Jay Jay and his wife with children from Isolo - Photo: SOS Archives
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The Nigerian international, who plays his club football with English premier league club Bolton Wanderers, first pledged his support for the international children's welfare organisation in summer 2004, following a visit to the SOS Children's Village in Isolo, Nigeria. In July 2005, Okocha delighted children in the organisation's care by visiting the facility again to officially receive his "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" ambassador certificate.
"My visit to the Isolo children's village made me appreciate the SOS Children's Village long-term family based concept of improving the lives of many children in our society, who as a consequence of poverty, HIV/AIDS and socio-economic factors live without the support of one or both parents," Okocha said.
"We all know that young people need an opportunity to discover their skills, to set goals for themselves and to achieve these goals that will enable them to develop the self-confidence they need in life. As a professional footballer in the world today, my interest is to ensure that youngsters are able to assume their responsibilities for tomorrow in terms of fairness, determination and team spirit," he added.
Okocha attended the ceremony in Isolo with his wife and two children, who all visibly enjoyed several cultural performances staged by children in the care of SOS Children's Villages in Nigeria. The children also sang "African Queen" - one of Okocha's favourite songs.
Photo: SOS Archives
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After signing footballs and autographs, Okocha also cemented his support for the 6 villages for 2006 campaign in a touching speech: "May I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians and my colleagues to donate towards this worthy project." This campaign aims to collect donations for the construction of six new SOS Children's Villages, of which one will be built in Nigeria and the others in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Agatha da Silva, the director of SOS Children's Villages in Nigeria, said Okocha had shown tremendous interest in the organisation's work, and had accepted the honorary role knowing that it entailed greater responsibilities and new challenges. She added that, above all, Okocha had become a role model for youths.