The Herpotential Special Needs Initiative has been launched in Warri, Delta State, with a mission to promote inclusion and support for children, particularly the girl child with special needs.
The event, which held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, drew dignitaries, educators, health professionals, clerics, and community leaders. A major highlight was the unveiling of popular entertainer, MC Emmaralo, as Brand Ambassador of the NGO.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Philip Ariakpoyeri Ileleji, a Chartered Accountant and lecturer at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, described the project as “a laudable dream that requires the support of men and women of goodwill.”
He commended the founders, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ukpetenam, for their philanthropy, and hailed Mrs. Gbubemi Ukpetenam, the CEO, for her passion and vision. He urged government at all levels to prioritise policies that empower the girl child in education, politics, and the economy.
In her remarks, Mrs. Gbubemi Ukpetenam explained the essence of the initiative.
“Herpotential exists to bridge the gap for children with special needs who are often marginalized and forgotten,” she said.
She added that while the focus is currently Delta State, the organisation’s outlook is both national and global.
“There is no limit to the help we are ready to offer,” she said.
On his part, Mr. Anthony Ukpetenam, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude 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 was performed by Mr. and Mrs. Ukpetenam, supported by Chief Dr. Ariakpoyeri, MC Emmaralo, and Rev. Dr. Philip Ozuem, Senior Pastor of Living Proof Int’l Christian Chapel Inc., who also serves as the NGO’s Spiritual Guardian.
Rev. Ozuem, who described the launch as a divinely ordained milestone, said “disability is not inability,” and pledged his ministry’s material and spiritual support.
The unveiling of MC Emmaralo as Brand Ambassador was the climax of the event. In his acceptance speech, he pledged full commitment to the cause.
“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 NGO’s Secretariat at No. 2 Nnwewi Street, off Aka Avenue, Refinery Road, Effurun.
Other speakers included Mrs. Aghoghovwia Enoh Stella, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Ekpan Health Centre, who commended the Ukpetenams for renovating the facility even before the launch, and Mrs. Ejoh Boyo Joy, Head Teacher of Alderstown Special School for the Deaf, who said:
“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.”
Despite a light drizzle, the atmosphere at the launch was charged with optimism, as participants expressed renewed commitment to building a more inclusive society.
With strong leadership, spiritual backing, and a charismatic face in MC Emmaralo, the Herpotential Special Needs Initiative is set to emerge as a driving force for inclusion and empowerment in Delta State and beyond.
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