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Tag: Philanthropist

  • Philanthropist donates building to church

    Philanthropist donates building to church

    •Institutes foundation for widows, students 

    A businessman and philanthropist, Deacon Iyke Kalu, has donated a church building to ‘Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church’.

    The building included administrative block, ministers’ quarters as well as a church bus and generator.

    Kalu also established a centre (Toks Foundation), which gives scholarship to students and free enterprise to widows.

    Speaking at the dedication ceremony in Lagos, the philanthropist said the donation was to thank God for His goodness and mercies in his life and family.

    He said all he has achieved in his life was by the grace of God.

    According to him:  “First of all, there is no amount of resources you commit in building house of God that is enough. We all own the totality of our lives to Him.

    “And what I did was to make sure that whatever I put in place for the house of God was the best and better than my own home, because God deserves the best, he stated.

    He continued: “We have churches everywhere, but I have been affected by the gospel of this particular church. I received a miracle that turned my life and family life around here.”

    Kalu said he is in love with the ministry because it is a place where unadulterated word of God is being preached.

    He dismissed insinuations that he might leave Christ Royal Family Church, where he currently worships as untrue.

    He explained: “Christ Royal Family Church is my church, is where I belong, where I started as a Christian when I first came to Lagos. My vision is to invest and contribute to the kingdom of God without segregation.

    “As long as this is the house of God and they need certain assistance which I can provide. I will gladly and unrelentingly do it for any church.

    “I have helped so many churches in this country that I have never attended their service.”

    The General Overseer, Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church, Rev. Emmanuel Agwu, commended the businessman for his gesture.

  • Philanthropist gives all to the poor

    Philanthropist gives all to the poor

    Something memorable is happening in Enugu. A man who just turned 60 gave all he had to the needy. He did so by formalising a foundation dedicated to the needs of the poor.

    The man, Mr. Paul Erinne, an engineer of repute, on that day marked both the inauguration of the Paul Erinne Foundation and his 60th birthday by bequeathing “all I have to humanity.”

    He announced this at the birthday party held at the Oakland Centre Enugu. That announcement drew a prolonged applause from the audience which included the deputy governor of Anambra state who represented Governor Willie Obiano and  the former governor of Anambra state, Senator Chris Ngige.

    Erinne told the audience that he was taking the decision on his own volition and not to impress anybody. “Nobody asked me to do it, and I am doing it not to impress anybody. It is purely for the concern I have for the poor and the needy in the society.”

    Prior to the birthday bash, a thanks giving service was held in his honour at the Cathedral of Good Shepherd , Independence Layout Enugu. The service was officiated by the Anglican bishop of Enugu, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma. And Erinne prayed: “My birthday. Another year of my life has come to a close, and a new day begins for me, Lord, eternal caretaker of my life and lover of my soul in Christ Jesus.You have been good to me through the years. You have given me health and strength, friends and relatives, enjoyment and pleasure, and above all, your gospel with its many promises of peace and forgiveness. My grateful heart praises you.

    “Give me the grace to rededicate myself to you again for the service of the poor and the needy on this commemoration of my birthday and greater willingness to serve you faithfully and continually.”

    In his homily, Archbishop Chukwuma poured encomiums on Erinne for his concern for the poor and the needy. Chukwuma said: “Charity to the poor is another way of thanksgiving. Paul is known for his penchant in remembering the poor. He follows the biblical injunction that asks owners of lands to sell them and use the proceeds to help the have-nots.

    “He has been sharing rice and cows since 1998 to widows and the indigent. His philanthropy has grown from the widows to the needy. He believes in hard work. God has endowed him today. He will continue to be rich and flowing out.

    Chukwuma congratulated Erinne for attaining the age of 60 of which he contributed major part of his life for service to humanity. “The age of 60 is just a ripe age. We have 120 years to live. Seventy is the retirement age. It is time for one to enjoy what he labored for all his life. I prefer to be invited to birthdays and not burials. I detest invitations to burials because I am not an undertaker.

