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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
For the people of Mkpamute-Ulo community, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North local government area, Enugu state , it is a moment to rejoice for life has been made easier for them courtesy of Anyichi Rescue Foundation Mission.
Popularly known as Anyichi Foundation and founded by Dr Ifeanyi Kyrian Oyiga (JP), the foundation has touched positively, lives of the people of the community individually and collectively.
Presently, people of the community are in a joyous mood and in high spirit following the commissioning of a new water borehole project and street lights in the area courtesy of the Anyichi Foundation. The twin gestures, the people said have made life in the community better, lively and enjoyable in diverse ways.
Speaking on the gesture, Dr Oyiga known as Ebubechukwu Uzo in Holy Land and the Lion of Igwurube Ancient Kingdom who spoke from his base in Israel said that the two latest projects to the people of the community was inspired to honour the memory of his late mother who passed on to eternity 10 years ago.
He recalled fond memories of his beloved late mother, Mrs Virginia Afiaotu Oyiga (Social Woman) whom he described as “a guiding star, pillar of support and source of unwavering love and support”.
“The streetlights and borehole are to ameliorate the sufferings of the people. I was really motivated to do this by remembering my late mother’s commitment to community development. She was really committed to community development and the welfare of others despite her meager income. She delighted in putting smiles on people’s faces and she also taught us to do likewise.
“While we were kids, we travelled up to five kilometers to get pipe borne water to drink. We traversed several communities to get water and it was very difficult for us then. But thank God, I was able to do this today as God answered my prayer. I remember those years when we used to go to Amachalla community to fetch water, I’m the type that dreaded that household duty because of the distance. I was about 12 years then and I recall that when we get the water and get to Igogoro community, everywhere becomes hilly from there back to my community in Mkpamute and it was a daily nightmare for me rolling the water can in the hot sun back home then.
“I had always prayed that if God should bless me when I come of age, I will give the community a borehole so that others won’t suffer like we did then. I had such prayer intention then but I didn’t know that my mother will die at her prime age of 56. I made a vow then that I would make my mother happy by providing those basic amenities both for her and others but unfortunately, she died 10 years ago after battling with high blood pressure and complications of diabetes”.
“Her death remains a very bitter experience for me and for all of us and like someone that spent many years in the village, I witnessed firsthand the sufferings of the people and how hectic it is living there. This was what prompted my first move in attracting a borehole then in the village through the government CSDP project. That was the first step but today, I deciced to do this myself privately to the glory of God.
“I travelled to Israel from the village and to the glory of God, we give Him praise for the blessings so far. The foundation is a source where our people can reach me and I also impact their life that way. We promise to do more as the day unfolds.
Hon Oyiga also said the water gesture was also to complement efforts of the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah who assured the people of making water available in Enugu within 180 days in office and he is achieving that.
“This is to also complement his government’s commitment in that direction for the rural areas of the state. We are trying in our own little way to see how we can help our people in the communities. With 48,000 litres of water every day in the community, their water needs including other neighbouring communities have been met while the solar powered street lights covers 500 metres for the first phase and now extended to cover 1 kilometre stretching the Mkpamute road from the local government and proceeding to Igogoro community.
President of Mkpamute Youths, Chika Itodo could not contain his joy over the recent development in the community and he voiced out his feelings this way.
“Yes, I know that God is still saying something in our community and more will still come. We need more people who can remember their roots when fortune smiles on them and may the oil in your hand never dry” he prayed.
Spiritual Director of the Foundation, Rev. Fr Thomas Chidi Onu who also spoke on the interventions of the Foundation said such gestures used to be what the people of the area used to hear only in the news but never felt such directly until Dr Oyiga decided to bring the think home philosophy into practice.
“He has moved from individual empowerment through award of scholarships, payment of WAEC fees and medical bills of the indigent to community development. I can only say that since we cannot repay him for what he has been doing, let God bless him and the works of his hands. This is what we know as practical Christianity and we thank God for him” the cleric said.
Secretary of the Foundation, Felicity Bernard in a remark lauded the Founder, Dr Oyiga for his benevolent heart and policy of not discriminating among the beneficiaries of the foundation irrespective of age, gender, community or religious denomination.
A Community stakeholder, Chief Simon Abugu said Dr Ifeanyi Oyiga has set a pace and an example worthy of emulation in the entire Igbo-Eze North local council area.
“He is not the richest among our people but he has that large heart that accommodates people and feel their pains and suffering. Touching lives this way is the greatest legacy that lives with us both here and thereafter because we will be remembered only by what we have done on earth. I encourage him to keep it up” he said.
