David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Foremost philanthropist and businessman, Sir Emeka Offor, at the weekend donated 40,000 bags of 50 kilogramme rice to widows and indigent people in 179 communities of Anambra State.
He also presented books in various disciplines to 200 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as a gesture to mark his 65th birthday.
Offor, who is also the founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), said his resolve to donate to mankind in various sector is to put smiles on the faces of the people.
While addressing those in attendant at the elaborate birthday celebration, Offor said: “I’m overwhelmed by the show of love from you all on my 65th birthday. I’m happy that the foundation I nurtured has grown and is providing shade for many.
“My donation of food stuff to indigents is to ensure that those who do not have should share what those who have can afford.
“We’re 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 the people. The little that you have can be shared with other people.”
Earlier, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who was in attendance at the ceremony, extolled the virtues of Offor, describing him as the highest donor for the eradication of polio in Africa.
Soludo said: “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 he or she has in their accounts, but it is the impact you make in the lives of others with that money that matters. Sir E 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 everyday, but here is a man who has dedicated himself to taking care of widows and the indigent folks.
“We invite all other citizens of Anambra State that 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.
