By: Onodugo Christian Onu

In commemoration of 17 years of the founding of the Ebele & Anyichuks Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation’s (NGO) that has received wide acclaim for its solid philanthropic activities, the promoters of the Foundation have dedicated themselves to doing more for society.

The President and co-founder of the Foundation, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii who is an entrepreneur and also President of Ultimus Holdings as well as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orient Group of companies, says the Ebele & Anyichuks Foundation is a child of grace and gives back in appreciation.

According to Dr. Odii, the tremendous benevolence by God to him and his family in their business motivated the establishment of the Foundation which will continue to reach out to the needy and all in the society.

In the 17 years since its inception, the Foundation has touched thousands of lives, cutting across different areas of needs and sectors.

The President of the Foundation, Dr. Odii, an illustrious son of Ebonyi State, says emphatically that the Foundation and its work of philanthropy are for all humanity and not restricted to Ebonyi State.

The Foundation has in no small measures, extended helping hands to different organizations and agencies of the Federal and State governments as well as academic and health institutions, communities, groups and individuals.

Only last year 2021, the Ebele & Anyichuks Foundation carried out a series of welfare intervention programmes and projects which have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of the people. These projects and programmes reflect the commitment of Dr. Odii and his wife, the co-founder, to tackle identified needs of people at any point in time. Among the philanthropic activities carried by the Foundation at the end of 2021 include:

1. Payment of medical bills for 100 indigent nursing mothers, newborns, children and adults at Alex Ekwuene Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FETHA) , Mile 4 Hospital Abakaliki, UNTH Enugu, National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH Idiaraba, Lagos, etc.
2. Tuition-Free Scholarship Awards to over 1,000 brilliant students both in Nigerian Universities and Overseas.
3. Unconditional Direct Cash Transfer of various sums of money to over 10,000 Nigerians.
4. Business Empowerment Grants of various sums of money to over 500 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
5. Presentation of 100 vehicles as assistance to individuals, corporate organisations and support groups.
6. Donation of Relief Materials to victims of Herdsmen Attack at Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA Ebonyi State,
7. Donation of food and household items to Nigeria Correctional Centre, Abakaliki Command
8. Donation of food and household items to Motherless Babies Home, Abakaliki, among others.

During the 2021 Christmas Season and 2022 New Year Celebrations, the Foundation in its usual celebration of these festivals, rolled out numerous gift items as largess for the season, including;

1. 30,000 bags of Rice,
2. 11,000 fathoms of quality wrappers and gouges,
3. 130 Housing ” including 8 Churches with pastoral lodges and a traditional Rulers Palace.

Some of the buildings were inaugurated and handed over to their respective beneficiaries on 2022 New Year Day.

4. Free Medical and Healthcare Services to over 1,000 persons in Ebonyi State in addition to provisions for surgical operations on patients with severe medical conditions.

In his words, the President of the Foundation, Dr. Odii had this to say: “what the Foundation has thus achieved is far beyond my expectations since 17 years ago when my wife and I established the foundation. I testify that these achievements were made possible only by the grace of God.”

He continued, “Projects like rural electrifications, road constructions, Free Houses among others are evidence that God’s hand is strongly upon us. Our motto in these projects is ‘we build for you, to build for another person. It’s my belief that a lot of people will not only be able to afford to build and live in decent houses but can also build for others in need of shelter in the nearest future. Because the organization is established by God, I’ve set my personal interest aside and resolved to use what God has given us as a family to bless humanity in general by providing succour and uplift to the people”.

Commenting further on partnership and political pressures, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii said that ” since the Foundation has collaborated with God, I’m not looking for partnership as at today but if in the near future the need arises and with approval of God then I can partner with anyone with unquestionable character, after all no man is an island unto himself.”

He says of politics, “Yes, there are political pressures but the activities of the Foundation today is purely on humanitarian grounds.”

While expressing hope that year 2022 would be a very fruitful one more than previous years, Dr. Odii charged the people to be of good morals while anchoring their faith in God. He said “my wife and I only know 10% of the beneficiaries of our Foundation. The rest 90% of beneficiaries are unknown to us, and if God can do it for me and family, then be rest assured that yours wouldn’t be an exceptional case, just allow your heart to remain pure, walk with integrity, build on the sincerity of purpose and work hard to reach your dreams without shortchanging others. He believes that if people who are blessed by God bless others, society will be better.