The Group Capt. Joseph Iloabanafor Orji (rtd.) of Foundation for Rural Development and Human Capacity Enhancement, on Friday, 1st January, 2021 distributed bags of rice and cash to the poor at Uhueze-Nenwe, Aninri LGA of Enugu State.
In his speech, the Foundation’s founder, Capt. Orji (rtd.) explained that the aim of the Foundation was to better the lives of the rural poor, in all ramifications.
“The aim of this Foundation is to assist the less privileged, especially during this New Year celebration. We do not have enough for everyone. However, we want to assist as many persons as we can to enjoy the New Year like others.
“Whoever receives a bag of rice will also get N1,000 to use in buying condiments like crayfish or onions,” he said.
Grp. Capt. Orji also stated that the NGO was interested in creating awareness in rural communities about various government programs including COVID-19 protocols.
In his remarks, a community leader, Prof Mike Maduagwu, a retired Senior Research fellow at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State commended Grp. Capt. Orji for remembering the less privileged during the New Year celebration.
He said: “Everyone should emulate our brother, Grp. Capt. Joe Orji by helping the less privileged as much as we can without waiting till we have abundant wealth. Grp. Capt, well done for your marvellous efforts to help the poor.”
Earlier, Engr. Magnus Ede, Chairman, Planning Committee of the programme explained that the distribution of rice and cash was one of the Foundation’s means of helping the society, especially the less privileged.
The distribution of rice covered the six villages of Uhueze-Nenwe namely; Eziecho, Elugwulato, Obeagu, Umualugwoyi, Umuewo and Umueze.
He said: “We chose to go from village to village instead of staying at the Founder – Grp. Capt. Orji’s residence for the poor to come there so as to make it more convenient for them. Some of them are very elderly. Some are blind whereas others are crippled.”
Their entourage was welcomed at the village square of each village with tumultous joy and prayers to God Almighty, asking Him to bless and protect Grp. Capt. Orji.
Meanwhile, Grp. Capt. Orji, a one time military governor of Gombe State is highly celebrated in Nenwe because of the immense development he has attracted for his people.
As a military governor, over 2 decades ago, he founded the Nenwe Trust Fund (the 1st of its kind in any community in Enugu State) which has midwifed several developmental projects in Nenwe and is still in existence till date.
