Sir Emeka Offor Foundation

Polio Eradication Exercise to Hold in Oraifite

“It is unacceptable that polio continues to infect our children and cause such suffering in Nigeria.” Sir Emeka Offor

There is no denying the fact that the polio scourge has become a challenge to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Its effect continues to hunt us because of several reasons that have to do with culture, religion among others. In Nigeria for example, and according to polio Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Nigeria is believed to have one of the most entrenched reservoirs of wild poliovirus in the world. It is the only country with on-going transmission of all three serotypes: wild poliovirus type 1, wild poliovirus type 3, and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. States in the north of the country are the main source of polio infections elsewhere in Nigeria and in neighbouring countries. In 2009, operational improvements in these northern states led to a 90% decline in cases of wild poliovirus type 1 and a 50% decline in overall cases compared with 2008.

Several efforts in the last couple of years have witnessed a level of reduction in polio cases across the country. Quite recently, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, noted that the Federal Government would partner with leading stakeholders in order to eradicate polio by the end of 2014. This was made known after Nigeria’s impressive performance on polio eradication in 2012 and 2013 provided a clear indicator that the country would end polio transmission at the end of this year. Despite the aggressive drive by the current government to see that polio is eradicated from our society, some individuals have taken up the challenge even more aggressively to fill the vacuum left. One of such individual is Sir Emeka Offor, the founder of The Chrome Group, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous multinational businesses with subsidiaries operating in oil and gas exploration and production, oil and gas servicing, engineering, insurance, logistics and power industries.

Through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), efforts are underway in partnership with Rotary Club to kick-off the National Immunization Day in Oraifite, Anambra State on March 1st 2014. The exercise, which is one of the myriads of philanthropic commitments of SEOF, is geared towards global efforts in polio eradication. The founder of SEOF, Sir Emeka Offor has over the years demonstrated compassion to all children, widows and to the welfare of the weak and poor in our society.

In July 2013, to boost the global efforts in polio eradication, he donated a total of $1M of his personal money to Rotary International. Such singular contribution earned him the title of First Polio Ambassador of Nigeria. His philanthropic gestures are not limited to cash donations. Sir Emeka Offor strongly speaks out in favor of polio eradication in Nigeria and the world. He believes that every child should have a “right to health”, esteeming the mantra of noble global humanitarian body like World Health Organization (WHO).

Where we are
Since the global polio eradication initiative began in 1988, WHO has recorded a 99% reduction in number of cases from about 353,000 down to 221 in 2012. The fight for total eradication of polio, particularly in the known 3 endemic regions (Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan) is in full swing; because no child is safe until polio has been completely eradicated. To add to the benevolent donation of $1M by Sir Emeka Offor, Rotary Club has in the month of February released about $36M towards the fight against Polio.

Where we are going
In February 2012, WHO removed India from the list of polio-endemic countries, making it a momentous medical achievement. This status was possible due to massive financial support, advocacy, relentless research and strong political will. Nigeria can therefore, join the league of polio free nations when we address low routine immunization rates and surveillance gaps in polio free areas, maintain funding and political commitment to implement the eradication strategies.

As a proud Nigerian and the First Polio Ambassador of Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor desires that every child should be immunized to protect against polio virus infection. He is committed to making Nigeria a polio free nation. On Saturday, March 1st 2014, he will be rolling up his sleeves to administer polio vaccine to a number of children gathering at SEOF Complex in Oraifite, Anambra State at 10:30am.

Sir Emeka Offor calls on all Nigerians, entrepreneurs, oil and gas icons, politicians and civil society leaders to join him in stepping up the fight against polio. He calls on all parents regardless of their religious orientation to embrace global efforts on polio eradication, abandon all unscientific and superstitious dogmas and ensure that every child is vaccinated.

In the words of Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organization, “As an international community, we have few opportunities to do something that is unquestionably good for every country and every child, in perpetuity.”

Our children have every right to live a normal life and develop in ways that will give them satisfaction to achieve their life long ambitions and ideals. We must all come together to see that polio is not only fought and eradicated but also become a thing of the past in our respective societies and our dear country, Nigeria. We our children this favour and through the SEO Foundation, we can begin to beat our chest to say we have gotten there.

