The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Philanthropist

  • Philanthropist donates books to Kogi schools

    Kogi-bornphilanthropist Abdulrashid Musa Ujache has donated books and reading materials worth over N500,000 to seven colleges in various parts of Kogi State.

    Ujache said the gesture was part of his determination to contribute to the eradication of illiteracy among the youth.

    The seven beneficiary colleges are  in Idah, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu and Ofu local government areas.

    Presenting the books to principals of the recipient schools, Ujache advised the students to shun vices and acts inimical to their education, adding that lack of education is the reason why most young people are involved in unwholesome acts.

    He described himself as a lover of education and appealed to them to imbibe the culture of reading in and outside school.

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr Yakubu Ugwolawo, thanked Ujache for the gesture. He called on others in positions of affluence to emulate Ujache in development of Igala communities. He advised the students not to involve themselves in any act that may have adverse effect on their studies.

    The Provost, College of Science and Technology, Idah, Dr Solomon Anyegwu, equally underscored the importance of education calling on the beneficiaries to be more committed to their studies.

  • The road a philanthropist built in Enugu

    The call to think home and build Igbo land is sinking in. It was in response to the call that a young Port-Harcourt-based philanthropist, Prince Lawrence Eze, decided to give his Mburubu community, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, something to cheer and remember for life.

    He single-handedly built a 4.5km asphalt road with street lights to alleviate their suffering and enhance the evacuation of farm produce to Enugu metropolis and other States of the country. The road links Nara through Mburubu to Nomeh rail lines.

    The Prince had also way back in 2013, rehabilitated 3 bridges linking the communities of Ugbawka – Nara – Mburubu and Nomeh.

    The commissioning of the road project was however, part of activities lined up to mark the 50th Ofalla festival of his father, the traditional ruler of Mburubu community, Igwe Emmanuel Eze, the Ozulumba I of Mburubu, who has reigned for fifty years.ý

    Speaking while commissioning the project, Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, re-emphasised the need for the participation of the private sector in the development of the country.

    Ugwuanyi, who was full of praises for Prince Lawrence Eze for touching on the lives of his people, noted that the country needed more of the young Prince to move forward, as government alone cannot meet all the needs of the different communities.

    While congratulating the Mburubu community for having a son like the Prince, the governor expressed joy that the road network was completed and delivered before the rainy season when the farmers would need it most and called on corporate Nigeria to emulate the Prince of Mburubu example and support government in its rural development drive.

    Prince Lawrence Eze, who believes in action instead of much talking, told the people that his philanthropy was a continuous exercise, stressing that his target was to rehabilitate all roads within the community.

    He stated that the only way he felt he can appreciate God for His gift of life and resources, was to give a face-lift to his community and put smiles on the faces of his people through roads construction and award of scholarships to indigent students from Primary school to the University level. He said that he also believed that the luxury of good road network should not be the exclusive preserve of those in urban areas, adding that those in rural communities should have a test of it.

    The prince of Mburubu thanked the Enugu State governor for coming to personally commission the road project despite short notice and prayed God to grant him a deserved second tenure next year.

    The president General of Mburubu Town Union, Prof. Alphonsus Njoku, said that the road project was a great relief to Mburubu and neighboring communities, pointing out that for the past 100 years, movement in the area had remained difficult for his people, forcing them to trek long distances to sell their farm produce.

    Njoku, stated that in addition to the roads and bridges constructed by Prince Lawrence Eze, thousands of indigent students in the area had benefited from his scholarship scheme, even as poor pregnant mothers from the community had continued to enjoy financial lifeline from him.

    The president-General also appealed to the Enugu State governor to capture the enterprising Prince in his administration, since according to him, “the man has all the qualities of a good leader”.

    Guests at the occasion were later entertained with cultural dances and drama displays.

     

  • Philanthropist empowers widows

    A philanthropist in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos, Hon. Ayobami Akanni Omabegho, has empowered some of the widows in the local government area.

    Omabegho,  a member of the All progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday at the Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale Hall, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legislative Building, Amuwo Odofin said he decided to empower   the widows because they have a load of responsibility ahead of them, saying it is the beginning of his gesture.

    The event which had in attendance the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Valentine Buraimoh and others, saw Omabegho hinting on what to expect from him by the residents of the council area.

  • Philanthropist to build skill centre

    A philanthropist in Imo State, Mr. Joshua Onyemuche, has promised to build a skill acquisition centre at Okigwe Prison.

    He spoke at the opening of a football tournament he organised for inmates.

    Onyemuche said he hired three lawyers to represent inmates who lack means to engage lawyers.

    He lamented that inmates, accused of minor offences, were remanded in prison and abandoned without representation by lawyers.

    The philanthropist promised to donate a vehicle, sewing machines, drugs and art and drawing materials to alleviate their problems.

