By Grace Simeon – Abakaliki
A transformative wave of empowerment swept through Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as a non-governmental organization, the Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation, awarded educational support worth ₦3.25 million to 13 undergraduate students and launched a ₦5 million inter-ward football tournament aimed at promoting unity, talent discovery, and youth engagement.
The dual empowerment initiatives were unveiled during the official launch of the foundation at Community Primary School, Okposi Umuoghara, Ezza North.
Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, the Founder, Dr. Divine Igwe, said the foundation was created to “restore hope, uplift the vulnerable, and drive transformational development.” He explained that the organization is designed to bring together partners, donors, volunteers, caregivers, and community members to create a better future.
According to him,
“Our focus is to transform lives and strengthen communities through healthcare access, educational support, economic empowerment, and agricultural interventions that promote equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.”
He added that the foundation operates on core values that include compassion, integrity, service, equity, and sustainability.
“Compassion drives every action. Integrity ensures transparency. Service uplifts lives. Equity guarantees fair opportunities. Sustainability ensures lasting impact,” he said.
Dr. Igwe also highlighted the foundation’s medical and humanitarian interventions, noting that it delivers free medical and surgical outreach programmes and supports life-saving treatments for vulnerable persons.
He revealed ongoing health initiatives such as:
“Enrollment of 1,000 pregnant women to ensure safe maternal and newborn care; sponsorship of free eye surgeries, hernia repairs, and fibroid surgeries for about 200 beneficiaries; and the enrollment of over 5,000 children into the state health insurance scheme.”
On education and mentorship, Igwe said the foundation is committed to helping young people achieve their dreams.
“We offer scholarships, mentorship, and learning resources that help children and youth unlock their full potential,” he said.
He listed past interventions including:
- Educational empowerment for 18 basic-education students.
- Sponsorship of one beneficiary for a Master’s degree.
- Support to the School of Nursing, Uburu, to enhance training quality.
- Payment of house rent worth ₦1 million for vulnerable individuals.
On community and economic empowerment, he noted:
“We provide business grants, skill development, and capacity-building programmes for women, widows, and young people, promoting self-reliance and economic growth.”
The foundation, he added, also supports farmers with seeds, tools, and modern techniques to improve food security, and has contributed to local security by “supporting the branding of police vans to improve visibility and mobility.”
The Chairman of the launching event and Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, applauded Dr. Igwe for his commitment to human development. He urged wealthy individuals and political leaders to emulate the gesture, describing it as vital to building a better society. He also encouraged the beneficiaries to be disciplined and make good use of the opportunity.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Ezza North Council, Chief Ogodo-Ali Nomeh, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Sampson Nwafor, commended the foundation for its impactful contributions. They noted that the interventions have helped reduce untimely deaths, curb social vices, and promote prosperity within the council.
