By Onyekachi Eze
Indigent Persons from Amakohia-Uratta, and by extension, Imo State have heaved a great sigh of relief, as the founder of Nwakanwa Foundation, Mr. Chika Augustine Odionyemma has given them reasons to smile again.
“Nwakanwa Foundation” boss hails from Amakohia-Uratta, in Owerri North Local Government Area. He is a Real estate guru, administrator, industrialist, and employer of labour, who holds a B.Sc in Economics.
Information gathered by Trumpeta Newspaper said the Non Governmental Organization was given birth in November 2014.
As an organ established and owned by a Christian of the Roman Catholic faith, it commenced operations with the blessing of the office, presided by the Owerri Catholic ArchDiocesan Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Ibeole, among other clergymen.
Incorporated under the Corporate Affairs Commission same year, it has achieved giant feats in accordance to its tenets of catering for the needy, indigents, and the vulnerable groups in the society.
According to Mr. Odionyemma, in a media interaction with Trumpeta correspondent in his office, the Foundation was born out of his passion for the growth and development of humanity.
Revealing that it has no political undertone, he narrated their antecedents so far bordering on the empowerment of over 200 women, and 100 widows across Amakohia- Uratta and the State at large.
Since 2014 till date, they are placed on a monthly financial support of ten thousand naira (#10,000) each, from Nwakanwa Foundation, to support in their respective petty businesses. In addition, the women get periodic food materials and clothings.
On education, the young entrepreneur revealed that over fifty less privileged children have been accorded the rights to education, courtesy of the NGO.
Mr. Odionyemma further promises to secure gainful employments for them, on completion of their studies, even though they receive fifty thousand naira (#50,000) yearly for their tuition fees and for other academic logistics.
Continuing, it was learnt that the youths and artisans are engaged in skill acquisition programs, comprising sewing, paint making, catering services, bakery, beauty/saloon/cosmetology, to mention but a few.
They are also given a facelift to self reliance, as they are given starter packs and financial aids.
For the unity and oneness of the youths, they are equally, without any bias sponsored on sports activities.
However, more accolades have continued to trail the recently concluded glaucoma treatment, conducted in partnership with “Perofak eye clinic”, located at Works Layout Owerri.
A total number of 401 patients benefitted from this benevolence, as 157 persons were given free medicated eye glasses under the Foundation.
“These are just but a few to what I can remember now. I didn’t float this Foundation for cheap gains or to be applauded. Seeing smiles on the faces of the indigents gives me joy”.
He disclosed that on every May 23, he marks his birthday with the widows in Amakohia Uratta, adding that as they come, they must go back with bags of rice, ten thousand naira, and other food items.
In a related development, the soft spoken Imo youth is said to be extending same hands of love and concern to churches, devoid of denominations.
An in-depth research shows he has bagged numerous society, community and church awards. Amongst which are; Award from Nzuko ndom Amakohia-Uratta as Nwa-ka-nwa 1 of Amakohia; Winners football club academy award as a great supporter of the club; Award by the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Akwakuma as pillar of the Church.
“This Foundation will stop at nothing than to promoting lives, ameliorating social ills and living up to the objectives of which it was formed. We all are created by God to be happy, so my target is ensuring that I serve as the engine that will put laughter on people’s faces”. Nwakanwa Foundation boss asserted.
