A philanthropist, Dr. Azubuike Austin Ekweozor has empowered no fewer than 50 women and several other youths in Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ekweozor, a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) who recently lost election in the area, donated vehicles comprising three shuttle buses, a Toyota Corolla car and a pickup to five youths, #20,000 each to 50 market women as well as #1million to the party leadership in the area.
Making the presentation at his Umuawulu residence, Ekweozor said he insisted on fulfilling the promise he made ahead of the election to silence gainsayers who dismissed the promise as political statement.
He said, “Politics is a seasonal thing which will always come and go. My joining politics is divine and to change narratives. Though people misunderstood me which contributed to my loss, but I took it as the will of God.
“I had to go back to my business, after all, politics is not a do or die affair. Many thought I’ll dump my party as a result of the failure. But I’ll continue and retire in APGA having contributed a lot as a major financier.
“Without sentiments, I’m a philanthropist and I have impacted on people’s lives and that’s what I’m still doing. I love putting smiles on people’s faces through empowering both women and youth.
“I made this promise before the primary election and as a man of my words, I decided to fulfill it, moreso to prove to people that it was not a mere political statement.”
The benefactor, who is also the founder, Ide Global Movement urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the gesture to better their lots and those of their families, as well as support the party’s activities.
Earlier, traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Joel Maduabuchie Egwuonwu expressed appreciation to the benefactor, urging other influencial members of the community to emulate him.
“I’m very happy and grateful to God for the gesture. This is not the first time he’s upgrading the downtrodden. He’s built houses for widows and scholarships for students. I believe God is very happy with him.
“Nobody is expecting him to do this even after losing election. We hope more people will emulate him. Our community will experience greater development if we have more of him,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Oluchukwu Nwankwo, was full of thanks for the benevolence, praying God to bless the philanthropist.
“This is the second time I’m benefiting from his large heart. I’ll use the vehicle to fend for my family. I pray God to bless him with longer life and good health to keep doing more for the community,” he said.
