08/08/2026
During the commissioning of the permanent site of Oyiza Orphanage and Foster Foundation in February 2026, we considered it important to showcase the rich cultural heritage of our founder, the late Mrs. Oyiza Janet Idris.
Mrs. Oyiza Idris hailed from Adavi-Eba Local Government Area of Kogi State, a land known for its hardworking, kind-hearted, passionate, and beautiful people whose lives are deeply rooted in love, community, and service to humanity. The Ebira language, spoken by these remarkable people, reflects the richness of their culture and identity.
The Ebira people are renowned for their agricultural excellence, with many men engaged in farming, while the women are celebrated for their skill in weaving the famous A*o Oke fabric. Their cuisine is equally unique, featuring delicacies such as pounded yam and specially prepared bean pudding. Ebira women are admired for their beauty, intelligence, resilience, and distinctive traditional hairstyles that proudly reflect their heritage.
As we celebrated the life and legacy of Mrs. Oyiza Janet Idris, we recognized that she crossed many bridges of culture, religion, and ethnicity to establish a home of love and hope for vulnerable children. Her vision was not limited by tribe, language, or belief; it was driven by compassion and a commitment to humanity.
By highlighting her cultural roots, we honor the foundation upon which her values were built. Yet, her life also reminds us that while our languages, traditions, skin colors, and places of origin may differ, our shared humanity remains our greatest identity.
Wherever we come from, whatever language we speak, and whatever culture we belong to, humanity must always come first. That is the enduring legacy of Oyiza Orphanage and Foster Foundation—a legacy of love without boundaries.
