Excitement has enveloped Anambra State over the donation of N5 billion by business mogul and philanthropist, Arthur Eze, for the alleviation of poverty and improvement of well-being of the poor.
Speaking at a 75th birthday reception organised in his honour by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Eze said he would release N5 billion to the state for distribution to the poor, irrespective of tribe or religion.
He urged the governor to work out the logistics and modalities for its distribution to ensure families of the poor and the needy get a share.
Eze said he has a lot of confidence and trust in the ability of Governor Soludo to handle the funds and its effective distribution, emphasising that the governor ranks among leaders whose hearts and concern for the poor are overwhelming.
The philanthropist expressed regrets at the inability of many Nigerian families to have food at their tables and lamented a situation where parents can no longer send their children to schools as a result of poverty.
He promised to devote more of his energy and resources towards ensuring a better living condition for the poor and education of indigent children.
Eze commended President Bola Tinubu for his untiring efforts to create good standard of living for the masses.
Governor Soludo described Eze as a great man whose sense of care and philanthropy has touched many.
He described his concern for the needy and wealth he has devoted to philanthropy as unparalleled.
The governor expressed happiness for the life of Arthur Eze and prayed God to continue to indemnify him with good health and long life.
He said the state government organised the event in Awka to honour Eze because he deserved honour and recognition in Nigeria as a worthy ambassador of Anambra State.
In their different sermons at the event, bishops of Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Pentecostal churches eulogised Eze for his act of philanthropy and concern for the less-privileged.
The priests thanked him for the gift of N300 million to the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Pentecostal churches.
On the occasion, Eze cut and shared his birthday cake provided by the state government with the less -privileged and the poor, who came in their thousands to honour him.