Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has congratulated the to Vicar Hope Foundation, the Pet Project of his Wife, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu,on the conferment of a Special Consultative Status by the United Nations under the Economic and Social Council.
This new status grants Vicar Hope Foundation the right to have observers and representatives at the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council and public meetings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Bodies. The special status also grants Vicar Hope Foundation the right to submit written statements relevant to the work of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations on subjects in which they have special competence, and such statements may be circulated by the Secretary General of the United Nations to all members of the Council. The Secretary General may also request Vicar Hope Foundation to carry out studies or prepare reports in relevant areas. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka , Governor Ikpeazu while expressing delight at the development,described it as a fitting recognition from the highest global organization adding that it is in recognition of the great work the foundation has done in the area of women empowerment, girl child education and eradication of poverty. Ikpeazu noted with pride, the pioneering efforts of the Vicar Hope Foundation in breaking the cycle of the dreaded Sickle Cell Disease through the creation of awareness and ensuring that all secondary school age students and indeed all Abians have access to genotyping which allows them, not just to know their genotypes but have such information on their identity cards. The statement reads in part: “By establishing the first ever Sickle Cell Clinic in Abia State,the Vicar Hope Foundation has created a platform for fighting the scourge of the disease through the provision of tests and counseling services.With proper and adequate information on their genotypes, the likelihood of increase in the effects of the disease will be brought under control and future couples have live a fulfilled life with healthy children. ”The Foundation has also introduced Mammogram equipment at their Clinic to provide tests for Breast Cancer which will enable our women to get tested for the deadly disease and seek solutions in good time. The efforts of Vicar Hope Foundation in the provision of housing for indigent women across the state remain a watershed in the history of women empowerment in Abia State,close to 100 new houses have been built for indigent women, mostly widows from different parts of the state. This is in addition to the provision of micro credit support for women which assists them to set up small businesses”. According to the Governor, the recognition by the United Nations, Ikpeazu, is a solid global imprimatur and an indelible vindication of the visions of Deaconess Ikpeazu and the work she does through Vicar Hope Foundation.
