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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Friday 26th October 2021 remains a date that would remain evergreen in the annals of history in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria and the world at large.
It was a day destinies were not only discovered but made to be fulfilled while fortunes of those who had lost hope were revived and their hopes rekindled.
It was the official unveiling of the Chris Onyekachi Simon Foundation (COSIM), founded by a young man with a heart of gold, Dr Chris Onyekachi Simon.
Popularly known as Don Chris, Onyekachi Simon is the Managing Director Softran System Enterprises Limited and Chief Executive Officer, Total Value Integrated Services Ltd, a conglomerate involved in Real Estate development, construction and civil engineering contracting works.
Established in the year 2017 in memory of his late mother, Mrs Philomena Simon who died in the year 2003 during childbirth, COSIM Foundation has been involved in lifting people out of poverty, want and deprivation in line with the United Nations Agenda 2030.
Quietly, Don Chris has been involved in youth empowerment, community development, scholarship schemes and payment of WAEC fees for secondary school graduates among other philanthropic gestures until he decided to officially unveil the Foundation and take its activities to the next level.
To make it a reality, the high and mighty gathered at the Igbo-Eze North LGA pavilion, venue of the event last Friday for the grand unveiling project.
Guests ranged from the academia, the political class, business circle, traditional rulers, the clergy, town union and community leaders, telecom sector players, the people from the Diaspora without excluding the villagers and the benefiting students and entrepreneurs.
Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Nnia Nwodo, represented by a former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters in Enugu state, Barr. Goddy Ogbo, in a remark expressed great excitement over Don Chris’s remarkable deeds.
Ogbo expressed delight that a single individual has decided to take up projects which ordinarily was done through communal efforts or government intervention.
He thanked Don Chris for deciding to use part of his wealth to bless his people and congratulated the beneficiaries too for scaling through the selection process even as he expressed optimism that they will make good use of the opportunities offered them by the Foundation.
Giving insight into what prompted him into embarking in humanitarian services and empowering people, Don Chris revealed that he made a promise to God that if He blesses him in life, he will also be a channel of blessing to others.
He recalled the hard times he faced while growing up in his native Isiugwu community and the painful death of his mother during childbirth in 2003 all combined to make him decide to make life more meaningful for others when God blessed him.
He disclosed that the entire project of the Foundation sums up to an initial N400 million naira as the student scholarship scheme takes N100 million while N40 million was for the entrepreneurship support.
The hospital project to be built in memory of his late mother will gulp another N145 million naira excluding the 13km road project which shall connect about four communities.
“I grew up in a very difficult way without getting support from any person at the initial stage but for my parents who supported me with prayers. They prayed for me every morning I wake up that I will grow and prosper in life. Unfortunately, my mother died while giving birth 18 years ago. But to God be the glory, I’ve made it in life and this has been one of the promises I made to God that if He eventually makes me to prosper, I will bless those around me. The death of my mother made life miserable for me but to God be the glory, I’ve decided to keep her memory alive”
“Before today, I’ve raised millionaires and I had to bring it back home so my people can benefit too. I’ve promised my people that I will also raise more millionaires among them too and I believe that the beneficiaries of our scholarship scheme especially the professionals among them will also bless more people when they blossom in their career. I’ve chosen this path not that I’m receiving help from any quarter but we are grateful to those who have shown us love by supporting what we are doing today.”
“I’m promising my people that any responsible woman who gets married and become pregnant will deliver the baby free of charge in the hospital all in memory of my late mother Philomena. The hospital will be for the less privileged and to combat infant mother mortality rate” he said.
About sustenance of the projects, Don Chris said mechanisms have been put in place to ensure sustainability through effective monitoring and internal feedback mechanism systems to ensure that the end users don’t derail.
One of the Project Managers and Board of Trustee Member 1, Dr Andrew Chiahalam Apeh in a speech said the scholarship and entrepreneurship programme will help people of Igbo-Eze North, Enugu State and the nation in general make their educational and business dreams come true.
