‘Growing up in a typical African village has its own experiences, memories that can’t be easily forgotten, memories that can form the character you are and those that can help create future visions that could help humanity.’
This is my story as a little girl growing up in a sub-village in Ukpom Ikot Imo, Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. Nigeria.
I could still recall the love that existed between our Parents and the older members of our community (the aged). We were always happy to fetch water from the streams, firewood from the bushes, clean up their houses and cook for them and in return received verbal blessings from them.
These memories were always with me and as an adult, when I was invited to a year-end party organized by a veteran journalist Late Mee-Helen Mofe-Damijo of blessed memory in 1995 in Lagos for the aged, I attended with keen interest: Items and cash were distributed to the poor age. It was there I saw the change in perception of the poor aged from that of helplessness and self-pity to that of confidence, increasing hope and dignity. It was a big statement and encouragement to my dream, the effect on my emotions raised several questions… Whose responsibility is it to care for the poor aged and how can I help?
So, quickly in 2005, I opened discussions with few poor aged in my community, Ukpom Anwana in Ikono Local government area of Akwa Ibom State. I discovered that they need more than better nutrition. They need a better health-care support system, shelter, clothing, social value, and economic empowerment programs.
In December 2005 I organized the first end of year party and distributed food material, clothing, and cash, etc to them. We got registered as an NGO in 2008 with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Nigeria.
Blifa, therefore, has been propelled throughout the years by the collective drive to care, provide and create a platform for health and economic empowerment programs for the poor aged.
I feel greatly privileged and humbled that somehow providence had bestowed on me to be the initiator of this our collective assignment.
I am thankful to my creator, a long list of individuals and organizations who over the years have shown great interest and support to this initiative. Please keep it up!
Touch a life today!
Thank you & welcome to a family of excellence passion for the aged!!!
Lion Imeh Inyang
BLIFA’S INITIATOR
