By Gloria Okezie-Okafor

It was indeed a remarkable courtesy visit to the plush office of one of Nigeria’s foremost female activist recently in Lagos when Africa’s formidable star boy OzzyBee and his crew stormed the secretariat of Women Arise for Change Initiative in what was termed a twin visit

Led by his mum, OzzyBosco — as he is also called — alongside his managerial team, had come to present a formal request to Dr. Joe Odumakin to be one of the guests of honour at the forthcoming Africa Youth Leadership and Empowerment Summit (AYLES) slated to hold May 3rd, and to be followed by a gala night on the 4th, both at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites. 

The event which is powered by  the Orator, Project Africa  and Ozzybosco Smile Foundation, proposes to confer a prestigious award of ‘Outstanding Pan Africanist’ to Nigeria’s most renowned human rights activist and CEO of the Women Arise for Change Initiative. 

In an introductory letter OzzyBee who read eloquently the speech himself, had started out by acknowledging Dr. Joe Odumakin’s impact not only on the larger scale of human rights activism, but on something as personal as commenting consistently on his social media posts.

Parts of his speech read: ”It’s an honest privilege visiting you today, my sweet mummy. My little story started at the tender age of six when aunty Veronica honored me by gracing my picture on the front cover of her award winning magazine, La Veronica. Since then, the relationship has blossomed and opened doors which led

me to the most outstanding female activist of our time, Dr Joe Odumakin. whom l proudly call my “MUMSY”.

I am deeply overwhelmed that whenever I post on my social media page, she’ll always find time to make encouraging comments which keeps me going. There werè instances when she commented twice on a single post, despite her busy schedle. How can a young artiste like me appreciate you for this display of love Mum?  

However, I’m here to humbly request your presence on two events which would not be complete without your motherly presence…

In her speech, OzzyBee’s Mum Chief Elizabeth Mojekwu narrated Ozzy’s deep concern for the under privileged Children and those who suffer all kinds of cruelty. She emphasized on the case of a 4 year old Usman Sadiq who had both eyes plucked out by suspected ritualistics in Zaria, Kaduna State. OzzyBee insisted on visiting the kid when he read the news, not minding the distance. Ozzy’s visit and performances moved the young boy to smile for the first time according to his father. She stated  that OzzyBee’s humanitarian works are carried out under his pet project “Stop Child Cruelty” powered by “Ozzybosco Smile Foundation” which is a non governmental organisation.

Speaking further, Elizabeth Mojekwu who eulogized the simplicity and loving nature of the human rights campaigner with more than 800 meritorious awards to her name added,  ”I’m highly impressed at your simplicity ma’am despite your exalted position in the society, may God’s continuous blessings be upon you and your family as you shower love to humanity.. Speaking on parents concern she said; OzzyBee is very obedient and humble notwithstanding his workload/successes in his musical career, he has continued to do exceptionally well in exams. 

Responding the CEO Dr Joe Odumakin expressed joy at the achievements of the young lad at such tender age of 12. In her motherly advice she urged him to stay out of trouble, focuse on his music career and school works because that is the road to success in life.

She was equally delighted that his mother discovered his talents early and is leaving no stone unturned to giving him an all round positive upbringing & education despite obvious challenges. Turning to the  lad, oncemore l she says: ”I feel really honoured to have this invitation extended to us; and will do my very best to be there despite very tight schedules. 

She continued, my team & l are highly delighted to have you here today and l will like to state that you have been a  great role model to the younger ones, and indeed the society. For this reason, the office of Women Arise for Change Initiative, is proud to make you her youngest Ambassador and will encourage your good works to the society

All the speeches were greeted with resounding ovation by all present.

Ozzy who had dropped several hit titles and albums with A-list artistes both in Nigeria and Africa sealed the evening by performing one of his hit tracks “Shake It” ft Mr Real. He had everyone in the room grooving  to the beats.