By Ene Asuquo
His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has completed the construction of a multipurpose edifice in Calabar for the less privileged children in the country, costing millions of Naira
The gigantic edifice that took about ten years to be completed, seats on a large expands of 8 plots of land in Enang Ahe community in Parliamentary Extension area in Calabar Municipality, was spearhead by the women’s fellowship, an arm of the spiritual organization.
The International President of the women’s group, Matriarch Victoria Imowo who made the disclosure to journalists in Calabar, Cross River State capital, named the project Mother Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu Redeemed Children Home.
She also disclosed that the construction followed the formal recognition of the home by the UNICEF and Cross River State government in 2015,
Explaining further, she said the need arose to collect the 380 children together in a much conducive complex informed their decision to erect the 3-storey 400 bed edifice.
She described the home as a humanitarian edifice, symbol of hope for the vulnerable and a place of refuge for children and the destitute.
“Before now, we occupied a 1-storey building with few rooms on Ambo Street Calabar South but it was grossly inadequate for the ever increasing number of less privileged children and staff.
“Following constant visits and commendations from the state ministry of social and welfare development as well as from UNICEF, we had to pull our resources together and with robust supports from our Father, a philanthropist par excellence, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, we acquired eight plots of land where we have now built this 400-bed multipurpose edifice which has eight spacious and fully furnished hostels.
Imowo said that the Home was established in 2008 and fully incorporated as a government recognized and registered care home in 2010
“In 2013, the Home was registered with Cross River State Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare as one of the Care Homes in the State.”
According to her, it was the then Commissioner for Social Welfare, Mrs. Patricia Enderley after another visit in 2016 who suggested that the Home be named Redeemed Children Home to reflect the work of redemption being carried out in the Care Home.
Imowo explained further that the massive building also has a chapel, well equipped children’s library for, an ultra-modern kitchen, state of the art laundry facilities, children’s playground and handles’ Lodge
According to her, “The multimillion-naira project is the biggest residential home in Nigeria built for children who are orphans, destitute and vulnerable children which is equipped with modern facilities and is purpose built for the children’s comfort and safety.”
In his statement, spokesman of the organisation, Dr Amah Williams recalled what led the founder of the spiritual organisation, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu to establish the Home.
“The building of the magnificent structure to accommodate the children and staff of the Home was activated by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. It bears eloquent testimony to His commitment to practically demonstrate the ideals of love, compassion and charity that he preaches daily
“The evolution of The Holy Mother Elizabeth Obu’s Care Home could be traced back to the cradle of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star at no. 8 Eton Street, Calabar. Nobody that visited Brotherhood premises that time left without being taken care of”.
“During the Nigerian Civil War, many people took refuge at our 26 Mbukpa Chapel which was about the only safe place. The refugees were taken in and ate to their fill”.
“Children whose parents were killed in the war found succour and warmth in the Home, he added.