By Foster Akpore
In a heartfelt mission to combat hardship among vulnerable groups, the Dr. Rhoda Oluwatoberu Makinde Initiative (DROMI) Delta Chapter has completed a two-day palliative drive in Orogun Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. This endeavour brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of residents as they benefited from essential food items and medical care.
DROMI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and fostering gender equality through evidence-based programs, is the brainchild of Dr. Rhoda Makinde, an indigene of Orogun Kingdom. Funded entirely by Dr. Makinde’s unwavering commitment and passion, the initiative reflects her goal of uplifting women, combating poverty, and bringing meaning to countless lives.
The Delta outreach, which took place on December 28 and 29, kicked off with a medical initiative catering to over 500 individuals. Beneficiaries received treatment for common ailments such as malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. Critical medications were distributed, addressing immediate healthcare needs in the community. According to Mrs. Regina Edeki, Delta Coordinator of DROMI, the program offered timely interventions that saved lives.
The second day focused on alleviating hunger, with over 500 vulnerable individuals—including the elderly, the less privileged, and the physically challenged—receiving essential food staples. This act of compassion and support aimed to ease the burden on families amid challenging economic conditions.
Speaking during the event, Chief Isaac Odivbri (Ugherebigba of Orogun Kingdom) expressed deep pride in his daughter’s philanthropic legacy:
“My daughter has been doing great things in Ondo, Rivers, Ogun, and even India. Today, it is Orogun’s turn. These items may not be much, but they are tokens of love and happiness. Let us accept them with joyful hearts in a peaceful and orderly manner.”
Similarly, Chief Mrs. Christiana Odivbri, mother of Dr. Mrs. Makinde, emphasized the significance of the outreach, noting:
“We are grateful for the turnout. Together, we will enjoy the fruits of our children in joy and happiness.”
In the same vein, Chief and Chief Mrs. Odivbri extended palliatives to the daughters and wives of the Ojaide Family in Ogbe-Ikei on Monday, December 30.
Meanwhile, the President-General of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, lauded DROMI’s seamless and impactful operation, stating:
“This orderly distribution, according to the feedback I got from Foster Akpore, the Media and Public Relations Officer in the Office of the President General of Orogun Kingdom, who also volunteered, should serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives. I was particularly impressed with the selection process coordinated by Mrs. Edeki and her team to ensure the palliatives reached those most in need. It is encouraging that this effort aligns with our ongoing work to develop a social register of vulnerable persons within the kingdom, which will help streamline future distributions.”
Chief Opone also commended Chief and Chief Mrs. Isaac Odivbri, the parents of Dr. Rhoda Makinde, for supporting their daughter and her husband, Hon. Abiola Makinde, in extending their goodwill to their homeland. He urged other parents in Orogun to foster a culture of philanthropy in their children for the betterment of the community.
Volunteers, including Oteri Ovoke, Reuben Imonisa, Peace Benedict Ubuara, Foster Akpore, Esther John, Johnson Okoro, Omoyoma David, and members of the Raiders Volunteer Corps, Orogun Division, were also praised by Chief Opone for their contributions to the initiative.
The DROMI Delta Palliative Drive demonstrates the transformative power of compassion and collaboration, inspiring hope and showing how one individual’s vision can spark meaningful change in society. Grateful beneficiaries expressed their appreciation by singing in Urhobo, “omamomo aye vwie,” which means, “it is good to birth a proper child.”