Heart of Gold Outreach Doubles Impact, Lifts 30 Lives in Uromi Edo State. By Raymond Enoch
In a powerful demonstration of grassroots-driven development, the Heart of Gold Empowerment Outreach has doubled its reach, empowering no fewer than thirty beneficiaries in Uromi, Edo State, under its 2025 empowerment programme tagged “Empower to Bloom.”
The community-based initiative, designed to promote self-reliance, skills acquisition and poverty reduction across Edo Central, was formally declared open at Idumu Ikhala, Uromi, during a colourful and well-attended ceremony hosted by the Founder and Initiator, Chief (Mrs.) Ehiagwina Joy Patrick, Erelu Yeyemeso of Ikoyi Ekiti.
Declaring the programme open, Chief Patrick announced that the number of beneficiaries had increased from 15 in the maiden 2024 edition to 30 in 2025, despite prevailing economic challenges in the country. She attributed the expansion to the visible success stories recorded from last year’s beneficiaries, many of whom, she said, are already experiencing positive changes in their livelihoods.
“At about this time last year, fifteen carefully selected beneficiaries across gender, age and social status were empowered with critical support materials. Feedback from our monitoring team shows that our confidence in them was well placed,” she stated.
According to the Heart of Gold Founder, the empowerment outreach was conceived to identify individuals with vision, determination and entrepreneurial drive who lack the basic tools and support required to transform their ideas into sustainable means of livelihood.
Encouraged by the outcomes of the 2024 edition, the initiative scaled up in 2025, extending its reach beyond Idijie Community to include Idumu Ikhala Community, which also hosted this year’s event. Chief Patrick expressed optimism that with sustained support, the programme would gradually spread across Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, and ultimately the entire Esan Land/Edo Central Senatorial District.
Highlighting the scope of the empowerment, she listed the vocations covered in the 2025 edition to include salon and hairdressing, dress-making and fashion design, baking and confectioneries, grinding machine operations, plumbing works, welding and fabrication, and spray painting.
She explained that the empowerment items presented were carefully matched to each beneficiary’s chosen vocation, describing every supported idea as a “seed” capable of yielding long-term economic benefits when properly nurtured.
“Every idea or dream is a seed. What we are doing today is providing the enabling environment for these seeds to bloom and see the light of the day,” she said.
While describing the empowerment of 30 beneficiaries as a significant milestone, Chief Patrick acknowledged that many more individuals still require support. She therefore appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and government at all levels to partner with the Heart of Gold initiative in tackling poverty through sustainable empowerment rather than handouts.
She stressed that equipping people with productive skills not only enables them to care for themselves but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to community development.
The Founder also expressed deep appreciation to key stakeholders and supporters, thanking Almighty God for guidance and acknowledging the immense support of her husband, Dr. Patrick Ejedawe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Heart of Gold Support and Care Initiative, and a major driver of the programme through the Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation.
Special gratitude was extended to her parents, Sir and Lady Sunny Ehiagwina, members of the Lagos-based team, the Home Committee responsible for beneficiary selection, and other notable supporters for their financial and moral contributions.
The event concluded with the presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries amid goodwill messages, prayers and renewed calls for collective action to build economically resilient communities.
With its growing footprint, the Heart of Gold Support and Care Initiative continues to stand out as a grassroots intervention committed to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity across Edo Central and beyond.
