Don’t allow pressure force you to compromise standard – orphanage urges Anambra journalists

By Praise Chinecherem

Director of Sickle Cell Orphanage Home, Nwagu, Agulu, Anambra State, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu has urged media professionals in Anambra State not to allow pressures compel them to compromise standard and ethics of their profession.

She described journalists in the State as reliable and trustworthy, saying they were instrumental to the survival of both the home and inmates.

Speaking during a visit to the home by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the State, Maduagwu disclosed that the home lost 24 children as a result of adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

She thanked the NUJ for the visit and donations of gift items, including catons of biscuits and indomie, toiletries, crayfish, oil and cash, calling on other spirited individuals to support the home to better the lives of the children.

She said, “I’m overwhelmed with this gesture. My joy is made today. Coincidentally, today we’re marking the birthday of the last child in this home. We want to make her feel at home regardless of her abandonment.

“It’s your pen that has always saved us. It’s your pen that has given us reason to have hope tomorrow. It’s your pen that I always depend on for justice for these children. It’s your pen I put my trust in.

“If not for you, I wouldn’t have been here today. It’s you that made us to be heard. I’m not physically strong, based on my health and nature. But I think I have a vocal strength and through you I’m heard and read.

“In 2020, we lost a total of 24 person as a result of adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic. We had no where to run to, not even the church. We were left to our fate to survive.

“Thank God that through God few spirited individuals and clerics, this home was established. This is the first sickle cell orphanage home in Nigeria. People run away from this kind of job.

“On behalf of my association of children living with sickle cell in Nigeria and the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home in Agulu, we’re indeed grateful

“I use this opportunity to urge those joining your association to learn not to compromise with their pen. For no reason should anyone compel you to compromise your standard.”

Responding, Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka commended the commitment of the management of the home in taking care of the children, assuring them that their efforts were not in vain.

Odogwu, represented by Secretary, Press Week Committee, Chigozie Chukwuleta said, “We’re here with these gifts items to support what you’re doing children as part of our activities marking the Union’s annual Press Week.”

The NUJ team also paid visit to the Faith community children home, where toiletries and food items with cash donations were also presented to the inmates.

Administrator of the home, Ifeyinwa Onuorah thanked members of the Union for their love, care, prayers and donations, praying God to reward them bountifully.