My Journey of Resilience and Purpose

Written by: Admin_SheEvo

Reflecting on my life’s defining moments, I am reminded of the power of resilience, self-improvement, and reclaiming one’s voice. My story began unfolding at 21, during my final year at Benue State University, Makurdi, where I studied accounting.

_A Daunting Health Challenge_

At 21, I faced a daunting health challenge. After experiencing severe symptoms, I sought medical attention but got misdiagnosed with intestinal obstruction and a suspected mass. However, a predestined encounter with a competent doctor at Jos University Teaching Hospital revealed the accurate diagnosis: ovarian torsion due to a twisted ovarian cyst.

Lessons Learned

The subsequent surgery and recovery marked a pivotal moment in my life, teaching me valuable lessons about life, family, resilience, finding purpose in pain, surviving storms, making comebacks, the journey of healing emotionally, and ultimately the importance of seeking and knowing GOD for yourself.

My journey has been far from smooth. But the learning curves continue to help me build character and keep the steam of my core values. Having had two surgeries, battled complications, and faced health challenges, including asthma, pneumonia, advanced tuberculosis, and uterine fibroids, daily I commit myself not to allow my health or monumental marital and financial setbacks to define me. I have been able to pen down my thoughts and lessons learnt in my ebooks, MAKING A COMEBACK, and BEYOND BROKENNESS, which I give for free to those battling with personal growth, abuse and childhood traumas.

_Empowering Others_

In 2009, I founded the Phenomenal Youth Foundation, now Deborah’s Palm Humanitarian Initiative (DPHI). Despite health struggles, I remained committed to empowering women and young girls, promoting awareness of mental health, and helping others heal from childhood traumas and abuse.

Through DPHI, I partnered with schools in Kano State to:

– Run awareness campaigns on substance abuse

– Organize cognitive development programs like spelling bee competitions and debates on social issues

– Host DPHI maiden edition of Wo-Man Evolve Conference (WEC) to create awareness of domestic and dating violence and support survivors of domestic violence

With increased funding and partnerships, I envision replicating in Niger State and expanding our programs to:

1. Economically empower vulnerable women and young girls. Her money, Her Power.

2. Provide skill acquisition training for young girls and boys

3. Promote mental health awareness and support groups

4. Enhance quality early childhood education for kids in underserved rural areas

My journey has taught me:

1. Resilience in the face of adversity

2. The importance of self-awareness and self-care

3. Empowering others to find their purpose

 

Learn more about Deborah’s Palm Humanitarian Initiative at dphinitiative.wordpress.com

 

I am Juliana E. Olokpo on Facebook

@mommyj on TikTok.