By  Japhet Alakam

Former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria and Founder of Gaurapad Charities, Bolaji Rosiji, celebrated Nigeria’s Independence with members of staff by unveiling a special welfare package tagged ‘Heroes award’. The event held at the Guarapad multi-purpose hall, Maryland, attracted over one hundred and fifty Gaurapad staff from across West Africa. Most of the staff had been in suspense for a month as to what the event, tagged Gaurapad Heroes, was all about.

•Mr Bolaji Rosiji(2nd right) and others at the event

According to Dr. Efeoma Okeke (M.D.), head, Gaurapad Abuja, “We kept receiving teasers on our Whatshapp about something taking place on October first, but management did not disclose details. Most of us thought we were being hosted to a grand Independence day party. But nothing could have prepared us for what our beloved founder, Mr. Rosiji, declared on that day”.

During the ceremony, Rosiji presented Gaurapad staff with Gaurapad Heroes certificates which entitled them to eight new benefits, including a handsome stake in the establishment, education grants, company support at times of difficulty, to name a few. No one was left out as security personnel, chauffeurs and company cleaners were flown in from their respective branches. “Hence forth all Gaurapad staff should be referred to as Heroes” enthused Rosiji, a human rights activist.

you’re heroes because you’re changing lives in the tens of thousands. Helping the sick and providing economic freedom for the unemployed, widows and students from Cameroon to Nigeria, Togo to Ghana. The level of professionalism exhibited by these young men and women could rival work ethics and standards of the developed economies. Give Nigerians a great working environment and watch them blossom!” He concluded.

The motivational speaker for the day was pastor Jimi Tewe, who coached a hall full of eager listeners about the importance of living a footprint wherever one works. “Gaurapad is a multinational that started in Nigeria”, he said, “and it is one of the few organisations  that is truly adding value and building a vibrant economy, post oil era. Like it or not, you are all sharing a pioneering experience.

Helen Paul, (Tatafo) a stand up comedian extraordinare entertained  the audience. Other people in attendance had lots of fun as there were side attractions such as tying of ‘gele’ (head gear) by men, knotting of tie by women among other things. In his closing remarks, Rosiji charged all junior staff to further their education.

Meanwhile Gaurapad is warming up for its most ambitious welfare program till date, tagged Eco-mediq. It will feature free health centres in malls and rural areas across Nigeria and Ghana.