Awgu – Prof Okechukwu Alimba has urged Nenwerians and other Nigerians to imbibe the culture of giving back to the society through philanthropic investments in human capital development.
Alimba, a professor of Agricultural Economics at Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki made the call on Thursday, 28th December, 2023 while speaking as the chairman at a reception held in honour of Chief TPL Austin Udeh (Udemba 1 of Ibagwa-Nike) by ten beneficiaries of his philanthropic benevolence, who he helped secure employment at the Nigerian Social Investment Trust Fund(NSITF).
“We are here today because Nenwe begot a great son from Agbada. Austin Udeh, knowing the hardship he passed through as an undergraduate in the university; after getting employment in Abuja, he always thinks of ways of helping others.
“He saw opportunities of helping others and he remembered Nenwe. Whenever he sees any job opportunity, he secures it for Nenwerians. That’s why I insisted on being here today. Our prayer is that it should continue like this. If Austin(Udeh) retires, these ones(his beneficiaries) shall continue his good work. These are just those he secured jobs for. There are so many others he touched their lives”
He urged all and sundry, especially Nenwe politicians to emulate the celebrant.
Finally, he also eulogized Chief Dr Ben Uzoigwe, Onowu of Agbada-Nenwe Autonomous Community, as another public spirited Nenwerian, deserving of commendation.
According to him, Uzoigwe, who coincidentally also hails from Agbada-Nenwe, the same community as the celebrant, during his tenure as Registrar, Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT), helped so many Nenwerians, either by offering them admission or helping them secure employment in the university.
Finally, the chairman of the event urged all present to stretch out their hands and pray down God’s continued blessing and protection on the celebrant.
In his speech, while talking to our correspondent, the celebrant had this to say:
“Some young people who God used me to secure employment for, decided to come and appreciate me; that’s why we are here today. Honestly, I didn’t expect it because I didn’t help them secure jobs for them so that they will come and thank me. Rather, I helped in securing jobs for them so that they can fend for themselves and equally be able to support others.
“I advise our youths to work hard. Whoever works hard God will support him. God will support the good intentions of our youths”
On his advice to Nenwerians, he replied:
“Peace and hardwork. Let no one envy his fellow. Rather, if you see a good thing coming to your brother, thank God for him and yours shall equally come your way.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the celebrant by the beneficiaries including a cow, a carton of wine and an award plaque.
Before the presentation, one of them, Christian Chibueze Kama spoke on their behalf; “Today is a special day. If greatness is to be measured by the impact you have on others and the society, then Udemba is really great.
“Among us, some through this job have gotten married, some have built houses, some have bought cars; all through the benevolence of one man, our elder brother, Chief TPL Austin Udeh( Udemba 1 of Ibagwa-Nike).
“We are therefore here today to show appreciation in our little way to our benefactor while urging him to continue his service to humanity”
In his own remark, Uzoma Chukwuali, another beneficiary also poured encomium on the celebrant; “Chief TPL Austine Udeh (Udemba 1) is a very nice man.
“He has contributed immensely to human capital development in Nenwe and beyond.
“That I have been working with a Federal Agency for over ten years now is his handiwork. He is indeed ‘Moo nshi moo‘, an Iroko tree, an illustrious son, the entire four quarters of Nenwe remains very proud of”
The ten beneficiaries are listed below;
(1) Mr Uzoma Chukwuali
(2) Engr. Innocent Oji
(3) Mr Aaron Chukwuegbo
(4) Mrs Uchenna Mbah
(5) Engr Kingsley Obasi
(6) Mr Christian Kama
(7) Mrs Georgina Chikaodili
(8) Mrs Maryann Ukamaka
(9) Mrs Okwudilichukwu
(10) Mr Chika Mbah
Interestingly, the list is ‘Gender sensitive’, containing four women, based on the celebrant’s belief in gender balance in the society and women empowerment.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include Hon Israel Odinaka Ani, Esq(Ngige Aninri), Administrator, Aninri West Local Government Development Council, Hon Engr Chinedu Okwu, former member Representing Aninri in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Prince Johnny Nwonye, Chairman, Jual Nigeria Limited.
Others include Dr Ken Ogbu, State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ebonyi State, Barr Peter Ajah, former Senior Special Assistant on Transport to former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chief Dr Louis Orji (Ugwumba) and Engr Emeka Okoro (Ezesinachi Okpanku)
Afterwards, invited guests took turns to eulogize the celebrant.
According to Engr Chinedu Okwu, “Gratitude is the theme of today’s celebration.
“Out of the multitude, our dear brother, Chief Town Planner Austin Udeh has touched and transformed their lives, these ones, like the Biblical grateful leper have come back to show gratitude.
“There would have been a huge crowd here, if not that Udemba didn’t invite people. Nevertheless, this event will be repeated, so that Ndị Nenwe will come out en masse to celebrate a great son”.
The former legislator also noted that several persons have benefitted from the celebrant’s benevolence, politically, including himself and Hon Israel Ani(Ngige Aninri).
In his own remark, Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji,MNSE, COREN, Publisher, hoo!haa!! Newspapers noted that the celebrant was doing a new thing in the annals of Nenwe.
“Chief Austin Udeh is doing something new in the annals of Nenwe by using his time and resources to secure jobs from Nenwerians from the four quarters of Nenwe.
“My kinsman from Umulevo, Emudo-Nenwe, Christian Kama as well as the son of our big sister, equally from Umulevo, Aaron Chukwuegbo,are both beneficiaries of his uncommon philanthropy.
“Of course, there are Emudo people as rich as he is, or even richer but they didn’t do it. That is why he had do it because he sees the entire Nenwe as being one.
“While commending him, I urge others to emulate him, as he alone cannot carry the burden of the entire Nenwe, regardless of his large heart”.
