Hello Konnect Africans!!!!!
We bring to you another inspiring article courtesy of the “I Know A Nigerian Star Writing Competition”. Read and be inspired.
Reminiscence of the good old days as a Nigerian child. What comes to mind? Romping through the forest, connected to nature, Feeling free and innocent. I can almost relate with those sorts of experiences, and this was largely due to the fact that I was blessed with God-fearing and loving parents who ensured that I had the best of childhoods—a childhood of bliss I would say.
Basically, what society views childhood to be; well guess what? Childhood could be bliss and as well be hell! Unfortunately, many children have horrible childhoods, suffering from abusive parents. Bad childhood stems from bad parents. By every ten seconds that passes, a parent abuses his child. Acts of rebellion, loss of self-esteem, lack of confidence, you name it………Sometimes our society ignores this aspect.
Fortunately, there is one individual I know in my community who fights for the cause of abandoned and neglected children. I have always admired her charisma and energy in undertaking such responsibilities as standing up for orphans and vulnerable children. From the little I know about her, I have come to observe she is the sort of person who would hardly bat an eyelid so long it is a cause to emancipate a child in bondage.
From my own experiences of childhood, it was nothing short of abundant show of love and care, and i couldn’t have imagined life at that early stage to be anything less. But this had never been the case, in fact of the estimated 300 million children in Africa below the age of 15—this representing almost half of Africa’s population, it is being estimated that 30 million of this children roam the streets of Africa.
Furthermore, it is estimated that 5million children live on the streets of Nigeria, with no access to the most basic of living conditions—compelling tales of a child’s anguish you may want to call it. But these are the sorts of life’s events that ignite the passion of this role model. Since I also share the same passion I have become so drawn to her person that I’m a very big fan of hers.
KAY BENSON-AKHIGBE II (AUNTY KAY as she is fondly called) is a University of Benin graduate of English language and Literature. She has pioneered countless children, youth and women initiatives. She is a family and marriage therapist, a practical intriguing and sought after speaker, coach, facilitator and TV host. Aunty Kay is the chief responsibility officer of Living Your Dreams Initiative (LYDI), a community-based organization that aims at building strong, functional families for a stronger society and a social child protection framework to secure the future of our nation.
She is also the convener of Stand Up For Orphans and Vulnerable Children (SU4OVC), an organization that is fast becoming the voice of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria. She is the convener of Living Your Dreams Conferences and Campaigns and Smart Moves for Women.
Aunty Kay is a whistle-blower on value re-orientation campaigns, she has been actively involved in local, national and regional projects and processes propagating the need for the average person to use all the resources at his/her disposal to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children enjoy their rights as children in our society.
Furthermore, she organizes series of value re-orientation, family and relationship dynamics campaign with the aim of building functional families for a stronger society. She has launched into inner cities and deprived communities to offer them development programs intended to address societal issues.
Her other specialties include: Pastoring, Child protection, Community development, Family and Relationship therapy, Youth and Women Empowerment, Life Coach.
Aunty Kay alongside her husband—Rev. Benson-Akhigbe II are also lead pastors of Firm Foundation International, a life development church in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
From the brief insight I have shared about the personality called KAY BENSON-AKHIGBE II, one can’t help but notice the sterling qualities of this woman who is a rare blend of aptitude, gift and skill. Although, I know we live in a society that idolizes and appreciates to a very sickening level the hip-hop music stars, the soccer stars and even the larger than life politicians. But for me, as an individual I have chosen to give more credence to those who truly deserve it. I have equally chosen to duly recognize those who in their own little way or the other affected the lives of scores of afflicted persons starting with their own communities and by so doing, and on this platform of “I Know Nigerian Star Writing Competition”—I present to you; KAY BENSON-AKHIGBE II, who in all ramifications is by no less a Nigerian Star.
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This “I Know A Nigerian Star” Story was submitted by…
Louis Chukwuma Offor, an indigene of Delta State of Nigeria, but was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State. He is a graduate of the University of Benin, where he studied Geology. Chukwuma is one that loves children and is very drawn to Nature. He also enjoys helping the needy and vulnerable.
Contact details; Email: louchuks@gmail.com
Phone: 08165036305.
Facebook profile: facebook.com/Louis.offor1
