Chidinma’s Story
—— April 20, 2015
THE CASE OF CHIDINMA OFFIA
The Founder of Shunammite Foundation, Mrs. Rita James read the story of a 10-year-old girl, which was published in the Punch Newspaper on the 20th April 2015. The young girl, Chidinma had been abused and stabbed in her private part with a broken bottle.
After reading the story, Mrs. Rita James immediately swung into action out of compassion for the little girl who had been severely beaten and inflicted with injuries by her guardian’s neighbour.
The Newspaper had reported that the young girl stayed with her parents but upon further investigation by the Foundation, it was discovered that she was staying with her aunt in Okoko and was not being properly taken care of. After the incidence, Chidinma was rushed to a hospital in Okoko but adequate attention was not provided due to financial constraint.
It was also discovered that the culprits were also boasting that nothing could be done to them. Shunammite Foundation took on the case, paid the hospital’s bill where she was being detained because the bills could not be paid and later transferred her to a children specialist hospital (OutReach) at Festac, for more thorough medical attention.
Chidinma’s guardian’s neighbour (husband & wife) were in turn arrested and charged to court for attempted murder, as the Foundation engaged the services of a legal practitioner to ensure justice was served. The culprits were sent to prison for the charges.
Because this young girl had suffered emotional and psychological trauma, the Foundation’s founder contacted a friend who assisted to get Chidinma rehabilitated at the Love Home, in Magodo (Founded by Pastor Nike Adeyemi) after which she was taken back to her mum after a year.
The Founder of Shunammite Foundation believed that the best thing for Chidinma was to reunite her with mum (a widow); her mum was also advised not to give Chidinma out anymore. The Foundation offered to award her a scholarship from Primary to University level, and Chidinma was enrolled in a Private school in Enugu where her fees are now being paid.
To support her mum, the foundation relocated her and her six children from the village to the city paid for their accommodation, and set up a business for her.
