A philanthropist and businessman, Sir Emeka Offor, gave out 40,000 bags of 50 kilogrammes of long-grain rice to widows and indigent people in 179 communities in Anambra State on Saturday.
He also presented books in various disciplines to 200 primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The gesture was to mark his 65th birthday.
Offor, who is also the founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), said his resolve to donate to mankind in various sectors is to put smiles on the faces of people.
While addressing those in attendance 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 tall and is providing shade for many.
“My donation of food to indigents is to ensure that those who do not have share what those who do can afford.
“We’re also distributing books because they are 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.”
Earlier, Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who was in attendance, 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 one of impact.
“No one is celebrated for the money they have 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 on any island, anywhere in the world, but he chooses to come here and spend it with widows.
“Nigeria is going through huge challenges at the moment. The cost of living is rising every day, but here is a man who has dedicated himself to taking care of widows and the indigent.
“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 family or people close to you. That is our call today.”
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