Funda Wazi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has honoured its late founder, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya with a collection of poems and drawings by school children in Lagos.
The collection, entitled: A Fight against Child Abuse, was launched on May 30, to commemorate her posthumous birthday at Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun paid tribute to the late Odukoya for touching the lives of many children and adults, providing resources that are critical to their lives and wellbeing.
Abiodun described the deceased as a shining light,seasoned educator and life coach,who was dedicated to victims of any form of abuse.
“She always found ways to engage on issues around child abuse, especially with the victims who were afraid or unable to speak out,” she said.
The First Lady, who hailed the the deceased’s husband, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya for supporting her vision, described the book as a timely text and advocacy tool for helping survivors of every form of abuse.
She also praised the leadership of the foundation and children who contributed to the collection.
Executive Director and Chairperson of Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), Mrs Lai Koiki, said the book was a timely intervention at a time when abuse in all forms had become a daily reality for the Nigerian child.
She urged everyone to build on the legacies of the late Odukoya towards the development of the nation.
“Pastor Nomthi’s intervention in form of her books came way before the public outcry on child abuse. Her intention was to break the code of silence and empower the children with the tools needed for self-preservation,” she said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Foundation, Dr Tobi Odukoya-Enuha, underscored the importance of children’s voices in combating abuse of all kinds.
“Pastor Nomthi dedicated herself to educating, equipping and empowering children as well as adults through many initiatives like project F.A.P.E which focuses on art and poetry writing, project T.E.M which is the Teacher Mentorship Programme, and book distribution event,” she said.
She noted that the deceased’s legacy, which has found expression through her books and the foundation, would continue to impact more children of all social classes as well as community stakeholders.