    At the service were Priests and Reverend sisters of the Catholic Church who were led by a Monsignor , a representative of the Catholic bishop of Enugu, Bishop Callistus Onaga. A surprising aspect of the Paul Erinne Foundation is that Erinne, thoufg an Anglican gave the foundation to the catholic church to run. This was informed by his belief that the catholic priests and reverend sisters were known to be good missionaries with penchant for caring of the poor and the needy. But the Board of Trustees is made up of nine distinguished Nigerians drawn from other denominations as well as different aspects of life.

    Among them include Dr. T. C. Osanakpo (SAN), Dr. Samuel Erinne based in the United States, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbo, a female evangelist; Emeka Egbo, an industrialist; Rev. Fr. Peter Agbonome, head of Holy Ghost Congregation, eastern province and Rev. Mother Lonnie Martha Akaraga, mother superior general of handsmaids of Holy Christ Jesus.

    Others include, Rev. Fr. Jude Odiaka, head of Jesuit Congregation in Nigeria and the founder of the foundation, Paul Erinne, a Lagos based industrialist.

    The mission and vision of the foundation is to become the bastion of hope, the beacon of love and unfettered service to the less privileged and humanity at large. It is also to nuture and nourish a lasting platform that will perpetually seek  to the need of the down trodden without let or hindrance anywhere in the world.

    Paul Erinne got the calling to serve humanity some 30years ago aboard a flight from Kenya to Zambia when he was an undergraduate. He consummated a covenant with God while the aircraft was going through a terrific turbulence.

    Enveloped in fear  as the aircraft was quivering and tearing through the storm, a voice said to him “,fear not my son, I shall preserve your life ,you shall not die on this trip, you shall not only get to your destination but you must fulfill your destiny in life but don’t forget to honour me when the time comes”.

    In the horrific situation, the young man vowed in his heart that if God does His own part of this bargain that he will surely keep his.

    When his age mates were still grappling with finding a career path, success embraced the young man and wealth came his way too. He was imbued with all the good things of life at a very young age.

    Sometimes we make vows which when it is time to fulfil, it becomes burdensome to us.

    Not so with Erinne.

    He began in a small scale with scholarship grants for indigent students, paying hospital bills for the sick, donating a hostel block to a university and donating a building to a motherless babies home.

    Considering the magnitude of God’s blessings unto him as he clocks the diamond age of three scores, he insists he must birth a befitting philanthropic brand that would outlive him to perpetually serve the less privileged and humanity at large. That is how the Paul Erinne Foundation (PEF) came to be. And on June 12 precisely, Erinne bequeathed all he had labored for, to the service of humanity.

  • Philanthropist to transform Oshodi youths

    A philanthropist and safety management trainer, Mr Oluwole Ben Eweoya, has expressed optimism over the prospect of improving the lives of young people in Oshodi Local Government area of Lagos State.

    This, he said, is achievable through The Forwarders, a non-governmental foundation committed to developing the community by stirring the interest of youths in education and personal development.

    Eweoya, who holds an LLB (Law) and MBA (International Business) from the University of Westminster, England, told reporters that he was inspired to come up with the initiative as a result of his dissatisfaction with the turn of events in the community.

    “I am concerned because I was born and bred in Oshodi. I attended Mafoluku Grammar School and there is nowhere people will see me as an illiterate. I am not blowing my own trumpet, but mention the same Oshodi anywhere today, people will run away because they see it as a haven of touts. Those are the kinds of impressions people have about Oshodi that we want to change.”

    Disclosing the strategy for realising the vision, the grassroots politician fondly called Imole by his admirers, is starting from the grassroots by reaching out to youths in public primary and secondary schools with various activities.

    Already, the group has provided laboratory equipment to schools and organised seminars on safety and the environment, not leaving out inter-house sporting activities and book reading to encourage reading culture among primary schools’ pupils.

