Olori Wuraola Enitan Ogunwusi: My husband, first a sweet soul before anything else
— 29th January 2017
In her white flowing regalia, wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Wuraola Enitan Ogunwusi looks elegantly beautiful and charming as she talked about her dreams and aspirations to alleviate the suffering of orphans in South-west Nigeria. She also spoke about her lifestyle, her husband and other issues. Excerpts:
Olori, can you tell us why you’re passionate about orphans in the southwest?
Orphans are our collective responsibility. Anyone could have been an orphan. Where we are born and our parents are among decisions God makes for us. It’s not as if God actually intended for them to be born without parents! Someone brought them into this world—two people actually! It has always been God’s intention for the two people that gave birth to a child, to rear the child but when circumstances occur, some children become deprived of their parents. They’re then left to the sense of responsibility, compassion and milk of human kindness of a society, to nurture them and give them a sense of belonging and self-worth. God depends on us to do it. So, I had to step into the turf and do my own bit with the help of my husband and other supporters. So much needs to be done. If children under their parents can lack, imagine the plight of those without parents? I wish everyone would visit an orphanage once in a while. Even the smallest token from all of us can go a long way when put together.
Does your upbringing have anything to do with it or is it the upbringing of any close pal of yours?
In so many ways, there is an element of my childhood that motivates me to help. You see, nostalgia is part of life. These are moments you smile secretly when you come across situations that elicit fond memories of your childhood. Then you think of these orphans, whatever childhood memories they have are beclouded by the reality that they’re orphans. Look, no matter how poor a person’s background, there is always pride in saying, “My father was this” and “My mother did that” and “My brother used to say that” or “I have an uncle or an aunt that was this and that!” The reason most orphans end up as miscreants is because they’re rejected. They were unloved and un-owned! To them, no one really cares! From that early age, they often know that their lives are precarious. That alone dims their will to struggle for their niche in society.
So, the core of my effort is to love them and share myself with them. To let them know that someone cares, because they are humans and deserve love as well. I’m motivated to let them know that I am always there for them to run to, to listen to them and to defend them just like any other parent. I am trying to let them know that they have a mother somewhere as well. They are not abandoned and they are not a burden on society. It’s my sincere hope and wish that we lay solid foundations for these children and they have a great future!
Our Give Back concert, for instance, will be the greatest gift to these children. They will take pictures that will last them a lifetime. For the rest of their lives, they’ll remember, “this was taken when Olori took us to see Tuface and Dare Art Alade”. They will remember. It will make all the difference. They will feel cherished and resolve not to “let someone down”—someone who hoped for and expected their success. I want to be that person. That’s how far a little thing can go. Yes, I want to give them a childhood worthy of nostalgia.
Can you elaborate on the concert?
Yes, the concert will take place at Eko Hotel on February 24th. February is the month of love; I want to make it an opportunity for giving love to these children. I am enlisting the support of anyone who wants to help. Please come; together we can do a lot. It will be a superlative and super exclusive event. The cream of Nigerian artistes will perform and top screen celebs have also been invited. Twenty orphanages selected from across western Nigeria will be involved. It’s a fundraiser too and the proceeds will be channeled back into refurbishing these orphanages, feeding the children, educational facilities and providing them better healthcare.
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courtesy.
NIGERIAN ORPHANAGES NETWORK. +2348030485016 www.nigerianorphanages.blogspo |
