of Hawa Karsieh is no less interesting. She lost her mother in
2011 and her father in 2012. Life as an orphan had been very difficult
for her. She was in an orphanage boarding school unsure of what the
future holds or would offer until Rochas foundation found her. Again,
she has a song of renewed hope on her lips. And feelings of despair that
was her lot in the past has totally disappeared.
For
Abdulah Farsahwuo, Rochas Foundation was God sent. The dreaded Ebola had
abruptly altered his destiny and dealt him a deadly blow never to be
forgotten. Everyone simply pointed at him as the orphan who survived
Ebola. The Ebola pandemic almost wiped out his entire family including
his father and mother. The young Abdulah was living with his aunt as a
house help without going to school until Rochas foundation found him.
The opportunity of being in school has imbued feelings of nostalgia and
euphoria alike. On one hand he is extremely happy that Rochas has filled
the void he lost while wishing that children back home in Liberia could
find someone with similar heart of gold to rescue them. But, he's
almost sure that tomorrow will bring good tidying courtesy of Rochas
Foundation.
In
the case of Kokuloi Mulbah, he found out early that fate can sometimes
be cruel and wicked. Talk of a child who grew up deprived! Kokuloi lost
his mother at a very young age. He has never met his father since he was
born. Neither does he know if the man is alive. He used to live in a
local community in a remote part of Liberia with no access road. He has
not recovered from the circumstance of how he was discovered Rochas
Foundation. Eternal gratitude to the Governor and his family remains a
song on the lips of Kokuloi.
Musu Masaaki, the fifth Liberian child equally had a tale of woe before he was rescued by Rochas Foundation. She is among the 275 children in the school in Owerri. She is also one of the kids who survived the killer disease known as Ebola. She was banished to a home, forlorn and sad until hope came through the Imo State Chief Executive.
By
and large, it is definitely impossible to seek to tell the story of 275
orphans quartered and learning in the Rochas Foundation College of
Africa in Owerri. It is also possible that the stories of these children
and circumstances of how they were picked may never be told. It is
even doubtful if the man behind this noble project would really tolerate
real focus of these children to whom he has come to be known and
regarded as a father.
But
it would be uncharitable, albeit unAfrican not to appreciate this
unprecedented display of philanthropy. And posterity would definitely be
kind to him each time attempt is made to review what Rochas has done.
Yes, he may have some flaws as any human being. Some mistakes could also
be traced to him since he is fallible. No one, it must be stated could
wish away or forget Owelle who opened his heart and showed love to
children of Africa. About time this reality or fact sinks!
Bekee Igwe writes from Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
Credit: LIB
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