OUR FIRST PEARLDIVA...THE DELECTABLE CEO OF TRUE IDENTITY POVERTY ALLEVIATION INITIATIVE

It is an honour to have our very first guest here. She is best described as ''beauty with big brain''. The delectable lady who is the brain behind the Non-profit Organization- True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative. She tells us the reason she birthed the organization and describes her person as been an unshakable optimist. Having craved for love as a growing child after her parents separated, the light-skinned diva still emits love through a bruised heart. Her passion to serve is simply amazing and unimaginable. 

In this exclusive interview, the passionate damsel tells on her career, family and passion.

Let's meet you

My name is Precious-Blessing Omonigho Ugbekile and I am from Igbanke, Orionwhon Local Government Area in Edo State. I studied at University of Benin (UNIBEN) with a diploma in Accounting and a degree in International Studies and Diplomacy. I am a very reserved person with an amazing passion to serve. 

Share your background and career journey

I am from a humble background of four children. Growing up was interesting and tough. My parents separated when I was very young and that broke a part of me. My mother was a strict disciplinarian and I thought most of the hard discipline art were not necessary as they left my heart bruised and me, very unhappy. I didn't understand why I didn't get loved and pampered the way I felt and wanted it. I guess that surged a huge passion in me and made me to be all about loving, giving and making a difference which gave birth to True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative as I needed a structured way of living the life. For the same love of service, I started a business with my sister: Ella P. day Spa, Fitness Centre and Salon. A business all about service and proffering solution to the lifestyle living of Nigerians.

Tell us about True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative

True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative is a non-profit organisation I founded 8 years ago. We are all about solving the problems of poverty through well thought out projects my team and I are passionate about. We have projects on Education, Child Labour, Hunger and starvation and skill acquisition/vocational trainings. Our vision is “an empowered African population enabled to rise above the clutches of poverty.” With a mission “to inspire and empower today's vulnerable Africa generation especially women and children through capacity building, communication and service provision for improved standard of living and sustainable development.” It hasn't been easy, but God has been faithful. Above all He blessed me with dedicated passionate members who have given so much of themselves for the success of the organisation.  

What influenced your passion?

Like I said earlier, the strict discipline I got from my mother growing up instilled the values that drive and propel me to help others who cannot help themselves find meaning from this life. I have always been an unshakable optimist who believes in a world where every child can grow and make positive impact but ultimately live the life of Christ.

What are your achievements so far on True Identity Poverty Alleviation Initiative?

So far so good. We have been able to carry out major projects on Education and on Child Labour.  More children are in school now and are coping fine. Also we have been able to create more awareness on the dangers of street hawking and we have worked out empowerment plans to address the scourge through our End to Child Hawking project that addresses Child Labour.

Have you had reason(s) to regret this venture?

Not at all. There is nothing more fulfilling for me than this. With absolute no experience I ventured into it, at the time I didn’t know what the acronym NGO meant, but am glad I took the steps I took when I took it. 

Why an NGO, was it that you had so much money to throw around? 

Absolutely not. I work very hard to earn want I earn, we have been lucky too, to have some good people around us, it has not been easy at all but God has been faithful and he has been with us all through the ride. The passion is unexplainable. That’s just how I live my life and the NGO is to enable me structure my lifestyle. That's how I find fulfillment: in the difference I make.

You are very young and beautiful, what’s your beauty regimen?

Am not that young anymore (laughs). My regimen is drinking a lot of water, exercise when I can, eat healthy, and give myself a treat the Spa way, from time to time (smiles). But above all, I think beauty is a gift. I count myself lucky. 

 Where do you plan to see True Identity in the next 5 years?

I am hoping in the next 5 years TRUE IDENTITY should have risen to a place of authority in the Alleviation of poverty: having a VOICE that is heard. I am also hoping we would have more people on board supporting us to achieving the goals. People who understand and share a common passion with us, working together to create true impact that brings about true grass root and national transformation. 

 What are your hobbies and what effect does it have on your projects?

I love buying (collecting) books; not necessarily to read them (laughs). I love to listen to the stories of the vulnerable and jump on some kind of rescue plan. I’m also a lover of good music. Learning and Listening to gain inspiration to do what I love to do best.


On so many occasions you have been seen with the First Lady of Edo State (Her Excellency-Mrs Iara Oshiomhole). Does she play a major role in your projects? If yes, how has she supported you?

More than anything, what's most important is someone being there for you and believing in you and your dreams. Yes! That's how she plays a major role. We share ideas and develop them. She points out vital areas we can build upon to succeed and she does that with an unquestionable commitment. I love her sincerity. She's one with a pure and beautiful heart with great personality. Oh, and not forgetting her wonderful sense of humour. She's a true friend who is always encouraging me and ensuring that I am on track with my objectives.

Any guy on board, and how does he support your dreams?

(Laughs) I was wishing you wouldn't ask that. 

Yes there is someone very special who shares same passion with me. He is a very good human being who understands what it means to be vulnerable. He therefore has never questioned my love and my giving my all instead he jumped right into the train with me. He inspires me a lot too. He's one with a very big heart and great ideas for true solutions. I’m very proud of him and grateful to the Almighty for given me him on a platter of gold.

 Do you have any other project(s) in the pipeline?

The mother of them all is in the making.  I will not need to introduce it to you when the time comes. Let only God's will be done.


 What's your advice for the young ones out there who wants to make a difference?

I enjoy talking to young people about their dreams. Too often children are told that they cannot do this, and they shouldn’t do that – but that just restricts their imagination. Don’t ever let anyone prevent you from dreaming. Imagination is one of our greatest gifts. Without it we would never make the changes that make the world a better place. If you want to make a difference, start now. Open your mind and heart to it. Learn more, give more.