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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Billionaire businessman and Anambra’s uncommon philanthropist, Sir Emeka Offor yesterday expressed his gratitude to the teeming crowd that showed up to celebrate him in his country home, Oraifite, Anambra states as he marked his 65th birthday .
Offor who is the Founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation distributed 40,000 bags of rice in 50kgs to widows across the 179 communities in Anambra state during the birthday celebration. Educational materials were also shared to schools across the state by the Foundation.
In his address, Offor said, “I am overwhelmed by the show of love from you all, on my 65th birthday. I am happy that the foundation I nurtured has grown tall and providing shade for many.
“My donation of foodstuff to indigents is to ensure that those who do not have, share in what those who have can afford.
“We are also distributing books because it is the foundation of knowledge and we will sustain this intervention. You do not need to have too much to put smiles on the faces of people. The little that you have can be shared with other people.”
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, Senator representing Anambra central, Victor Umeh, Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone among others joined the philanthropist in the celebration.
Soludo, who commended Offor for his commitment to uplifting lives, described him as the highest donor for the eradication of polio in Africa.
He said, “It is not how long you live, but how well. Sir Emeka Offor has demonstrated this essence of life. We are here to celebrate a man and his ideas. You turned 65 today and we use this opportunity to say congratulations. Your life has been a life of impact.
“No one is celebrated for the money they have in their bank accounts, but it is the impact you make in the lives of others with that money that matters. Sir Emeka is rich. He can decide to spend his birthday in any island, anywhere in the world, but he choose to come here and spend it with widows.
“Nigeria is going through huge challenges at the moment. Cost of living is rising every day, but here is a man who has dedicated himself to taking care of widows and the indigents.
“We invite all other citizens of Anambra, this is the time to share with the poor what you have. If you can’t provide for your community, you can provide for your kindred, or people close to you. That is our call today.”
Soludo also highlighted Offor’s choice to celebrate his birthday in Anambra as a testament to the state’s progress and his dedication to supporting students, the widows and vulnerable.
The governor acknowledged the current food inflation challenges and praised Sir Offor’s contribution of 40,000 bags of rice to widows as an unprecedented display of public-private partnership.
Senator Victor Umeh in a goodwill message described Sir Emeka Offor as an exceptional philanthropist whose brilliance and rich experience have been a blessing to Anambra and to Nigeria.
Senator Umeh described Offor as a man of great accomplishments.
“Sir Emeka Offor lives his life for humanity. He is not a member of any political party. He doesn’t discriminate. He looks out for people who have passion to serve humanity and the society.” Senator Umeh said.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, National Chairman APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Senators, Ministers, Federal and State Legislators, Members of Anambra State Executive Council, Transition Committee Chairmen, Traditional Rulers.
