"You Gave Us a Gift": Orphan’s Touching Tribute to Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu Moves Former Sierra Leone President and Plateau Governor to Tears

It was an emotional day in Jos, Plateau State, as dignitaries, including former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, were brought to tears by a heartfelt speech from a 16-year-old orphan, Mercy Luka.

The occasion was the official commissioning of the newly renovated Jesus Only Friend International Orphanage (JOFIN), a project carried out by the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation (SUF). The event, held on the birthday of the foundation’s founder, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, was a celebration of compassion, transformation, and hope.

In her powerful speech, Mercy recounted the once-dilapidated state of the orphanage—cracked walls, leaking roofs, broken toilets, and nights filled with hunger and hopelessness. But all that changed, she said, when SUF stepped in with urgent support and a promise to rebuild their lives and their home—a promise that was fulfilled in under a year.

"We prayed for a miracle," she said through tears, "and God sent Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu."

Thanks to the foundation's intervention, the orphanage now boasts a solar-powered borehole, a brand-new computer room, renovated toilets, fully furnished rooms, and a sustainable feeding program. Every SS3 student also had their WAEC and JAMB fees fully paid, giving them the chance to dream of university and a brighter future.

But it didn’t stop there. Dr. Uzochukwu also donated his personal home in Rayfield, Jos, to serve as an extension of the orphanage, promising even more support for the children.

In the emotional moment, Mercy's words struck a deep chord with everyone present. Her moving tribute brought tears to the eyes of both Governor Mutfwang and former President Koroma, who praised Dr. Uzochukwu’s life-changing efforts and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to follow his example.

Dr. Uzochukwu, visibly touched, thanked the dignitaries for honoring the children with their presence. He expressed his commitment to doing even more, stating, "This is just the beginning."

Highlights of the event included the presentation of laptops to high-performing SSCE graduates, donation of food items worth hundreds of millions of naira, and tributes to the foundation’s role in transforming the lives of underprivileged children.

From cracked walls to comfort, from despair to dignity, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu’s generosity has turned what was once a forgotten orphanage into a home filled with hope—and a powerful reminder that one person’s compassion can change countless lives.