    Schools which have benefited from these activities are: Mafoluku Grammar School; Ikeja Grammar School and St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Mafoluku.

    Lamenting that some children in the community now see warlords as heroes, Eweoya said he embarked on the book reading project to broaden the minds of the pupils.

    “I personally do one hour every week in some of the schools at the moment. I believe in reading because it helped me while I was growing up. Oftentimes when I go to their schools and discuss their future ambitions with them, I get shocked. This is a function of lack of role models in the community,” he said.

  • 70 garlands to a philanthropist

    Standard Insurance Consultant Limited chairman Dr Ahmed Salawudeen celebrated his 70th birthday at Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos, penultimate Friday, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The breeze from the cool beach behind Dr Ahmed Olaniyi Salawudeen’s house was soothing. Those who made it to the upper part of the building enjoyed the breezed throughout their stay.

    Many who could not make it upstairs watched through big screens inside the compound.

    Although Dr Salawudeen  planned a low key birthday, his philanthrophy attracted many to the ceremony.

    The Standard Insurance Consultant Limited chairman celebrated his 70th birthday at his residence in Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos penultimate Friday.

    People came from far and wide to celebrate with him.

    The celebrator’s staff were on ground to handle things.

    They attended to guests with courtesy: They were in uniform shirts with the company’s name.

    The guests in their simple but classy outfits struggled for space in the expansive compound. They came in dainty cars.

    Being a Friday, the programme started with Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) Mushin Branch, Imam Hassan Katibi delivered opening prayer.

    A recitation from the Holy Quran was read by Ustadh Idris AbdulKareem, followed by special prayers led by Alhaji Sulayman Jamiu, ADS Ebute Meta Branch missioner.

    The highpoint of the gathering was a lecture by an erudite scholar, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello.

    Though the firebrand preacher was not in his usual best, his lecture still held the gathering captivated.

    According to him, his relationship with the celebrator dated back to 1997 when the duo met in Ibadan.

    He described Dr Salawudeen as a simple person whose affluence hardly noticed when relating with people.

    He recalled how the celebrator stunned some lawmakers in Abuja with highest donation few years back during fund raiser for a mosque project.

    Many, he said, at that occasion wondered how a man in his simple Buba and Sokoto could outshine the politicians in Agbada at the function.

    He admitted that celebrating birthday is not in line with Sharia (Islamic law).

    Sheikh Muhydeen as he is fondly called said the essence of celebrating a birthday should be on the level of positive impact made on people.

    According to him, longevity of life is meaningless without better achievements.

    Shortly after his lecture, special prayers were offered for the celebrator and his family.

    He thanked Allah for preserving the life of Dr Salawudeen all through his years of sojourn in overseas.

    “He hardly stays in the country, always moving from one country to another. I am sure it’s because of the birthday that made him return to the country and will not be surprised if he leaves the country tomorrow (Saturday),” he said.

    Guests afterwards showered the celebrator with gifts including big frame; caricature of his portrait, cards, designer Quran, among others.

    The gathering later adjourned for Salatul Jumah.

    They reconvened for a reception where the occasion chairman Alhaji Ade Sanni eulogised the celebrator.

    Alhaji Sanni, the ADS National Vice President, prayed Allah to continue to bless Dr Salawudeen.

    He enjoined those present to emulate him.

    The reception featured toast to the celebrator, cutting of the cake and special dance between the celebrator and his wife.

    Congratulating the celebrator, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana wished him long life and prosperity.

    According to the monarch, Dr Salawudeen “has done a lot for Ibadan but refuses to accept chieftaincy titles. If we talk of developments, he has done many things for Ibadan.”

    Represented by Managing Director of Sahara Engineering and the Aare Ago of Ibadanland, Chief Olalere Adigun, the royal father described him as a fantastic person.

    Chief Adigun who has been a friend with Dr Salawudeen when they met in Germany 46 years ago, described him as a respected and gentle man.

    ADS Northern Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim described the celebrator as a man that add value to humanity.

