By Caroline Ameh
The JUM G’ICHO K’IDOMA Empowerment Organisation (JGKEO), a non-profit and non-political organisation dedicated to community development, has celebrated its first anniversary, highlighting a year of humanitarian interventions, youth empowerment, education support, and relief efforts across Benue State and other communities.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mr. John, popularly known as Johnny Barber, said the true essence of life lies in making meaningful contributions that positively impact society.
According to him, “All there is to life is making an impact that will rub off on society. The world will become a better place when people learn to share what they have with others.”
He noted that the prolonged insecurity and insurgency in Benue State have left many families displaced, impoverished and unable to rebuild their livelihoods, particularly in a state where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.
Johnny Barber therefore called on public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support humanitarian initiatives aimed at restoring hope and improving the welfare of vulnerable people.
“The burden is enormous and cannot be carried by one organisation alone. We encourage well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us in giving hope to those affected by conflict and hardship,” he said.
Headquartered in Kubwa, Abuja, the organisation focuses on youth education, humanitarian assistance, social welfare, health education, environmental protection and sustainable community development, with particular attention to Idoma-speaking communities and other underserved populations.
Over the past year, JGKEO has implemented several impactful programmes, including the donation of food items and essential supplies to the Children of Mary Orphanage in Otukpo, Benue State, where volunteers also spent time mentoring and interacting with the children.
The organisation also launched a youth mentorship programme designed to provide secondary school students with career guidance, leadership skills and personal development opportunities through interactive sessions with experienced mentors.
In addition, JGKEO carried out a series of educational outreach programmes in schools across Otukpo and neighbouring communities, distributing school bags, books and other learning materials to pupils while encouraging them to pursue academic excellence.
As part of its economic empowerment strategy, the organisation introduced a motorcycle empowerment scheme through which selected youths received motorcycles to establish commercial transportation businesses.
The initiative is expected to improve beneficiaries’ incomes, promote self-reliance, reduce unemployment and stimulate local economic growth. Beneficiaries will also receive training in road safety, motorcycle maintenance and small business management to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisation, describing the interventions as life-changing and a source of renewed hope for their families.
As it enters its second year, the JUM G’ICHO K’IDOMA Empowerment Organisation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its humanitarian and empowerment programmes while partnering with individuals and organisations to reach more vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