    His words: “I am touched by this visit. I will ensure I visit this prison regularly to know your problems.”

    Onyemuche received a list of challenges confronting the prison from the Deputy Controller, Mr. Valentine Nwosu, and assured him of assistance.

  • 21 get philanthropist’s scholarship

    21 get philanthropist’s scholarship

    You’re selected because you have done well and I want to note that ZOAAF is not a political organisation or for chieftaincy purpose but was established eleven years ago to ensure the children from this town come out best among their contemporaries.

    A non-political foundation, Zinatulahi Oyetoro Alari Adewuyi Foundation (ZOAAF) has given scholarship grants to 21 indigent students of Lanlate studying in various universities across the country.

    The facilitator of the scholarship scheme, Prince Gbaye Adewuyi began the scheme 11 years ago with the aim of raising intelligent people from Lanlate town in Oyo State, especially sons and daughter of the less-privileged people.

    According to him, in the last 11 years, ZOAAF scholarship scheme has produced no fewer than 73 graduates from various disciplines, even as he maintained that the selection of recipients of the awards was based on merit and was not organised for any political interest.

    While addressing the beneficiaries, Prince Gbaye said: “To the beneficiaries, you should know between seed and bread, meaning that you should learn how to invest in others whenever you’re privileged as I’m doing for you today.

    “You’re selected because you have done well and I want to note that ZOAAF is not a political organisation or for chieftaincy purpose but was established eleven years ago to ensure the children from this town come out best among their contemporaries.”

    He, therefore, urged others who are rich to join hands with him and contribute their quota to the development of the town. He noted that there are others who indigenous to Lanlate that are richer than him, urging them to help in charity intervention.

    He added that his next focus is the provision of employment for unemployed graduates, saying that, it will be meaningless to produce about 74 graduates who have no jobs. He thanked the selection committee for their efforts in the past 11 years.

    Earlier in is welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of ZOAAF Scholarship Scheme, Dr. Johnson Adewuyi lauded the initiative of Prince Adewuyi and for not relenting in organising this year’s scholarship scheme despite the economic recession. He said the benefactor believed in education as the foundation for success of the less-privileged individuals.

    In their various remarks, a member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North at the House of Representatives, Hon. Gbenga Ojoawo and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibarapa land, Chief Timothy Alarape, appreciated the gesture of the donor. The duo said if other well-meaning individuals should embrace the spirit of giving, our society would have been better than this.

    One of the beneficiaries who graduated six years ago and gainfully employed with popular Nigerian telecommunications company, Globacom Limited and now part of the scheme, Abiodun Mutiu Abidemi expressed his gratitude to the facilitator.

    The graduate of Mathematics/Statistics from the University of Lagos enjoined the beneficiaries to emulate the gesture of the philanthropist by giving back to the community whenever they are privileged.

    The beneficiaries were selected from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Adekunle Ajasin University, University of Ibadan, University of Ado-Ekiti, University of Lagos, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and University of Ilorin.

  • Philanthropist empowers unemployed women

    A philanthropist, Hon. Omonike Veronica Alonge has organised skill acquisition programme for women at the palace of the Baale of Amikanle, Chief Fatai Alli-Balogun.

    The palace coordinator, Abdulfatai Barika said the programme was aimed at helping unemployed women to learn some trades so that they could be economically independent.

    The programme was tagged “Let Women Speak”.

    Hon. Alonge, who is the facilitator of the programme, said she was motivated to embark on the empowerment programme by the challenges unemployed women and full-time housewives are experiencing in the society.

    The empowerment programme began in October, last year, even as four communities such as Meiran Town Hall, Command Army Barrack Kajola, Suberu Oje and Amikanle have benefitted from it.

    She revealed that the women are trained in four skills namely accessories, cake baking/decoration, cosmetology and household materials making.

    She appreciated the Baale for his accommodation and hospitality during the empowerment programme.

    “He has to make public announcement to the women in the community to participate.

    At Amikanle community, 60 women were enrolled but 45 graduated. After the graduation, equipment and materials needed for their new trades were given to the graduates to start businesses of their own.

    A beneficiary, Mrs Abosede Oladibu, who was trained in liquid and bar soap making, body and hair cream, dettol, detergent, izal, air freshener and conditional shampoo appreciated Mrs Alonge and the Baale.

    “Before now, I relied on my husband before feeding myself and the children at home but now I can feed my children without waiting for the assistance of my husband,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Grace Ogunse who received training as a make-up artist said: “I tried to gain admission to higher institution but couldn’t because my parents were financially incapable. Now I can stand on my own as an entrepreneur without relying on anyone. I am fulfilled,” she said.

    She urged single ladies and unemployed women not to depend on men, even as she said they should find something to do in order to make themselves economically relevant before getting married.