    “I have been relating with him for over 20 years and it has been very exciting. He is not a member of Ansar-ud-Deen but a devoted Muslim. If everybody could emulate him, the society will be better for all,” Adebayo said.

    The celebrator’s wife, Mrs Tolulope Salaudeen, wished him many more happy years in good health and abundant blessings.

    “We have been together for 39 years; he is a dynamic man, a disciplinarian, tough but kind-hearted and generous person,” she said.

    The Iseyin-born celebrator gave thanks to Allah for making the day a reality and given him good health.

    He described the day as good and wonderful.

    According to him, the philosophy of life is that all things come from Allah, hence his desire to assist humanity.

  • Philanthropist lifts Anambra community

    Philanthropist lifts Anambra community

    One man has enlivened a community in Anambra State. Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state has come alive, thanks to the philanthropy of Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo.

    What did he do? Ezeemo built and donated a church to the town. The gesture lifted the spirits of the residents.

    That is the story of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, otherwise known as Zion City in Umuchu.

    It started as a kindergarten, with little children taught there. In time, the community worshippers pitched the church and someone found another location for the children’s school.

    Still, the church looked too small and uncomfortable for the woshippers. Attempts were made from several quarters to provide a better temple. It did not quite work out.

    Then came Ezeemo who announced to the community that he would build them a befitting temple if God provided the means. His prayer has since been answered and the man who made the vow has since paid it.

    The Anglican Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh is scheduled to open it on January 2 before its hand-over to the community.

    The dedication service will be conducted by Most Rev. Christian Efobi, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Aguata Diocese.

    Some of the pioneer members of the church are Theophilus Ezekwo, Jeremiah Onuizugbe, Chief Gab Ezekwo, Ven C.A. Mbonu, Richard Okpalajiaku, Christopher Uzoamaka, Ernest Ajelo, Joseph Okoli, Samuel Ezenwa, Japhet Orjiakor, Jacob Utta, David Umeasiegbu, Elder Godwin Ezeemo among others.

    They nurtured and maintained the school and helped to organise occasional services in the vicinity.

    The inspiration came from Mr. Philip Ezekwo in 1991 who donated a piece of land close to his compound in Umuojogwo where St. Peter’s Church (Zion city) stands today.

    The late Mr James Ezeabasili also donated another parcel of land to St. Peter’s zone for a kindergarten school.

    However, to everybody’s delight, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo asked the members to pray that the Almighty God would grant him and his family the grace to erect a temple for Him.

    Now, the  man has fulfilled his pledge, and the community is grateful not just to him but also to several other kind-hearted people who donated cash and other resources for the church project.

     

  • Philanthropist donates footbridge, other projects to Nembe

    SEnator Nimi-Barigha Amange is no doubt one of the household names in Bayelsa State. Amange was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2007 to 2011. He was also one of the Niger Delta delegates at the just-concluded National Conference.

    Currently, Amange sits on the Governing Board, University of Petroleum Technology, Effurrun, as its Chairman.

    He may not be the wealthiest man in the ancient Nembe Kingdom,  Nembe Local Government Area, where he hails from. But Amange is famously known for his magnanimity. Despite not holding active political position, the senator has never relented from playing his normal philanthropic roles.

    If he is not building a church for his community, he is constructing community roads or sharing relief materials to the needy. In fact, he derives pleasure in identifying and satisfying common communal needs.

    Recently, Amange donated three self-help projects he constructed to his kingdom.  The projects are 70-metre footbridge, two public conveniences (six toilets and two bathrooms each) and electricity project at Agbakabiriyai and Ogbolomabiri.

    No wonder the Nembe communities were agog with festivity during the inauguration of the projects. Women came out in their best attire and traditional dancers and drummers took over the streets. Children were no left out as they gathered to participate in the ceremony and to catch a glimpse of the projects.

    Also, some prominent sons and daughters of Nembe were on ground to heap praises on philanthropic Amange. Undoubtedly, the projects received royal blessings from the Amanyanabo of Nembe City, King Edward Daukoru, a renowned banker and former minister.

