A Journey of Hope: Building a New Home for Mrs. Chioma Obasi

State of the house before the new edifice was built

New building for Mrs Obasi by GAP International

The Director GAP handing over the keys to Mrs Obasi and her family

Mrs. Chioma Obasi, a widow and mother from Nnorie Ngor Okpala, Imo State, Nigeria, had been living in a bare mud house for over fifty years. As a widow with limited support, she struggled to raise her children in this shelter, which lacked even the basic features of a secure home—no doors, no windows, just walls of clay barely holding up against the elements. Her plight for a better home was known in her community, and she voiced her hope for change as did her daughter.

In December 2022, the Director of GAP International, Dr. George Amakor, returned to his hometown and, during his routine check-ins with local families, visited Mrs. Obasi’s home. Hearing about her situation had been troubling, but seeing it was a different story altogether—the house was far worse than he had imagined. Standing with her and her daughter, the urgency of their situation became painfully real, sparking the beginning of a year-long journey to make their hope for a better home a reality.

(Watch the full video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_OJYsMwJc/?igsh=MTRkcjZkbTFzZThubw== )

The Housing Project Begins: A Solo Effort of Determination and Resilience

With no external funding, this project required a different approach: slow and steady progress through incremental stages. The plan was straightforward but ambitious—to build a new home for Mrs. Obasi, one phase at a time, as funds allowed. Initially, we estimated that with sufficient resources, the project might take three to four months. However, funding limitations made this impossible, and so, starting from January 2023, we began building with the aim to finish each phase, one after another, as funds became available.

Despite these constraints, the vision was unwavering: a safe, secure, and dignified home where Mrs. Obasi could raise her children. Each step forward meant not only a physical transformation but a deep emotional one, providing hope and assurance to a family that had endured so much hardship.

Completion and Handover: A New Beginning in January 2024

After 12 months of dedication, Mrs. Obasi’s home was completed. In January 2024, the keys were handed over to her and her children, marking the end of a journey born from hope and resilience.

While initially daunting, this project underscored a powerful truth: even incremental progress, driven by commitment and compassion, can make a world of difference.

Director of GAP International, Dr George Amakor in front of the new house

Dr George and Mrs Obasi

Family, friends, Mrs Obasi and members of staff of GAP International

Before

After