PROJECT_INSPIRE: Can we meet you?
Chijioke : My name is Nwokocha Chijioke P. I am a social Innovator, a critical thinker, an Addiction & MHPSS Professional and the Founder of Motivator's Crib Africa. I am a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), a Civic Hive Fellow, a Delegate of the 2022 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: Tell us briefly your childhood experience.
Chijioke : Growing up, I have always wanted to give back to the society, become a Motivator and a problem solver. Serving humanity has been a passion and it has always helped shape the course of my life.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What’s your educational background?
Chijioke : I had my primary school education at Alvan Ikoku College of Education,Owerri,Imo State before moving to Government Secondary School for my secondary school education. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Dental Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri,Imo State.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place?
Chijioke: I think solutions to the problems that confront the young people around me particularly in the areas of mental health, drug abuse and family conflict. It is my belief that every life is precious and it is our collective responsibility to save lives. This is why I started Motivator's Crib Africa, a nonprofit organization promoting mental health through drug abuse prevention and treatment. We work to build effective and sustainable frameworks for advocacy on drug abuse prevention while creating support systems for young persons in response to stigmatization, the need for accessibility and affordability of treatment and recovery services for People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), Women who use/inject drugs (WWU/IDs), high risk drug users, the depressed and Most-at-risk and vulnerable Populations (MAR&VPs).
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What have your achievements been?
Chijioke : Our organization influence spans across 12 States in Nigeria. We have directly engaged over 5,624 persons (young adults majorly) through our drug prevention campaigns, implemented over 20 projects/activities in 6 states, carried out direct interventions for 20 persons, visited 9 schools, colleges and teens gatherings. Under our continuum of care system, we have 9 persons who have enrolled and completed their treatment programs. In addition to these, we have an active 100 community members in our network, all committed to helping us do better.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What motivated you to do what you are doing?
Chijioke : I suffered from depression for almost 15years and had a 3 years battle with substance abuse without knowing where to find help. It’s a miracle that I am here today. God saved me and I am grateful. This is why I have dedicated my life to helping others better lives free from addiction and mental health struggles.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization?
Chijioke : Well, I would say funding for now. But I believe in due time funds wouldn't be a problem again because am being very strategic in my engagement with my work and very intentional in my service to God and humanity.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard?
Chijioke : Let passion be the drive and the reason why you started remain a guiding principle towards the finish line. If you believe in your vision, you will scale through no matter how tough it gets. I have tasted it and I know how bitter it could be but passion and love for God and humanity kept me going forward.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?
Chijioke : This part has always been amazing. I would say, at the start, I basically self-funded the organization and this was really tough, but over time I began receiving help from those who saw as worthwhile what I was doing. Right now, I would say that up to 60% of our funding come from outside the organization.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you?
Chijioke : My work has exposed me to meeting great minds and appreciate better the beauty of collaborations.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?
Chijioke : We look forward to establishing an Institute dedicated to mentorship, mental wellness and addiction recovery.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: The final word for the Nigerian youth
Chijioke : I want to say to every young Nigerian that you are the real heroes. Never forget that your dreams are valid and that greatness is not beyond your reach.
PROJECT_INSPIRE: Thank you for sharing with us.
Chijioke:Thank you too for having me.
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Visit our website at: www.busaosowofoundation.org
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