    With unfathomable excitement, Daukoru and other chiefs toured the projects and gave them pass marks. They were amazed that Amange has continued to be a pillar of support to the kingdom despite not holding an active political position.

    Daukoru was, however, worried about the sustainability of the projects. He was concerned about tampering with the public utilities donated by Amange. He gave a fatherly warning. He asked the locals not to vandalise the self-help projects.

    He said the projects would only have their desired impact on the kingdom if the beneficiaries handled them with care.

    The first-class traditional ruler in Bayelsa described the projects as unique development for the communities. The monarch cautioned the locals against abusing the genuine intentions of those who initiated the projects through vandalism, saying such act would jeopardise the future prospects of the communities.

    On his part, Barigha-Amange, who initiated the projects, explained that the idea was informed by his desire to put smiles on the faces of the needy, the widows, the orphans and the elderly in Nembe.

    Barigha-Amange said the footbridge would ease the hardship faced by the people while the public conveniences would phase out the outdated toilet system in the communitiies.

    He said the community, which was established by the late Amange the Great in 1833, had produced two former governors and a Senator: late Chief Melford Okilo and King Alfred Diete-Spiff and himself (Barigha-Amange) respectively.

    Indeed, before the people could play Oliver Twist, Amange dropped another surprise. He gave his kingdom the hope to expect more developmental projects from him.

    He said: “I have concluded arrangement to build a primary school in my community.”.

  • Philanthropist saves neglected community

    Philanthropist saves neglected community

    With the large network of urban and rural roads constructed by the Imo State government, it is hard to imagine that some villages have been cut off from the rest parts of the state due to inaccessible roads.

    The story of Amaimo Umukabi in Iheme Ibano Local Government Area of the state is that of despair, anguish and neglect. Totally abandoned by successive administrations, the community has suffered untold hardship as the only road  linking it with the rest of the state was washed away by flood.

    There is no electricity, nor are there any healthcare facilities, good schools, pipe-borne water or any other basic amenity in the sleepy community.

    The Nation’s visit to this ancient town reputed to have produced some of the most successful Imo professionals, was a tortuous journey through a snaky patch of narrow road in the middle of dense rain forest. The muddy road, worsened by a recent downpour, made any form of movement extremely difficult.

    At the end of the over six hours ordeal, which would have ordinarily taken less that 40 minutes, the famous agrarian community, wore a forlorn and dejected look.

    The dusty market square, though, was a sharp contrast from the feeling of despair which pervaded the community. Gaily-dressed old men and women and a handful of youths waited patiently for the arrival of the only indigene of the community, Mr. Desmond Agu, who had hearkened to the cry of his people.

    It was the occasion of the flag-off ceremony of the grading and opening up of the roads that connect the community to other neighbouring villages, which was solely facilitated by Agu to mitigate the suffering of the people, especially during the yuletide.

    Speaking at the event, Agu who is also the Bayelsa State Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said that the initiative was the result of his unflinching love for his people and his birthplace, adding that the community has been totally abandoned by government, despite its contribution to the food security of the state.

    He said most of the indigenes of the community have not visited home for a long time as a result of the deplorable state of the road, which he said has crippled all forms of economic activities in the village.

    Agu pointed out: “My people have been marginalised and forgotten by the government. We have about seven roads connecting the community with other neighbouring villages but none of them are working. We have been appealing to the government to come to our aid to no avail. I have decided to grade the roads so that the people can now travel out of the community to do their businesses and those coming home for the Christmas can have a smooth journey”.

    He added further that, “the challenges facing our community are enormous and cannot be tackled by an individual or government alone, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we provide succor for our people.

    “I want to also commend Governor Rochas Okorocha for the much that he has done and to appeal to him to provide basic amenities in the community to mitigate the sufferings of our people and improve their living condition. On my own part I will continue to do my best for my people and the community where I was born”.