    Chief Alli-Balogun commended Hon. Alonge for the support in training unemployed women. He promised to support her programme which aims at empowering the women folk.

    He advised unemployed housewives not to rely on their husbands for survival.

  • Philanthropist donates work tools to the needy

    Philanthropist donates work tools to the needy

    Scores  of visually-impaired, the lame, hearing-impaired and those who have speech difficulty ambled to the Goldenpearls Estate in Ajah, Lagos, last Saturday. While buses conveyed some, others were led by their guides, and another set crawled their way into the estate having heard the good news.

    There was news getting the round that Dr Kelly Nwogu had resolved to empower some physically-challenged people. Also some destitute and people living with other forms of disabilities were said to be among those to benefit from the gesture.

    Any wonder would-be beneficiaries stormed the venue in an indescribable number. They learnt there were sewing machines, wheelchairs and hairdryers and other items to be distributed which were packed inside 4, Goldenpearls Estate, venue of the event.

    In the circumstances, the beneficiaries, who sauntered into the venue, took different sitting positions waiting for the arrival of their benefactor.

    The  event, which was slated for 10:00 a.m. didn’t begin until about 2:00 p.m., even though none of the physically-challenged persons, including the crippled who sat under the sun gave up hope.

    As soon as the philanthropist, Dr. Kelly Nwogu and his wife, Chijioke arrived at the venue, there was jubilation, with the physically-challenged persons singing his praises.

    After moving round to greet them, he apologised to them for coming behind the time scheduled for the event. He directed that those under the scorching sun should be moved to the canopies.

    Dr. Nwogu, a real estate developer, announced his plan to establish a national farm to be located at Nupe in Niger State for persons living with disabilities. He said he chose the area considering the fertility and richness of its soil.

    Describing himself as the “Voice of the Disabled”, he stated that he has initiated moves to raise N100 billion for small and medium-scale enterprises and agricultural projects for persons living with disabilities.

    The initiative, he said, was to not only give the beneficiaries a means of livelihood, but also to make them millionaires and employers of labour so that they can educate their children and by extension, reduce crime rate in the society.

    He said: “There are over 23 million people living with one form of disability or the other in Nigeria. I am an only child of a crippled woman and I know how tough it is to survive in such situation. That’s why I can’t keep quiet. Thank God I did and today, I feel the only way I can give back to society is by remembering them by all means possible.

    “These people have children who need to go to school and earn a decent living. Otherwise, they may turn to criminals, which would become a problem for the society. The society must make conscious effort to empower persons with disability and not just wave them off as useless.

    “I have given scholarships to children of persons with disability who can’t afford to send them to school and I will do more. Last week, I promised to give out sewing machines and hairdryers to some of the people who have learnt the skills but can’t afford them; we have the items here.

    “We would also give wheelchairs to some of our people here who do not have. These items are for Nigerians. We want to ensure that non-Nigerians do not come and own our farmlands. That’s why we ask for national identity cards.

    “Those I promised money to start up small business or pay school fees would also receive some amount of money. We must rise beyond the beggar mentality. You would own your own farmlands and employ people to work for you. Some of you would own your own businesses. We need to take our people off the streets and give them hope.

    “I am not the only one involved in this movement. I am just the Voice of the Disabled. I was late here because I went to the streets to get telephone numbers of people begging. Things are tough these days. Able bodied people are finding it difficult to feed themselves let alone persons with disability.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Gloria Nwajei, 37, a former weightlifter, who said she requested a sewing machine the previous week, thanked the donor for giving her N100,000 aside the sewing machine.

    She said: “I am married and have two children. My husband is crippled too. I used to be a weightlifter. But six months ago, I started learning tailoring and when Dr. Nwogu came to the National Stadium last week for an event, people were making requests. So, I appealed to him that I needed a sewing machine so that I can be sewing clothes to pay school fees for my children.

    “He promised to get it for me. And today, he gave me the sewing machine and also N100, 000 to pay my children’s school fees.

    “I am filled with joy and I pray that God will bless him continually. It is rare to see people like this remembering us. Most times, they pass us off as beggars and failures.  Most persons with disability beg because they don’t have another choice.”

    A para-soccer coach, Owolabi Odunyemi, who brought some of his players from the stadium urged the donor to help them actualise their dream of playing at the Olympics.

    He said: “My players believe he would help them achieve their dreams. I believe that too because I have never seen someone like him who goes out of his way to help persons with disability. He wants physically-challenged persons in Nigeria to develop like those in other climes. Other Nigerians should emulate him.”

  • Papal knighthood for philanthropist

    Papal knighthood for philanthropist

    A foremost industrialist and philanthropist in Anambra State, Sir Louis Onwugbenu, will on Sunday join the club of those honoured with the Vatican City Knighthood. In the state, former Governor Peter Obi and ex-national chair of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh are among the few who have been knighted by the Pope.

