In recognition of his sterling qualities and commemoration of his 50th birthday, the Humanitarian Studies and Social Institute Development (IHSD) recently conferred Doctoral Fellowship Status on the Chairman of Cromaria Care Foundation, Dr. Obioma Orji.

The honour was conferred by Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Institute and Prof. of Humanitarianism and United Nations scholar, Ambassador Francis Origa.

The Institute collaborates with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in promoting humanitarian development and capacity-building initiatives.

Presenting the fellowship, Ambassador Origa described Orji as an accomplished humanitarian whose life and service have positively impacted countless individuals and communities.

He commended both Orji and his wife, Mrs. Chinyere Orji for their selfless humanitarian work through Cromaria Care Foundation. He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate their example.

The don also urged local and international donor agencies, development partners, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to support the Foundation in expanding its humanitarian interventions across the nation and beyond.

Another major highlight of the event was the official launch of the book, “Cheers to 50 – Celebrating A Life of Love, Leadership and Humanity,” an autobiography of Orji authored by Mrs. Orji, in honour of her husband.

The book chronicles Orji’s early childhood, humble beginnings, educational journey, professional growth, and rise within the nation’s aviation industry.

It also documents the establishment and achievements of Cromaria Care Foundation, his philosophy of leadership beyond profit, humanitarian contributions, commitment to community development, Christian faith, family values, and dedication to service.

The publication concludes with an emotional tribute from Mrs. Orji to her husband, celebrating a life devoted to leadership, compassion, faith and humanity.

In her speech, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cromaria Care Foundation, Mrs. Orji, highlighted the Foundation’s remarkable humanitarian journey.

Founded in 2018 and officially incorporated in 2019, the Foundation was established to advance the cause of humanity and provide support to vulnerable and underserved populations through social and economic development initiatives.

According to Mrs. Orji, even before its formal incorporation, the Foundation had been actively engaged in numerous philanthropic interventions across the country.

These interventions include, scholarship awards at various educational levels, provision of infrastructure to educational institutions and churches; construction of housing units for indigent families, installation of community boreholes, vocational and skills acquisition training programmes; provision of start-up capital for the less privileged, as well as donations of cash and relief materials to victims of natural disasters and military personnel.

Despite operating for eight years with limited external funding support, she noted the Foundation has continued to make significant impacts nationwide.

Mrs. Orji also expressed profound appreciation to Lagos State Government for their support.

Reiterating the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with philanthropists, corporate organisations, governments at all levels, and international development agencies to further advance humanitarian causes, she further revealed that the Foundation has empowered over 2,000 women, distributed more than 10,000 bags of fertilizer to support agricultural development, and facilitated over 10,000 scholarships for students across the country.