    Earlier in his speech, Hon Cosmos Oduma, a leader in the community, commended Agu for taking up the responsibility of constructing the road, even though he was not a politician, lamenting that the community has been cut off from the rest of the state.

    He said, “we have waited for the government in vain but today our own son has saved us further agony. The collapse of the road has brought untold hardship on the community, especially women and the old people who can no longer move out because of the road. We equally find it difficult to export or farm produce to the major markets where the demands are high”.

    Another speaker, Ike .C. Ike, said that the gesture was a clear challenge to other illustrious sons of the community to come out and assist in developing the community since we have been forgotten by the government.

    According to him, “our son has vowed that even when the government has forgotten us he continue to remember his people. He is not a businessman or a moneybag but he has denied himself the luxury of life to assist the community, especially now that the Christmas is approaching. This should serve as a wakeup call to our sons and daughters who are yet to see the need to work for the community”.

    He maintained further that, “the claim before now was that the road has been done by government, but you have seen for yourselves today that it was a mere propaganda to deceive the people. We are appealing to the State and Federal Government to come to our aid, because we cannot solve our problems through self help alone. We are predominantly farmers and the lack of good roads has affected our productivity as we cannot access any market for our farm produce”.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Azubuike Onuoha, confirmed that the Commandant has done a lot for the community and will be rewarded by God for addressing the pains and wiping away the tears of his people.

    He stated further that, “we have been marginalized for a very long time, if you go through will bear witness that Amaimo community has not been in the scheme of things. It is obvious that we have been abandoned by successive administrations. We appeal to our listening Governor to rescue our community so that we can enjoy the dividends of democracy like every other community in the state”.

    The monarch also lamented that, “the politicians only remember us during the elections when they come to canvass for votes and make empty promises but this time we are wiser and will only vote for those who will listening to us and alleviate our suffering.

    “We had been managing to cope with the road until it was totally washed away by the rain and we find it extremely difficult to travel out of the community. Nobody has recognised my community and my people are suffering but with what our son, Agu has done today, it will now be possible for our children to return home for Christmas”.

     

  • Philanthropist seeks support for the needy

    Philanthropist seeks support for the needy

    The proprietor of Lotto Lottery, Chief Kessington Adebutu, has urged private and public organisations to invest in human capital for the growth of the country.

    At a conference held at his premier Lotto Office in Surulere, Lagos, to mark his 79th birthday, he said the Kessington Adebukun Adubutu Foundation (KAAF) was established to uplift human capacity in the country.

    He said: “The less-privileged in the society need education, good health and convenient environment devoid of disease to grow. It is when such conditions are available that they can add values to their own lives and the country in general. KAAF is poised to serve humanity with passion as an instrument of change for a better social order and elevation of human dignity.”

    He maintained that 80 per cent of the corporate responsibilities at KAAF are focused on enhancing the quality of life of the ordinary people.

  • Philanthropist donates to varsity

    Philanthropist donates to varsity

    As in some other universities, students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna had been grappling with the problem of lack of infrastructural facilities that would make teaching and learning less burdensome. Some of the facilities they lack included hostel accommodation, adequate administrative blocks and lecture rooms. Of all, the latter seemed more important to them.

    Gleefully, they had cause to smile as this most important infrastructural need in the institution was addressed by Caverton Offshore Support Group that donated a 500-capacity lecture theatre to the institution.

    Apart from the lecture theatre donated, the organisation also offered automatic employment to the best graduating student of the Department of Engineering who made first-class or second-class (Upper Division).

    The lecture theatre was part of the promises made by the Chairman of the company, Chief Adeyemi Makanjuola who was conferred with the institution’s honorary Doctorate degree.

    The donation of the lecture theatre was a great relief to both students and lecturers. This is because, before the ultra-modern lecture theatre was donated, students cramped in small lecture halls, while halls of residence are not only overcrowded but in also horrible state.

