PRINCE ISRAEL OREKHA SPEARHEADING CONNECTED ADVOCACY: PIONEERING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

In the realm of community development and empowerment, few names resonate as strongly as Prince Israel Orekha. His journey towards fostering an inclusive society, where marginalized citizens actively participate in decision-making processes that affect them, has been nothing short of remarkable. Spearheading the Connected Advocacy initiative, Prince Orekha envisions a world where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to shape their own future.

A Vision for Change

At the heart of Connected Advocacy lies a noble vision: to construct an integrated ecosystem where marginalized communities are not merely recipients of aid but active architects of their destiny. The organization utilizes advocacy as a potent tool to bridge the gap between the marginalized and policymakers, fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and sustainable development.

A History of Compassionate Service

The genesis of Prince Orekha’s mission can be traced back to his humanitarian endeavors in The Gambia. In 2004, during a transformative journey, Prince found himself residing in the “CHINA HOUSE,” a vibrant community comprising individuals from various African nations. It was here that his passion for societal service was ignited, prompting him to establish Helping Lives International (HLI) alongside dedicated friends and volunteers.

Under the auspices of HLI, Prince and his team embarked on a journey of empowerment, starting with volunteering as teachers at the Alieu Badara Jallow Senior Secondary School in Brufut, Gambia. Through innovative extracurricular activities, they aimed to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to tackle their community’s challenges head-on.

In 2009, Prince and his cohorts extended their reach by adopting the Child Concern School in Latrikunda German, solidifying HLI’s reputation as a beacon of hope within the community. Their efforts garnered recognition at both the state and national levels, culminating in partnerships with government initiatives such as the Alliance for Civilization.

Despite the tragic loss of his father in 2011, Prince’s commitment to service remained unwavering. Returning to Nigeria, he embarked on a nationwide tour to assess the civic landscape, only to discover glaring disparities and exclusions, particularly among the youth. Determined to effect change once more, he reinvigorated the mission of HLI, eventually leading to the inception of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative in 2016.

Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities

Connected Advocacy stands as a testament to Prince Orekha’s unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive societies. Through sustainable interventions, empowerment programs, and strategic alliances, the organization strives to amplify the voices of the marginalized, ensuring they play an active role in shaping policies and driving positive change within their communities.

As we reflect on Prince Orekha’s journey, it becomes evident that his legacy extends far beyond individual acts of kindness. It embodies the transformative power of empathy, resilience, and collective action. With Connected Advocacy at the helm, the path towards a more equitable and inclusive society appears clearer than ever before.