From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
179 communities in Anambra State, yesterday, shared 40,000 bags of 25kg rice as part of the activities to mark 65th birthday of Sir Emeka Offor in Oraifite.
The event which witnessed the rice distribution through Sir Emeka Offor Foundation also witnessed distribution of academic textbooks to over 200 institutions at the primary, tertiary and higher institutions levels in Nigeria and eighteen other African countries.
The Chief of Staff to Sir Offor, Rtd AIG, Chris Ezike disclosed this in an address during the occasion.
He said that the foundation which clocked 30 years had been relieving the sufferings of the less privileged in society without relenting over the years.
He said the foundation had built and handed over to widows ten housing units in Oraifite while ten more units were still under construction.
Some of the higher institutions present were Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) whose Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha was present for the symbolic presentation of the university’s share of the books.
Others are Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, joined thousands of beneficiaries in celebrating the 65th birthday of Sir Offor.
In his speech, Governor Soludo commended Sir Offor for his commitment to uplifting lives.
He highlighted Sir Offor’s choice to celebrate in Anambra as a testament to the state’s progress and his dedication to supporting students, the widows and vulnerable.
Governor Soludo 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.
He also commended Sir Offor’s donation of educational materials to schools, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development.
The Governor outlined his administration’s efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare, and education and used the occasion to call on other wealthy individuals to emulate Sir Offor’s generosity and contribute to the state’s development.