    In some institutions, lectures are conducted in sports complexes or convocation arena; a development that repulsively hindered atmosphere conducive to teaching, learning and research works.

    As a result of this, calls for collaborative effort between the government and the private sector had severally been made in order to ensure that the institutions are not only well-funded, but also churn out quality graduates.

    Chief Makanjuola said the gesture was part of his organisation’s collaborative efforts with the institution towards attaining a height that meets international standard.

    He said his organisation appreciated the need to invest in the infrastructural requirement of the institution which is one of the reasons that led to the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    He said: “Our collaboration with this great institution will not end with just handing over this building.  We are open to offering Internship (IT) positions to deserving students of your institution. Your Engineering programmes have been adjudged as the best by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) with full accreditation status.

    “Caverton, therefore, would encourage your Engineering students who finish at the top of their class, graduating with first and second-class Upper degrees, to seek employment with us.”

    Successive administrations at the 31-year-old institution have assiduously worked towards reversing the infrastructure deficiency and invested massively in physical development of the two campuses of the university.

    At an elaborate ceremony, Chief Makanjuola handed over keys of the N55 million lectures theatre to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Musibau Akanji. While handing over the keys to him, Makanjuola called on other companies and prominent individuals to collaborate with secondary and tertiary institutions in the country in order to improve the lot of the country’s youths. He noted that the ability of the country to compete favourably in the comity of nations depends solely on how skilled the youth are.

    According to him, the 500-seater hall will help to address the problem of congestion and inadequate lecture halls in the institution, adding that his organisation strongly believes that Nigerians can compete with the best in the world if given the opportunity. This, he said, informed the donation of the lectures theatre as part of their corporate social responsibilities to the institution.

    “Beyond giving back to the society, it is also in the interest of corporate organisations to invest in national capacity development as this expands the pool of skilled manpower they can draw from to further their corporate interests.

    “We hope that the university, being a specialised institution, will encourage students in the School of Engineering to enroll for training at the school of aviation so that they will become the new breed of Caverton Helicopters Pilots and Engineers that will sustain the professional culture of the company as well as raising the bar in the field.

    “We are proud to be collaborating with this great institution to enhance quality of education in the university and in Nigeria as a whole.” He added that the company has, in the last three years, trained its local pilots and engineers on both rotor and fixed wing aircraft while the training programme continues every year as part of capacity development of Nigerians.

    Responding, Prof. Akanji expressed his appreciation to the company for coming to the aid of the university, maintaining that the 500-seater lectures theatre would be of tremendous help to the institution.

    He called on other Nigerians to emulate Makanjuola’s gesture in providing atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning, adding that the institution is in dire need of boarding facilities for the students.

    He lamented the sorry state of accommodation facilities in the institution, stressing that out of 17, 000 students, the university could provide only 20 per cent of the required accommodation for students.

    For the students, the Caverton lecture theatre hall could not have come at a better time as most of the lecture theatres could not accommodate the increasing number of students that are admitted yearly.

    Abu Sadiq, a 400-level Chemical Engineering student, said the 500-seater lecture hall is a plus to the institution and would be very useful to the students.

    He said: “We would like other philanthropists to come and invest in the school. The Federal Government cannot provide all we need.”

    Another student, Habibu Nasiru said it was a nice effort which is appreciated by the students. He said: “This is appreciated, especially when he didn’t give it out because of political gains neither did it come with any price tag. Such people are what we want in this country, people who give willingly to the community. “

  • Group hails philanthropist

    Members of the Southeast National Youth Awareness have hailed Prince Arthur Eze for his philanthropic gestures not only in the Southeast, but also in the country.

    The coordinator of the group, Chief Chukwuemeka Orjiako, told The Nation at the weekend in Awka that other Igbo sons and daughters should emulate the man.

    Orjiako, who is also the founder, Chukwuemeka Orjiakor Foundation, said Eze had shown that the plight of the needy and the less privileged touched him.

    He said he set up his  foundation to help the poor.