DR. (MRS.) VICTORIA ADEFUNKE ORIJI

EARLY LIFE, MARRIAGE, EDUCATION AND WORK

Adefunke Victoria Oriji nee Moronfoye is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and devoted minister of the gospel dedicated to empowering lives worldwide. Born to HRH DNA Samson Olanlokum and Mrs. Rachael Omofoyeke Anke Moronfoye on December 24, 1973, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, she married Lieutenant Colonel Olurotimi Olalekan Oriji (Rtd.) on March 15, 2003, and together, they have four children.

Victoria's academic journey began at L.E.A. Girls Primary School, Kigo Road, Kaduna State, Nigeria. She then attended Federal Government College, Azare, Bauchi State for her secondary education. Her tertiary education took her to Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, and Kaduna Polytechnic, where she earned her ND and HND in Accounting, respectively. Before transitioning into entrepreneurship and ministry, Victoria worked at KPMG Audit as an IT student and at Sulaiman and Co. as an audit trainee.

Committed to lifelong learning, Victoria holds postgraduate diplomas in Education from the National Teachers' Institute and Management Science from Kaduna Polytechnic. In 2021, she became a Chartered Accountant. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Organisational Leadership at Development Associates International (DAI) and studying at Rhema Bible College.

Spiritual Life And Ministry

At 28, Victoria surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. Her spiritual growth led her to join the Living Faith Church. During her National Youth Service in Makurdi, Benue State, Victoria attended a worldwide women's convention that sparked a vision to establish an orphanage. Although life's transitions delayed the realisation of this vision, Victoria finally heeded the call, and on March 15, 2013, The Blessed Touch Orphanage Home was officially commissioned and dedicated with the goal of promoting a society where orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers are supported to grow into responsible and productive members of the society.

It is currently home to twenty-five children, and over the past decade, it has witnessed numerous success stories. Some children have found loving adoptive families, while others have excelled in private and government secondary schools. One of the children is pursuing higher education at the Nassarawa State University, and another has graduated from the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna State. Her commitment to giving extends beyond the walls of the orphanage as she regularly distributes generous donations received to other local orphanages, widows, destitute children, and missionaries in the community.

While grateful for the financial support of kind donors, she does not rely solely on donations. The orphanage is also self-sustaining through several hectares of farmland, which provides a significant portion of its funding. The proceeds from the farm are used to support the daily needs of the children, ensuring they receive the care and nourishment they deserve.

Driven by her God-given vision, Mrs. Oriji is committed to creating a society where orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers receive the support they need to thrive. To achieve this, she has acquired plots of land to establish the Grande Achievers Academy, a nursery and primary school dedicated to providing quality education to not only orphans but also underprivileged children whose parents struggle to afford school fees.

Victoria's deep devotion to prayer and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children inspired her to establish The Cry of Motherhood Forum. This innovative platform brings mothers together to pray online daily for children at midnight, supplemented by quarterly in-person meetings. Notably, Victoria's journey began two years prior, as she faithfully prayed alone for children before feeling led to invite other mothers to join her in this powerful endeavour.

Her annual Raising Arrows of God programme, rooted in her faith and guided by her vision for a brighter future, aims to empower children to become catalysts for positive change. Launched in August 2019, the inaugural event brought together orphans from every orphanage home in Kaduna State, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity.

Although the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic, the programme resumed in 2021 on a smaller scale. However, in 2022, the event witnessed a remarkable surge in attendance, transforming it into a movement over the course of its three-day duration. The impact of the programme is clearly evident in its exponential growth.

Public Speaking Engagements

Victoria is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to share her inspiring story, faith, and passion for empowering vulnerable children, young girls and mothers and at numerous events and engagements. She has spoken at conferences, seminars, and workshops, inspiring audiences with her message of hope and resilience. Victoria is on the verge of releasing her debut book, which tells her story and promises to inspire and motivate young girls and ladies, to make healthy and right choices, so they can stand out, instead of going with the crowd.

Awards And Recognition

In appreciation of her selfless contributions and exceptional accomplishments, Dr. (Mrs.)

Victoria Adefunke Oriji has been a recipient of some awards of recognition highlighting her passion for empowering vulnerable children and young women through her foundation as well as her speaking engagements. Her selflessness and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recent conferment with a Doctorate Degree of Divinity, Honoris Causa from Leadership Christian College and Seminary. This prestigious honour is a testament to her outstanding contributions to humanity.

Legacy

Victoria's life is a shining embodiment of resilience and determination. Through her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable children, she has inspired countless individuals and transformed lives. Her remarkable journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that one person can make a profound difference. As an exemplary model of kindness, compassion, and perseverance, Victoria's enduring legacy will shape the values of future generations, fostering a world where kindness, righteousness, and humanity thrive.