Chioma Okechukwu, who hails from Omuma in Omuma Local Government Area, LGA, of Rivers State, is not one of those lucky girls who come from a privileged background.
Her parents are not wealthy enough to take care of her needs, including furthering her education.
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She could not get anybody to sponsor her to further her education hence her resolve to take up menial jobs.
She scouts for menial jobs at building construction sites where she is engaged in working as a labourer.
She serves as a helper to masons and bricklayers at construction sites.
Her daily routine at such sites involves the supply of mixed cement, sand and blocks to the masons and bricklayers.
She does this on a daily basis to make money and take care of her needs and also assist her family.
But luck beckoned on her early this week when she was accosted by a public-spirited Nigerian and Port Harcourt-based philanthropist, Wenenda Wali.
Wali, the convener of a pressure group, Rivers Unity House, was driving out of the radio station where he was a guest when he saw Chioma working as a labourer at a building site.
Shocked at her commitment to work, Wali stopped his car, came out and walked up to her.
He wanted to know why a little girl would be doing such strenuous job.
Chioma told him she needed the proceeds from the job to help herself and family.
Touched by her story, and strengthened by her courage and willingness to work, rather than indulge in what other girls of her age would do when pressed with the tough economic situation, the philanthropist, Wenenda Wali, there and then promised to take care of her welfare, train her in any vocation of her choice and sponsor her education to whatever level she wished.
The highly elated Chioma could not hide her joy as she showered praises and thanks to God and Wenenda Wali.
She said the gesture has brought relief to her and will go a long way to accord her an opportunity to learn a skill and also further her education.
“I thank God and Mr Wali for identifying with a poor girl like me.
“I came from a poor background and have nobody to help me.
“I am doing this menial job to help myself and my family,” she said.
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