The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD has sent a message of felicitations to Vicar Hope Foundation, the Pet Project of his Wife, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, on the conferment of a Special Consultative Status by the United Nations under the Economic and Social Council.
This new status grants Vicar Hope Foundation the right to have observers and representatives at the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council and public meetings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Bodies.
The special status also grants Vicar Hope Foundation the right to submit written statements relevant to the work of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations on subjects in which they have special competence, and such statements may be circulated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to all members of the Council. The Secretary-General may also request Vicar Hope Foundation to carry our studies or prepare reports in relevant areas.
Expressing delight at this development, Governor Ikpeazu described it as a fitting recognition, from the highest global organization, of the great work the foundation has done in the area of women empowerment, girl child education and eradication of poverty.
Ikpeazu noted with pride, the pioneering efforts of the Vicar Hope Foundation in breaking the cycle of the dreaded Sickle Cell Disease through the creation of awareness and ensuring that all secondary school age students and indeed all Abians have access to genotyping which allows them, not just to know their genotypes but have such information on their identity cards.
By establishing the first-ever Sickle Cell Clinic in Abia State, Ikpeazu continues, Vicar Hope Foundation has created a platform for fighting the scourge of the disease through the provision of tests and counseling services, noting that with proper and adequate information on their genotypes, the likelihood of increase in the effects of the disease will be brought under control and future couples have lived a fulfilled life with healthy children.
Ikpeazu also recalled that the Foundation has also introduced Mammogram equipment at their Clinic to provide tests for Breast Cancer which will enable our women to get tested for the deadly disease and seek solutions in good time.
According to the Governor, the efforts of Vicar Hope Foundation in the provision of housing for indigent women across the state remain a watershed in the history of women empowerment in Abia State, noting that close to 100 new houses have been built for indigent women, mostly widows from different parts of the state. This is in addition to the provision of micro-credit support for women which assists them to set up small businesses.
The recognition by the United Nations, Ikpeazu stated further, is a solid global imprimatur and an indelible vindication of the visions of Deaconess Ikpeazu and the work she does through Vicar Hope Foundation.
He assured that his administration will consistently support the Foundation in its work of supporting Abia women and our daughters to live better lives.
Onyebuchi Ememanka, Esq
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
17th September 2019.
