History of the Association for the Poorest of the Poor
The Association for the Poorest of the Poor is a voluntary organization comprised of men and women of goodwill who share a strong desire to perform charitable acts. It was founded on the vision of caring for the destitute, inspired by the remarkable social work of Sr. Oresoa Selo-Ojeme. The association’s story began with individuals who admired and supported Sr. Oresoa's efforts to provide care for society’s most vulnerable groups, as highlighted in Anawim News Vol. 1; No. 1, Page 8 (1995).
The Growth of the Mission
Sr. Oresoa's ministry of caring for the marginalized steadily expanded, drawing participation from both Muslim and Christian youths. However, challenges arose when she faced criticism from some Muslims who suspected her of converting young boys and girls (known as Almajiris) to her faith. The children themselves refuted these claims, explaining:
"Mama only teaches us to be good children, not to steal, lie, or use drugs. She teaches us cleanliness, reading, and writing, and often provides us with food and medical care."
With the encouragement of John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the then Archbishop of Abuja, Sr. Oresoa worked toward formalizing her efforts by registering the mission as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). She also gathered a supportive group of like-minded individuals to assist in caring for the needy. This group became the foundation of the Association for the Poorest of the Poor, a name proposed by Cardinal Onaiyekan during one of their meetings.
The First Meeting of the Association
The Association for the Poorest of the Poor held its inaugural meeting on April 20, 1995, at the Archbishop’s residence. The eight attendees were:
- Mr. O.A. Edache
- Engr. Emmanuel Ovbiebo
- Sr. Oresoa Selo-Ojeme
- Mrs. A.R. Uganden
- Mrs. Anne Edache
- James Agbonhese (Esq)
- Chief Sir I.I. Nomhwangie (KSJ, KSS)
- Miss Jummai Kwanashie
Excused were Msgr. Kenneth Eyang and Mrs. Afretei. The meeting, chaired by Sr. Oresoa, covered key highlights, including:
- Sr. Oresoa's introduction and her mission’s objectives.
- The progress of her work and its alignment with the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
- Contributions and advice from members.
- A proposed program plan for future projects.
Expansion of Membership and Progress
A follow-up meeting was held on May 18, 1995, at the Bishop’s House, with an expanded group of attendees. Highlights included:
- Updates on Sr. Oresoa’s fundraising efforts in Enugu and Lagos.
- Reports on the ongoing work at the Gwagwalada accommodation.
- Discussions about the Archbishop’s guidance, particularly on renaming the association.
A third meeting on July 13, 1995, was notable for the personal attendance of Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan. Key decisions from the meeting included:
- Confirmation that the project would remain under the Catholic Archdiocese.
- A review of the constitution.
- Selection of the Board of Trustees, which included:
- Chief (Sir) I.I. Nomhwangie (Chairman, now deceased)
- Ms. Jummai A. Kwanashie
- Engr. Emmanuel Ovbiebo
- Mrs. A.R. Uganden
- Barr. James Agbonhese
- Sr. Oresoa Selo-Ojeme
On July 24, 1996, the Association was officially registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja, solidifying its status as a legal entity.
Expansion to Kaduna Archdiocese
2005 the association expanded its work beyond Abuja to the Kaduna Archdiocese. Under the leadership of Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Y. Jatau, the apostolate was accepted as a pious association of the Catholic Church. A community house was constructed in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna, and officially opened on April 20, 2006.
The pioneer officials of the Kaduna branch were:
- President: Mrs. Lucy Ibrahim
- Vice President: Mr. Fidelis Ikhile
- Secretary: Mrs. Agnes Mahama
- Financial Secretary: Mrs. Theresa Didam
- PRO: Mr. Isaac Tanko
By 2005, the number of associate members had grown significantly, reaching over 112 individuals across Abuja, Kaduna, Minna, Lagos, and other locations.
Legacy and Ongoing Efforts
The Association for the Poorest of the Poor has become a beacon of hope, continually expanding its outreach to provide shelter, education, healthcare, and necessities to the destitute. It continues to inspire goodwill and charitable acts across Nigeria and beyond through collaborative efforts.