By Don Peter Okoro.
In this exclusive interview with Multiple Awards Winning Journalist, Don Peter Okoro at her palatial residence in Okija,Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, the President/Founder of the Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena (HECHARENA) Foundation, Amb. Chief Lady Vera Iruna Ifenyinwa Ikokwu-Perpall Ph.D., gives us detailed factors of what propelled her into forming the Organization.
She also spoke on her childhood and educational attainment among other issues of general interest. It’s an eye opening encounter: On Her Background, She Said:
“As per my childhood, I grew up as a normal child raised by my grandparents. From the age of 5 years,I went to my hometown of Okija, in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State to live with my maternal grandparents.
I attended Nursery and Primary Schools as a lone child of my grandparents because my siblings were all living at Aba with my own parents.
I attended St. John’s Primary School and St. Anthony’s Primary School here in Okija, before proceeding to Daughters of Divine Love, which is a Covent School where Reverend Sisters are trained, It used to be in Nsukka, but now in Nike- Enugu, I was there from classes 1 to 3. Then I moved to Ihieoji Secondary School Aba,Abia State where I sat for my WAEC.
After my Secondary School, I gained admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka where I read Music Education. After my NYSC, I got a job in Orient Bank. While working in the Bank, I went back to School for a Post–Graduate Degree in Financial Management.
After that, I went for my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Specialized in Marketing. I worked in the Bank for years and rose to the rank of a Manager In Charge of Public Sector.
I also worked in the Department of International Operations. I was at the Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt Branches. I got married in 1992, while at the Lagos Branch. From the Port Harcourt Branch, I moved to the United States of America.
In The U.S., I was a High School Teacher. From being a High School Teacher, I opened my own Tax Consultancy Office which I still operate till date under the State of Tennessee, United States Board of Internal Revenue.
“Throwing some light on how she diverted into Caregiving ,she offered:”
Along the line, I also worked in various Hospitals as a Caregiver and Certified Nursing Assistant.We worked with old people and people with Special Needs. Somehow, I didn’t get enough job satisfaction, so, I went back to School for my Doctorate Degree Program in Public Health, Specializing in Epidemiology, where there was a Course that really triggered my interest; which is Elderly Communities and how to take care of them.
I did a Research on that and I did very well. That is how I basically developed the interest in working with the Elders, coupled with the fact that I was raised by my grandparents from whom I acquired a lot of knowledge and wisdom.
People see me and say I behave like an Elder. The reason why I have this huge attachment to the Elderlies and the Vulnerables.
“On Why She Opened Her Own Health Care Agency, She Revealed :”
In view of this, I opened my own Health Care Agency where we take care of Individuals with Special Needs, both the aged and the young ones. This is what I’m involved in, in the United States in addition to my Tax Consultancy Business.”” Amb.Chief Lady Vera Ikokwu who is the Ezenwanyi Okija is also the Osinigwe Oraifite, as well as the Amuma Ezumezu.
She holds her African Culture in high esteem and is very proud of her African Cultural and Traditional Heritage.She is also a United Nations Peace Ambassador. Speaking on Her Incursion Into Nigeria’s Health Care System, She Said:”
Along the line, I incorporated a Company in Nigeria to help in taking care of our Vulnerable Elders. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I started studying the plight of the Elderlies and Vulnerables in the Nigerian Society. And I discovered that there are lots of needs to be met.That is why I opened the Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena (HECHARENA ) Foundation for the Elderly and Vulnerable Members of the Society. During our Summit in 2004, a lot of Elders numbering over 400 turned up to listen to us.
We interacted very well with them in order to know more about them and their needs. They were so happy that such a good thing is being done for them. We all ate, drank and danced together.
We also appreciated their presence with some tokens.”” Meanwhile, HECHARENA Foundation which Kick-started last year on a modest note, is about to explode.
Watch out For More Details On HECHARENA. Foundation’s Upcoming Program In Anambra State, Where The Multi Million Dollars Old Peoples Home And Vocational/Skill Acquisition Centre For The Youth Would Be Unveiled.