The year 2023 was highly remarkable in the life of an Nnewi-born philanthropist and multi-billionnaire, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu (Okpataozuora Nnewi).
This is the year Chief Onwugbenu clocked 70 years of age, the year that marked 20th anniversary of the consecration and dedication of St Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu Nnewi, which he built and handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. Still it was the year Louis Carter Foundation celebrated its 10 years anniversary. Call it a year of multiple celebrations for multiple achievements.
Chief Onwugbenu is the Chairman of Louis Carter Conglomerate whose milk of kindness has affected positively a great number of Nigerians irrespective of state of origin, religion and other leanings.
For the philanthropist extraordinaire, the word impossibility is not in his books. He at all times gives the impression of assurances and never fails in every promise made and that is reflected in his generosity and prevailing character.
Chief Onwugbenu radiates self confidence and courageous aura which always leave his detractors and traducers confused and even incapacitated. His firm belief in doing good and even without minding the number of the beneficiaries earned him ‘Opkataozuora Nnewi’ (one who cares for the multitude).
By every standard, Louis Carter, as he is fondly called by his numerous admirers, is rated by society watchers as among the first top ten billionaires produced in the famous industrial town of Nnewi, otherwise called the Japan of Africa.
During the10th anniversary of Louis Carter Foundation which brought celebrations of the year 2023 to a climax, the foundation Chairperson, Lady J.N.Nwangwu said that the 10th year anniversary was worth celebrating a million times.
She noted that every minute of those ten years and of course these 70 years of their benefactor’s life remained a blessing to anybody around him.
“Yes, you must agree with me that ten years of charity, ten years of touching lives, ten years of sacrificial love is neither a sentimental nor an emotional feeling but an intelligent act of the will of God and as such demands celebration, “she noted.
Lady Nwangwu traced the history of the foundation to August 15, 2013 which he said the benefactor, Chief Onwugbenu put in place arising from vast experience he garnered during his extensive business trips that took him virtually to all parts of the world.
“Since inception, the number of beneficiaries have continued to increase exponentially. The Foundation is currently funding the scholarships of over 500 beneficiaries including the religious men and women in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and outside the country’s shores.
“The ten years Louis Carter Foundation is itching for an international standard and recognition for assurance of continuity even when Chief Louis is no more just like its counterpart the Andrew Carnegie Foundation of the USA.
“To this end, we at the Foundation (the board members and beneficiaries) are appealing to friends and well wishers of Chief Louis who share like minds with him to partner with us to make the foundation a permanent home of refuge for the poor, for all generations and everlasting source of blessing for all (both for the benefactor and for the beneficiaries).
“To this end, the foundation is in dire need of a permanent site. The location is expected to house the following at completion: a multipurpose hall for seminars, scholarship exams and interviews, skill acquisition trainings, workshops, among others.
“Health center for free medical treatments; an ultramodern e-library for students and teachers research; a conference room for board meetings; offices and store rooms for official use.
“Others are fifty lap-tops and projectors for computer trainings and other skill trainings; a stand-by generator for powering the foundation house; a bus for transportation of the beneficiaries for out-door trainings and other official uses, “she enumerated.
She said the above listed projects had been estimated to gulp about N500,000,000.00
Lady Nwangwu said the board appealed to friends and well wishers of Chief Onwugbenu to make the dream of everlasting foundation come true by donating generously towards this end.
“We revere you our benefactor, we wish to rejoice with you, as God has used you to impact positively on the less privileged in our society. Your life has been a star guiding many people to the path of good living.
“You may never know how many couples who are today enjoying their family lives because you have taken away the burden of their children’s school fees from them.
“You never know how many of these youths who have been successful in different fields, who are filled with gratitude to God just for you. It may equally interest you to know that they are looking up to you as a father, as a model, as a God-sent angel, ” she concluded.
Earlier, the first son of Chief Onwugbenu, Emeka, could not hide his feelings about the progress the foundation has made over the years.
He said he was excited and very optimistic that future of the foundation was very bright. He also muted the plans for permanent structures to give it an international outlook.
In attendance were a college of Catholic priests; business moguls; fellow industrialists; friends and well wishers.
Highlights of the events were cutting of the 10th year anniversary cake and award presentation; drama; music; presentation by Louis Carter Choristers, among others.
