Tricia Iwuoha
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Chibuike Nkwopara (Omenuko), I hail from Umundula Orji Uratta in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. I’m from a family of seven and the sixth child. I had my primary and secondary education at Rainbow Rosario School Owaelu and Premier Secondary School Ugwu Orji Uratta both in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. I had my higher education at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Masters at University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. After which I moved to USA where I work as a registered nurse. I’m happily married with two kids.
What inspired you to start Omenuko Chibuike Foundation?
Inspiration about founding the Omenuko Chibuike Foundation was due to the fact that I observed that lots of people in Africa (Nigeria to be precisely) are willing to go to school but due to the poor and corrupt conditions of Nigeria, their parents are not able to pay the school fees or give them basic quality education. Seeing this, that’s where we stepped in to ensure they actualise their dreams.
In what aspects have your foundation been able to improve lives?
In so many ways like paying school fees, registering less privileged students for national examinations, such as JAMB and WAEC, paying hospital bills for helpless people, setting up trades for people and skills acquisition.
What are the challenges your foundation encounter?
Challenges we face are that most people think the foundation can solve all their problems in the world, then of course lack of funds and external aids.
How long has your foundation being in existence?
It’s five years now officially.
Have you received any grants from international bodies to support your works?
Not at all.
We know there are many illegal NGOs out there that are not serving the purpose they claim, how do you think they can be curbed?
The government has to be proactive by looking into the activities of these nongovernmental organizations, mostly the inflow of raw cash to their accounts and how the money is spent. NGO’s must be accountable and transparent in all their works.
Recently you celebrated your birthday, what can you say you are most grateful to God for?
I’m grateful for good health he has granted me and my family.
What’s been your best giving experience?
It’s the smiles I see on the faces of the people who were once helpless and hopeless.
Which person has had the most influence on you and your life?
Bill Gates and his humanitarian services to Africa.
As a professional nurse what are the things lacking in the Nigerian health sector you think should be looked into?
Honestly so many things, I guess the government doesn’t checkmate, monitor or regulate the role of nursing practice and medical professionals in Nigeria. For instance, nurses and medical professionals in Nigeria get away with so many malpractices and medical errors, they don’t hold them accountable, that’s why lots of human lives are wasted in hospitals without questioning.
As a very busy person, how do you relax?
Online shopping, reading articles and watching funny skits.
Can you describe in 5 words Chibuike Omemgboji?
Kind, courageous, selfless, reliable and have good sense of humour.
How do you plan on teaching your children about philanthropy?
They have to love and care for everyone regardless of colour, tribe or nationalities. Also give without expecting anything in returns.
What do you have to say to most Nigerian youths aspiring to go abroad for greener pastures?
My advice to Nigerian youths aspiring to travel abroad like USA, they should have it at the back of their mind that abroad is not as easy as it is painted in the movie and by some people who came here and indulged in illegal business. If you want to legitimately make it in abroad, learn skills from Nigeria like car mechanic, refrigerators mechanic, hair weaving or be ready to study hard.
A role model you have been to many. I can attest to the fact that I have seen alot of people smile due to your generosity. All I can say is that our good Lord replenish your source and take all evil and unreasonable men far from you and your household.