In a stirring demonstration of compassion and foresight, the Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, established by the former leader, Enugu State House of Assembly , Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu PhD, hosted an Easter celebration in Udenu Local Government Area where food items were generously distributed to members of the community. He hinted during the event that skill acquisition and micro credit initiatives will soon be unfolded by his Foundation.
The Easter get-together started with a solemn prayer led by Rev Fr. Makata John, the parish priest of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Igugu. Hon. Ezeugwu, in his opening remarks, passionately reiterated the critical importance of equipping individuals with practical skills, particularly amidst the pervasive economic challenges facing numerous people in our country today. His dedication to this course was unmistakable, as he underscored the need for sustainable solutions to lift the less privileged from economic hardships.
The festive atmosphere enveloped attendees with lavish refreshments, music, laughter, and captivating performances by traditional masquerades. The focal point of the event remained the distribution of essential food items. However, what truly distinguished this occasion was Hon. Ezeugwu's unwavering commitment to providing avenues for long-term self-sufficiency. Alongside bags of rice, cartons of noodles, and tubers of yam, the foundation unveiled plans for comprehensive skill acquisition programs.
In an exclusive interview with the newsmen, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu reiterated his steadfast belief in the transformative potential of skill acquisition. He emphasized that his entry into politics was propelled by a desire to enact meaningful change, beginning with grassroots empowerment and extending to legislative advocacy. His vision for the future includes but not limited to a holistic approach to community development centred around equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive independently.
Although the foundation had primarily focused on education, particularly through scholarship awards, for over a decade, Ezeugwu emphasized the pressing need for poverty alleviation amidst the current economic hardship .
He argued that merely offering palliatives to people was insufficient, as it did not provide a lasting solution to their plight. Instead, he advocated for a strategy of teaching people how to fish rather than simply giving them fish.
Reflecting on his coming from the private sector into an entirely different environment of politics, Ezeugwu highlighted the stark realities of poverty that he encountered, underscoring the foundation's commitment to continually providing support as long as resources allow. He emphasized the importance of empowering individuals through education and giving them access to basic necessities of life.
Looking ahead, he expressed plans to expand the foundation's efforts beyond the distribution of food items, with a focus on empowering people through entrepreneurship initiatives such as tailoring and other skills development programs. He emphasized the foundation's dedication to mentorship and the eventual goal of fostering economic empowerment to the extent of creating millionaires among his former constituents who unconditionally gave him the opportunity to represent them for three terms in the State House of Assembly.
In recognition of Ezeugwu's philanthropic efforts, Rev. Father John Makata, praised him for his care for the needy, drawing parallels between his actions and the compassionate deeds of Jesus Christ. He likened Ezeugwu's generosity to the biblical narrative of feeding the hungry, underscoring the tradition of philanthropy that continues to uplift communities during times of need.
Distinguished guests, including Prof. Malachy Okwueze and the president general of Igugu Town Union, Comrade Obetta Harrison Ejike lent their support to the foundation's endeavors, affirming the profound impact of Hon. Ezeugwu's visionary leadership. The beneficiaries departed with not only provisions of things to eat but also with a newfound hope of being able to provide for themselves in the future. The event served as a powerful reminder of the Biblical injuction of being our brothers' keepers.
