CRAFTING LEGACIES OF HOPE: ONE MAN’S JOURNEY OF IMPACT, PHILANTHROPY, AND MAKING MEMORIES
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In a world often plagued by headlines of strife and discord, it is heartening to shine a light
on a story of hope and transformation. Nestled in the heart of Nigeria's Niger Delta region,
a unique collaboration between Canon and a passionate philanthropist, Moses Oruaze Dickson, is
illuminating the path to positive change.
Oruaze’s journey resonates with the very essence of transformation. Born and raised in Toru-Orua
village in Sagbama Local Government area of Bayelsa State in Nigeria, he understands the stark
realities of life in a region where dreams often collide with adversity. However, it was precisely
these challenges that ignited his unwavering passion for change.
In 2012, Oruaze founded the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation in honor of the late philanthropist,
Goldcoast Dickson – his mother. For over a decade, this foundation has been a beacon of hope,
reaching out and touching the lives of thousands. Its impact extends to over 8,000 women, children,
and men, bearing testimony to its reach and effectiveness.
The foundation's three-pronged approach is anchored in education, primary healthcare, and
strategic youth empowerment. Over the years, it has addressed critical healthcare needs,
provided essential educational support, empowered youth with purposeful initiatives to rural
communities and extended a helping hand to flood victims during the devastating floods of 2012,
2018, and 2022.
The path to success was anything but smooth for the foundation. Resource scarcity and the need
to raise public awareness presented formidable obstacles. Yet, these challenges acted as
catalysts for greater public engagement and support from the Bayelsa and other Niger-Delta State
Governments, generous individuals, local NGOs, and a few corporate entities.
Amidst this collaborative surge, an unexpected hero emerged in the form of Oruaze’s Solalina
Studios, a creative imaging and storytelling startup supported by Canon. Undeterred by adverse
weather and conditions, the studio documented the foundation's tireless efforts to improve
awareness of its activities which saved lives. Together, they turned tragedies into an
opportunity for shared grief, empathy, and, most importantly, action.
This partnership extended far beyond mere documentation. With the guidance and support of Canon,
Solalina Studios evolved from its humble beginnings into a burgeoning creative hub. Armed with
cutting-edge equipment and a commitment to free training initiatives, Solalina Studios is
becoming not just a center for creativity but also a catalyst for community engagement. It
plans to establish a movie production hub that provides employment opportunities for youths,
signifying the spirit of growth and empowerment embodied by this partnership.
However, Oruaze's journey is not just about philanthropy and social change; it is also about
preserving memories. His childhood was marked by a lack of photographs to capture the moments
that shaped his life, sparking his passion for photography. With every click of his camera, he
doesn't merely capture images but the legacies of hope, perseverance, and transformation.
In his own words, Oruaze expresses the significance of preserving memories, "Solalina Studios
is not just about photography; it's about creating a legacy of profound and cherished memories
because, in the end, it's the memories that live on."
The foundation's commendable work has earned admiration from prominent figures like former
President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former Vice President, Professor Yemi
Osinbajo, as well as religious and traditional leaders. Their endorsement serves as a testament
to the collective vision and dedication embodied by the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation over
the years.
As we look ahead, Oruaze envisions even greater strides for the foundation, with a focus on adult
education, rural programs for nursing mothers and children, and strategic youth empowerment
projects like photography and film making. His legacy transcends bricks and mortar, residing
in the lives transformed, the memories preserved, and the communities united.
The story of Moses Oruaze Dickson and the collaborative partnership with Canon is a powerful
reminder that a single individual's unwavering determination can indeed be a catalyst for
transformation. It is a testament to the potential for positive change when philanthropy and
innovation join hands in pursuit of a better world according to him ‘one life at a time.