Photo: Mrs. Ugochi Otti-Essienette.
By: Bayo Obalende
In a celebration that combined philanthropy with public service, the Abia State Liaison Officer in Lagos, Mrs. Ugochi Otti-Essienette, marked her 44th birthday by launching the Grace and Impact Foundation and empowering 44 women, comprising mainly widows and other indigent women.
The event, held in Lagos on Sunday, July 19, drew an array of dignitaries, family members, friends, sponsors, development partners, community leaders, members of the media and beneficiaries, who gathered to witness the formal unveiling of the foundation and its maiden outreach programme.
The beneficiaries received empowerment packages designed to support their livelihoods and improve their economic well-being, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to reducing hardship among vulnerable groups.
Addressing guests at the launch, Otti-Essienette said the occasion represented more than a birthday celebration, describing it as an opportunity to express gratitude to God through service to humanity.
She noted that the decision to empower 44 women was symbolic of her 44 years of life, which she said had been marked by divine grace, invaluable lessons and opportunities to positively impact others.
“As I celebrate my 44th birthday, I have chosen not merely to mark another year of life, but to celebrate God’s faithfulness through service to humanity,” she said.
“The number 44 is more than my age. It represents 44 years of grace, 44 years of lessons, 44 years of challenges overcome, and 44 years of opportunities to make a difference. That is why today we are reaching out to 44 women, reminding them that they are seen, valued and loved.”
She explained that the Grace and Impact Foundation emerged from a long-standing vision to create a platform that would provide support for women, strengthen families, promote children’s development and extend humanitarian assistance to disadvantaged communities.
Drawing from her experiences in public service, the Abia liaison officer said she had encountered numerous women struggling to provide for their families, as well as children whose aspirations were constrained by economic hardship.
According to her, such experiences reinforced her belief that meaningful societal transformation requires individuals to take deliberate action in supporting the less privileged.
She said the foundation would focus on empowerment, education, humanitarian interventions and sustainable programmes capable of improving lives and strengthening communities.
“Our mission is to provide support, empowerment, education, humanitarian assistance and opportunities that help individuals and communities thrive. We are committed to creating lasting impact, one life, one family and one community at a time,” she stated.
She added that the organisation envisions communities where vulnerable women are economically empowered, children have greater access to opportunities and sustainable partnerships drive inclusive development.
Calling on individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative, Otti-Essienette said the success of humanitarian interventions depends largely on collective responsibility and collaboration.
She also expressed appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, partners, family members and friends whose contributions made the launch possible.
To the beneficiaries, she offered words of encouragement, urging them not to lose hope despite their present circumstances.
“This outreach is more than a gift. It is a message of hope. It is a reminder that your future is brighter than your present circumstances. Continue to believe in yourselves and never stop dreaming,” she said.
The launch of the Grace and Impact Foundation adds to the growing number of privately driven charitable initiatives seeking to complement government efforts in poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment and community development across Nigeria.
