Social Service

Entrepreneurship: Ebonyi philanthropist empowers 1000 youths with N200m

By Oswald Agwu, Abakaliki

Thursday, January 2, 2025, will ever remain significant in the minds of the people of Ishiagu in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state as a young, budding philanthropist, High Chief Clement Ifeanyi Okorie, joined the league of economic enhancers in his community.

 

On that day, Okorie celebrated the new year with the entire Ishiagu community and flagged-off a N200 million naira business advancement empowerment for 1000 members of the community.

 

The event which was akin to a carnival was executed, under his charity platform: Ifeanyi Clement Okorie Foundation, and attracted notable philanthropists from across the Southeast region of Nigeria with guests describing it as a remarkable show of generosity and commitment to community development. The grant was in addition to other numerous entrepreneurial equipments and free capacity building for members of the community.

 

He hosted the event in his country home, Ogwor, Ishiagu.

 

Speaking during the event, Okorie announced that the funding initiative aims to alleviate poverty and promote entrepreneurship within the community.

 

Each beneficiary received individual grants of N200,000 naira, aimed at nurturing small businesses that will lead to economic growth and sustainability.

 

Okorie said: “First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me the strength, wisdom and capacity to make this empowerment possible.

 

“Without God’s guidance and blessing, this initiative could not have been possible.

 

“This initiative is more than a gift; it’s not just about giving money, but about transforming lives and creating opportunities for our people.”

 

While emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, Okorie urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds effectively to build sustainable enterprises.

 

“I implore you to employ this fund effectively to better your lives and those of people around you with courage and purpose.

 

“Let us all continue to work together to create a brighter future for ourselves.”

 

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Anyim Pius described Okorie’s empowerment scheme as a significant aspect of the new dawn which has enveloped Ishiagu community, producing lasting fruits of goodness.

 

Chronicling the many empowerment Programmes already executed by sons of the community, Anyim proudly stated: “I told our people in 1999 that Ishiagu has entered her day break, and today it is getting increasingly brighter with these network of empowerments from our illustrious sons.”

 

He prayed God to continue to increase the donors and beneficiaries of the empowerment schemes in greater dimensions.

 

In a goodwill message, a special guest at the event and the National President of ‘Akuluo Uno’ United Brothers Association, Chief Mike Duru, admonished all wealthy people to always think home.

 

He explained that the Club is a global union of enterprising young men who share and practically advance the philosophy of bringing their wealth home to develop and positively impact lives in their communities.

 

Duru, the Chairman/CEO, Citygate Group of companies, commended Okorie for the gesture and described him as a worthy ambassador of the group in his community.

 

Some of the beneficiaries: Rosemary Okoro, a poultry farmer, and Jewel Nkemjika Ike, a cosmetics seller expressed profound gratitude to the host and donor, Okorie.

 

They said they were surprised being called as beneficiaries out of the over 7,000 applicants who competed for the opportunity, pledging to make their benefactor proud by meaningfully multiplying the funds.

 

“This support is a dream come true for many of us.

 

“It will go a long way in boosting our businesses so that we can turn our dreams into reality”, Ike stated.

 

The empowerment implementation Committee Chairman, Prof. Ifeanyichukwu Iroha, in an interaction with newsmen, said the initiative was borne out of Okorie’s love for his people.

 

He explained that the committee followed a rigorous process to identify eligible beneficiaries.

 

“First of all, we placed an age limit: prospective beneficiaries must be between 25 and 50 years, preferably, someone already in business or those whose businesses are facing some setbacks, to enable them pick up.

 

“We also looked at each person’s business proposal, the kind of trade he/she is engaging in, and what the person intends to achieve with the money as outcome of the empowerment, among other considerations.

 

Iroha, the Dean of Postgraduate studies in Ebonyi State University, assured that the committee has also set up a monitoring sub-committe to follow the progress of the beneficiaries and make recommendations for further assistance.

 

“We have already employed two persons under salary for one year to monitor the beneficiaries and that’s why we have documented their details for easy identification.

 

“We have also set a mechanism whereby, by this time next year, those who are doing well will be empowered the more”, Iroha explained.

 

This initiative of Okorie and other illustrious sons of Ishiagu community underscores the vital role of philanthropy in driving economic empowerment and serving as a catalyst for community transformation.

 

With this commitment to empowering individuals and fostering entrepreneurship, Chief Okorie’s efforts are sure to leave a lasting legacy in Ishiagu community in particular and Ebonyi State in general.

 

Significantly, all the illustrious sons who have so far demonstrated capacity for philanthropy in the community are close friends who in every interaction have always acknowledged the vital role of Senator Anyim in their journeys of life.

 

•Photo Caption: Okorie in a handshake with beneficiaries. 

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