Umuokpu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State was thrown into celebration on Monday following distribution of foodstuffs, wrappers and other palliatives to over 2000 widows and vulnerables by a philanthropist, Prince Obinna Ndigwe.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various communities in Anambra Central District received bags of rice, tubers of yams, wrappers and other palliatives.
Speaking during the distribution of the items in his palace, Ndigwe said the gesture which had become an annual event, was targeted at putting smiles on the faces of the downtrodden in the spirit of Christmas festivities.
He said: “This ceremony is carried out twice a year. Today, we’re distributing 400 bags of rice, 500 tubers of yams and other items in the spirit of Christmas.
“I lost my dad in 1998. Because I have a widow as mother, I developed that passion of assisting other widows to cushion their suffering.
“I’ve also contributed so much in the educational development of my people from the much God has blessed me with.
“Aside the band sets I donated in all schools in my community, I also pay school fees and hospital bills of the less privileged, and several other acts of kindness, “he said.
The benefactor commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his numerous achievements in less than two years, saying the benevolence being extended to the downtrodden in the district was part of his (Ndigwe) support to the government.
“Whoever that refuses to support the return of Prof Chukwuma Soludo for second term hates progress and development; his achievements are so visible for everyone to see, including to blind,” he added.
Also speaking, National Coordinator, Soludo Ambassadors, Obiora Nwachukwu hailed the benefactor for the gesture, urging people of the area to keep praying for God’s blessings and long life for him.
He noted that his scholarship scheme and payment of WAEC fees for interested candidates had continued to reduce number of out of school children in the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Margaret Ezeokenwa appreciated the benefactor for his benevolence, urging other affluent individuals to emulate his generosity.
“I can’t express the way I feel over this act of charity. My only prayer is that God will keep Prince Obinna alive so that he’ll continue to do more for us,” the widow said.