    The honour from the Vatican City is bestowed on people who have shown great kindness, especially to the needy and less privileged. The event is scheduled for Nnewi.

    No fewer than 400 indigent persons, including widows and the physically-challenged, have started celebrating in anticipation of the ordination of their benefactor as a member of the Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

    Louis Onwugbenu has helped many in the state. He has granted scholarships to over 280 students, not only in Nnewi or the state but the entire country through the Louis Carter Foundation, established in 2013.

    One of the beneficiaries of Sir Louis Carter Foundation, and a physically challenged person, 32-year-old Cosmas Nnadi from Imo State, described Onwugbenu as God-sent.

    Another bebeficiary, Mrs. Mary Nzewi, said he has become the bedrock of community life which, according to her, had made him sponsor various charities through the church.

    He built the St. Louis Church and the Reverend Father’s house in Nnewi.

    Not only that; his commitment to education has also resulted in his constructing the school buildings of the St. Louis Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in Nnewi, as well as donating lecture halls to Nnamdi Azikwe University.

    The Nation gathered that some of the Reverend Fathers that shaped the philanthropist’s Christian life were missionary priests like Reverend Fathers Duncan and Baylon, who departed the country after the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

    The St. Louis Catholic Church he built at Uruagu in the commercial city of Nnewi was dedicated by the Bishop of Nnewi diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Odili Okeke, on December 7, 2003.

    Carter, as he is fondly called by his admirers and friends, had turned down many awards and chieftaincy titles in the land, but could not resist the papal knighthood.

    He is seen by many as a utility player in business, agriculture, education and other climes which he has combined beautifully with his sharp thinking and swift execution of ideas.

    His penchant for helping the needy, physically challenged and widows, among others, has endeared him to many.

    His first son Emeka who spoke on behalf of his siblings, said, “With immense joy, humility and utmost gratitude to God, we congratulate you on the Papal Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great, as bestowed upon you by his Holiness, Pope Francis.

    “This Papal Knighthood is in recognition of your magnificent works, philanthropy and service to the church and community, contributions we have witnessed throughout our lives.”

    “Your parents raised you to be God-fearing, and impacted on you that being charitable in words and deeds is one of our central Christian responsibilities”

    “Despite coming from humble beginnings, your generosity was never  curtailed as you grew older, but rather manifested more in adulthood, and it made you appreciate the importance of giving back to community” the sons wrote in their message.

    One of the students who benefited from his scholarship scheme of Louis Carter Foundation, Emeka Nzekwe told The Nation that the incandescent smile on the face of Carter anytime he smiles, speaks volume of a man at peace with himself and environments.

    Mr. Okafor Nnoli, said sheer determination, doggedness, resilience, diligence and hard work had propped Carter on and on in business till he began to expand and diversify his frontier into other lines of trade including manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, estate management and general merchandise.

     

  • Philanthropist fetes Orphans

    A  renowned philanthropist and Protea Hotel Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi has held an Iftar for the orphans at his ParkView, Ikoyi, Lagos residence.

    The Nation learnt that many indigent persons have been enjoying meals everyday provided by the Owoyemis since the beginning of Ramadan.

    Alhaji Owoyemi said orphans, widows and little children should be singled out for acts of philanthropy.

    He urged Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan among which are kindness, piety, patience and self-restraint.

    He said the event was organised to fete the masses, needy and orphans.

    In her short sermon, Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos Chapter, Hajia Sekinah Lawal, urged the youths to remain steadfast, be good ambassadors of Islam, excel in their studies and continue doing all the good things learnt in Ramadan.

    Bab-el-Salam Orphanage Home Imam Hassan Idris enjoined Muslims to always remember one of the sayings of the Prophet that “we should take advantage of five things before five other things come. “These are: the youthful age before old age, good health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before getting busy and life before death.”

  • Philanthropist builds school for Edo community

    Managing Director Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Chief Patrick Anegbe, has donated a four classroom block to Efandion Secondary School, in Uromi, headquarters of Esan Northeast Local Government Area.

    The block includes a staff room and and principal’s office that was richly furnished.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the school, Anegbe said his humble beginning moved him to ensure that children in his community get good education.

    He emphasised that his gesture has no political interpretations, but a way of saying thank you to the community that showed him care and love.

    “My belief is that you may give silver and gold, these have temporary sustainability, but if you give a child good education you have given that child enduring and sustainable foundation in life. My humble self is a good testimony of this fact,” he said.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by his Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Development, Hon. Lawrence Aghedo, said the gesture complements efforts by the state to provide quality education for its children.

    He urged the pupils to use the facility with care and appealed to other individuals to help develop education or health in their communities.

    The school’s Principal, Mr. F. A. Eyieyie, also said the school needs computers, library, laboratory and security guards, and connection to the national grid.