SEOF 2013 Yuletide and New Year 2014 Celebrations

 

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation performed outstanding ceremonies to mark the 2013 Christmas and usher in the New Year (2014).
On the 20th December, 2013, a solemn assembly was organised for all the beneficiaries of the S.E.O.F. programmes viz; Widows’ Cooperatives, Education Services, Health Services and Youth Empowerment Scheme amongst others. The day was devoted to the Almighty God for His benevolence on S.E.O.F. towards successful implementation of all her 2013 activities. A special session was held for the Founder, Sir Emeka C. Offor and family, whose visions continue to expand the operations of S.E.O.F. in different spheres of life. The presiding Man of God at this occasion was Venerable Dr. E. C. Ezumezu. Testimonies were given by some of the S.E.O.F. beneficiaries on the positive things God had done for them since their involvement in S.E.O.F. programmes.
The Day’s ceremony was crowned with the distribution of rice to over two thousand (2000) widows of the S.E.O.F. Widows’ Cooperatives Societies Limited. This rice gift of one (1) bag to every widow served as their Christmas package. They were full of appreciation to the Founder of S.E.O.F., Sir Emeka Offor. 
On the 2nd of January, 2014, the S.E.O.F. Management organised an interactive session of all her beneficiaries with the Founder. This was a very grand day as dignitaries and friends of S.E.O.F. were marvelled on the successes of most of the beneficiaries. Instances were that of our students on S.E.O.F. Scholarship Scheme, graduants of the Skills Acquisition Programme, etc. Special features of the Day were the appreciation visit by the Iheakpu Obollo Community of Udenu L.G.A., Enugu State, whose daughter, Miss Stella Eze was fully sponsored for kidney transplant treatment to India by S.E.O.F. It was a joyous moment for all and sundry as the treatment was successful to the Glory of God.
To crown the Day’s activities, fourteen (14) youths were empowered with brand new motorcycles to assist them in rural transit venture and run ups for their small holding enterprises.

 

Oraifite Youths Association Honours Sir Emeka Offor

 

The Oraifite Youths Association (O.Y.A) on 29th December, 2013 organised a grand reception in honour of Sir Emeka Offor, the Founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF). Members of O.Y.A stated that the event was "to express the love and position of Oraifite Youths on the life and activities of a man who has in the past 20 years dedicated his life and wealth to the service of his people".
Notable dignitaries like Emeka Wogu - Minister of Labour & Productivity, Igwe Dr. Sir Chinedu Onyekwuluje - Igwe Ezenya 1 of Umunya, Chief Martins Agbaso - former gubernatorial aspirant in Imo state, Chief Eugene Ojukwu - MD/CEO Ekeson Motors Ltd, Frank Ejiofor - Deputy director, State Security Service (SSS), Barr. Okey Muo Aroh - former Idemili North LGA Chairman and a host of others were present at the ceremony.
In an address delivered by the National President of the Association, Mr Chinedu Odumegwu, Oraifite youths acknowledged that many sons and daughters of the community have contributed in building and keeping the people as one but Sir Offor has distinguished himself, by his unparalleled positive programmes. These include the Education, Youth Empowerment, Widows Cooperatives, Health Care Services and Infrastructural Development; which in one way or the other has impacted the life of every Oraifite indigene (home and abroad), the entire Igbo race and beyond. Mr. Odumegwu described Sir Offor as "THE HERO OF HIS PEOPLE". The reception was the best way they could recognize and appreciate Sir Emeka Offor, who has in the past 2 decades carried the burdens of others.
The event was not devoid of entertainment, the Ijele masquerade of HRH Eze Nya 1 of Umunya, Ajo Ofia Irefi masquerade, Egbelu Oba dance group from Ibolo, Adamma Ugochinyere dance group from Amakon, Irefi and many more, added glamour to the reception.
The high point of the day was the presentation of a trophy to Sir Emeka Offor by the Igwe of Umunya on behalf of Oraifite Youths Association, recognizing him as "THE HERO OF HIS PEOPLE". The Oraifite Improvement Union (O.I.U) Onitsha branch also presented a souvenir to Sir Offor.
Sir Offor in his speech thanked the Oraifite Youths Association and the entire Oraifite community for the rare honour. He made a promise to do more by the special grace of God.

 

SEOF, Visions in Action Donate 40,000 Books to Liberian Youth

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation of Nigeria has donated 48,000 books through Visions in Action for distribution to youth and children throughout Liberia with the full partnership of the Liberian Ministry of Education. This donation was facilitated by the US based charity, Books for Africa, which made this donation possible. Helping to distribute the books are UN partners such as UNICEF, UNHCR and UNMIL, along with NGO partners such as DRC, IRC, IBIS, Save the Children and Right to Play. The books will be distributed to over 150 schools in each of the 15 counties.
On Friday 6 December 2013, there will be a launching event for the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and Books for Africa, held at William VS Tubman High School at 4pm where the Hon. Minister Lawrence will announce the initiative and officially open distribution proceedings.
In January 2014, UNMIL will assist the Ministry of Education and Visions in Action with the distribution to each of the County capitals, after which schools will receive the appropriate number of books for the age and level of students, and the number of enrolled pupils. Partner organizations working in these rural locations will ensure that the schools most in need of assistance will receive the books.