An industrialist, Chief Eric Umeofia, has donated N100 million to indigent natives of Ebenator Okpala Community in Nnewi South Local
Government Area of Anambra, to empower and
reduce poverty.
Umeofia, the Chief Executive Officer, Erisco Bonpet Group, during the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries on Saturday in Lagos, said the motive was to lift many people from poverty.
He said that the gesture was in line with his vision of creating wealth through empowerment and poverty alleviation, and not just accumulating wealth.
“The concept of the empowerment programme is to lift as many men, youths and women out of poverty in view of the current economic realities in the country.
”This is also in line with the Federal Government’s efforts geared toward economic revitalisation,” he said.
The industrialist said that the fund was the third batch of his empowerment programme for Ebenator Okpala village and selected widows from Amichi community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
Umeofia had previously given N200 million to indigent people from Amichi community, Anambra.
During the programme, selected men and women were given one million naira and N500,000 respectively, while widows from Amichi received N100,000 each.
“It has been proven without any iota of doubt that the best secret of living an excellent life is by contributing to the wellbeing of others in the community and the country at large,” Umeofia said.
He advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and also be a blessing to others around them.
He also said that aside from his philanthropic gestures to his community, his company, donated food items worth N200 million to non-govermental organisations, the Nigerian military, communities and Internally Displaced Persons in various camps, across the country.
Umeofia said that donations were also made to
governments of Lagos and Anambra states, as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the people.
Mrs Gloria Okeke, President, Women’s Wing, Amichi Development Union, commended the philanthropist for alleviating the plight of the less privileged.
Okeke said that Umeofia’s philanthropic gesture to the community spans over 25 years, noting that his impact was felt in poverty alleviation, education sponsorship and infrastructure upgrade.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary of the fund, Mr Michael
Obekezie, said the money would assist to boost his business.
Obekezie commended Umeofia for his generosity, urging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the philanthropist strides.
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