HEAD ON: TURNING ALL MY STONES

I see myself as the luckiest woman on earth! As Nigerians will always tell themselves ‘you are blessed.’ Celine Osukwu is blessed beyond imaginations in many ramifications. Since the last week of September when the Impact Leader Program kicked of, I have gone from strength to strength beating numerous challenges and overcoming barriers. The unfolding events are convictions to me that probably ILP is specifically designed because of women like me. Thanks once again to Janice, Jensine the amazon, WP Board and the entire World Pulse team.

I am blessed with a wonderful team of 4 powerful, fierce, professional and caring women headed by Tricia. Joy, Deborah and Lynda are also in my team. Anyone that has the privilege of glancing through the dossiers of these women will understand what I mean. It emboldens me a great deal knowing that the making up of this great team is just centered on supporting me accomplish my vision. I and my project, I am always the subject of discussion. Just imagine that!

We met first time on 28 October. We drew up guiding issues which also includes our meeting dates and times. Everything about my WP team is well planned and articulated, as if we have long been on the journey. Here is a link to the recording of our first meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWOPtYQuSTE&feature=youtu.be We will meet again on 25 November while I meet personally with Tricia this week.

My Project:

I have re-activated my contacts with Disabled Persons Organizations and indicated my special interest with the women groups. I was in a program with the Association for the Blind at the National stadium in Lagos where I introduced the World Pulse to them. I visited the Nigerian Federal Society for the Blind, a rehabilitation and training center where individuals who got blind at adult age are rehabilitated and trained for one year. Saturday 19 November is ideal for me to come inspire the inmates especially the women but the Principal is yet to confirm the date via phone. I spoke with the President of the Association of disabled persons (physically impaired) in the Civil service and planned to be in their general conference early next year. I visited the Down syndrome Foundation and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria. In all, my intention and accomplished goal is to agree on the kind of program we will conduct for each group and agree on time for such program. I am expecting feed back from Association for the Blind. This is in addition to individuals with specific needs who I have personal contacts with.

I also reached out to some leaders of mainline churches in Nigeria. My plan is to work with them to stop seeing or using persons with disabilities as objects of charity and or objects of miracle working. I am made to understand that Church national programs for the year 2016 are exhausted as the year is coming to an end but I am expecting a positive response from Anglican Church of Owerri Youth conference coming up next two weeks.

Some civil society organizations such as human rights organizations have been approached by me. I ask that they give me opportunity (include me as one of the speakers) to speak in their human rights events. The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Lagos state branch has agreed to include me in the program of 10 December. (Human Rights day) as one of the speakers. I am going to speak on issues relating to disability issues and human rights on that day. I am also exploring opportunities to speak in any event planned for December 3, the International Day of Persons with disabilities.

My hope is on the high level. My team has helped me draw 3 issues on my scale of priority and feasibility. These are issues I want to address in the next couple of months. I am so happy.