Herpotential Special Needs Initiative Launches NGO in Warri, MC Emmaralo Unveiled as Brand Ambassador

 

By Wilson Macaulay

In a vibrant and heartwarming ceremony held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, Warri, Delta State, the Herpotential Special Needs Initiative was officially launched. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of popular entertainer MC Emmaralo as the NGO’s Brand Ambassador.

The launch event drew notable dignitaries, community stakeholders, educators, clergy, and health professionals, all united in support of the initiative’s mission: to empower and support children—particularly the girl child with special needs—in Delta State and beyond.

A Laudable Vision Commended

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Philip Ariakpoyeri Ileleji, a Chartered Accountant and lecturer at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, described the NGO as “a laudable dream that requires the support of men and women of goodwill.”

During the press briefing, Dr. Ariakpoyeri commended the founders, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ukpetenam, for their unwavering commitment to philanthropy. He also praised Mrs. Gbubemi Ukpetenam, CEO of the initiative, for her passion and dedication to creating a platform built on inclusion, protection, love, and care for society’s most vulnerable children.

He called on the government at all levels to develop and implement deliberate policies to uplift the girl child in education, politics, and economic participation. “The girl child is passionate, resilient, and accommodating—we must invest in her potential,” he stated.

A Vision Rooted in Compassion

In her address, Mrs. Gbubemi Ukpetenam, CEO of Herpotential Special Needs Initiative, articulated the driving force behind the organization.

“Herpotential exists to bridge the gap for children with special needs who are often marginalized and forgotten,” she explained.

She emphasized that the NGO is focused on promoting inclusion, awareness, counselling, and care, particularly for the girl child. While the initiative currently focuses on Delta State, its vision is national and global.

“There is no limit to the help we are ready to offer,” she said.

Mrs.  Gbubemi Ukpetenam encouraged the public to support the cause and invited like-minded individuals to join the movement as volunteers.

“We are a non-profit organization, and we welcome those who share our vision of building a more inclusive and compassionate world,” she said.

Acknowledging Divine Guidance

 Mr. Anthony Ukpetenam, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, in his Press statement, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the launch.

“God has been faithful to our family. We are merely vessels in His hands. We pledge to do our best to ensure every less-privileged and special girl child under our care grows into a responsible and impactful member of society,” he said.

The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ukpetenam, supported by Chief Dr. Philip Ariakpoyeri Ileleji, Brand Ambassador MC Emmaralo, and Rev. Dr. Philip Ozuem, Senior Pastor of Living Proof Int’l Christian Chapel Inc., who also serves as the Spiritual Guardian of the NGO.

Rev. Dr. Philip  Ozuem  while speaking to the media described the launch as a divinely ordained milestone, declaring that “disability is not inability.” He affirmed his ministry’s full support, offering both spiritual guidance and material assistance to the NGO’s ongoing work.

Spotlight on MC Emmaralo

The high point of the event was the official unveiling of MC Emmaralo as the Brand Ambassador, carried out by Mr. Anthony Ukpetenam, flanked by his wife, Mrs. Gbubemi Ukpetenam, the elegant CEO of the initiative.

In his acceptance speech, MC Emmaralo expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor and pledged his total commitment to amplifying the NGO’s message and mission.

“This marks the beginning of greater things. Wherever I go, I will spread the message of Herpotential Special Needs Initiative. I’ll use my platforms and my voice to bring visibility to this noble cause,” he said.

He also announced the location of the NGO’s Secretariat at No. 2 Nnwewi Street, off Aka Avenue, Refinery Road, Effurun, Warri, inviting the public to engage with and support the initiative.

Health and Education Leaders Speak

Mrs. Aghoghovwia Enoh Stella, Deputy Director of Nursing Services at Ekpan Health Centre, lauded the Ukpetenams for their proactive efforts—especially their personal renovation of the health centre—even before the official unveiling of their NGO.

She stressed the importance of adolescent health education, noting the unique needs of girls with special needs during puberty. “These girls deserve proper education, care, and counselling to become assets to society, not liabilities,” she said.

Also present was Mrs. Ejoh Boyo Joy, Head Teacher of Alderstown Special School for the Deaf, who expressed her appreciation for the NGO’s inclusive vision.

“Herpotential is helping to fulfill the destinies of these children. Our presence here today reminds these special children that they are not forgotten and written off by the Society ” she affirmed.

Looking Ahead

Despite a light drizzle on the day, the event’s atmosphere remained electric—charged with hope and determination. Attendees departed with renewed commitment to fostering a society that empowers all children, regardless of physical, mental, or social challenges.

With strong spiritual support, credible leadership, and now, a charismatic Brand Ambassador in the person of MC Emmaralo, the Herpotential Special Needs Initiative is undoubtedly positioned to become a transformative force for inclusion and empowerment in Delta State and across Nigeria.