Follow Us on Google
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Umuekwerede and Umuezelechi communities of Umuoree Eziudo in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State erupted in jubilation after The STRIVAD Foundation (TSF) donated N1 million as Rural Community Development Support Grant for the repair of their faulty transformer which had thrown the area into darkness for years.
Presenting the cheque at the TSF Programs Office in Owerri, the Founder and President of the Foundation, Chief Uche Iro, JP, said the gesture was aimed at restoring electricity to the two villages.
“The Foundation is pleased to present to you a donation of the sum of N1,000,000 to support you towards the repair and maintenance of the faulty electricity transformer serving the community,” he said.
Dr. Iro called for unity and cooperation among residents, warning that local politics, personal interests and unnecessary divisions should not be allowed to hinder community development or discourage philanthropists from supporting the village.
The Director of Programmes Development of TSF, Dr. Tobias Nwokocha, who represented the Founder, reminded the communities that what they build and own together, they must protect together.
“It is our sincere hope that this contribution will help restore electricity to the community and further strengthen the spirit of unity, responsibility and progress among the people of Umuezelechi and Umuekwerede and the entire Eziudo community at large,” he said.
Nwokocha noted that the grant was funded by Dr. Iro as part of his commitment to rural community development across Nigeria, in addition to his previous significant contribution towards the complete refurbishment of the same transformer a few years back.
“The Founder appealed to the community to take proper care of the transformer after its repair. The transformer is a valuable community asset and its protection and maintenance should be a collective responsibility,” he added.
He urged the Electricity Committee entrusted with executing the repair project to discharge its mandate selflessly and not dent its image because of money, saying in that way, they would write their names in gold in the community.
Presenting the grant, the TSF Global Associate, Major Wilson Osuagwu, charged the village to make judicious use of the fund and ensure the transformer is effectively repaired, noting that “posterity will always remember TSF for her community development efforts.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Electricity Committee of Umuekwerede and Umuezelechi, Engr. Chima Ukoha, confirmed receipt of the N1 million and assured that it would be deployed strictly for the purpose it was given.
He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver with dispatch and urged the Founder of TSF not to relent in his philanthropic gestures that have uplifted humanity, especially in his hometown.