“At COSIM Foundation, we are convinced that education and business are the main avenues for social mobility. From the beginning, Dr Chris Onyekachi Simon decided to invest in human capital development. One of the main drivers was that his Social Responsibility programs of the COSIM Foundation would focus on access to education and business, not only for our indigents, but also for the families of intellectual young people in our communities, particularly from low-income households”
“He has equally given overseas scholarship to some of our brothers and sisters to entrench quality education by guaranteeing sustainable education and career for our people. Another propelling force is his unflinching resolve to make our communities great with men and women succeeding in various business areas.”
“From the beginning, COSIM Foundation’s investment in education was intended to assist government at all levels develop the infrastructure necessary to serve our children in Igbo-Eze North and Enugu state at large. Dr Chris has thus been co-financing the construction of classrooms in elementary and secondary schools, as well as science and computer labs. Through these educational investments, the Foundation has brought benefits to more than 1,450 children per year” Dr Apeh disclosed.
Managing Director of COSIM Foundation, Joy Kachi Omeje in her address noted that love and compassion has been the driving force of the Foundation as epitomized by Dr Chris Onyekachi’s actions.
She said COSIM Foundation was borne out of love for humanity and has grown to become a great organization on a mission to lead legions out of poverty.
She appreciated the Founder for his unflinching commitment to developing human capacity and has over the years funded various programmes and sessions that culminated in getting the Foundation to where it is presently.
Former Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo while mentoring the benefitting students told them to shake off any form of poverty mentality, exude energy and avoid indolent lifestyle.
Prof Ogbu while thanking Don Chris for giving the students the wings to fly through the scholarship also charged the students to be exceptional in their academic pursuit instead of settling for an average status.
He urged the students to avoid becoming leaders among blind people but rather strive to follow those they can learn from even as he volunteered to make himself available at least once in a year where the beneficiaries will be groomed for excellence.
Acting Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Charles Eze in his own mentoring session expressed delight that Don Chris came back to his roots in the spirit of think –home- philosophy to empower his people.
He also appreciated the fact that such good omen was taking place under the leadership of the young, vibrant and visionary leadership of Prince Ejike Itodo as the council chairman of Igo-Eze North LGA.
Prof. Eze urged the benefitting students to take their studies seriously assuring that ESUT under his watch will support the vision of COSIM Foundation while the benefitting students studying in ESUT shall be groomed never to disappoint their benefactor.
He reminded the students that ESUT has zero tolerance for cultism and other anti social behaviours and warned them on the dangers of taking mkpurummiri, the latest killer drug ruining life of the youths presently.
Other guest speakers that addressed the gathering like Hon. Christian Odigbo, State Project Coordinator, APPEALS, Enugu, Prof Sunny Udeze, Dean, School of Postgraduate studies, ESUT , Enugu, Prof James Ogbonna and Barr Chris Igbokwe , Registrar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka all charged the benefitting students to justify the confidence reposed on them and also pledged the readiness of their various institutions to see that the vision of the Foundation is sustained.
Hon Simon Atigwe , Member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North in the Federal House of Representatives gave his endorsement of the COSIM Foundation and its activities describing the Founder, Dr Onyekachi Chris Simon as a Man of Integrity.
Atigwe who announced a partnership project with the Foundation to the tune of N50million naira said Don Chris has proved his mettle over the years lifting people from poverty and embarking on various noble projects quietly and unannounced.
“We know his antecedents, so everything happening here today is real. It’s all about empowerment, reducing poverty and improving the general wellbeing of our people and we all are complementing the efforts of our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi who has been providing the benefits of good governance to our people. We are partners in progress” he said.
Atigwe urged the beneficiaries to pay back by being serious with their academics while the entrepreneurs who benefitted too should also utilize the resources to become millionaires who will in future raise other millionaires.
Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Prince Williams Ejike Itodo appreciated God for making it possible for all the goodies happening in Igbo-Eze North during his tenure as Chairman of the local government.
He also appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for providing an enabling environment for the private sector to participate through engendering of peace, security and inclusive governance in Enugu State.
He described Dr Chris Onyekachi Simon as a true son of Igbo-Eze North who has been very supportive to the administration.
“Today, we are seeing his support in another positive dimension by empowering our youths and the good thing about it is that they did not cut corners but rather followed the right procedure in selecting the beneficiaries. I’m happy for what I’ve seen today and I encourage our people to do more” he said.
Mayor Ejike Itodo also advised the beneficiaries to never take the opportunity for granted but should rather make the best and effective use of such opportunity so that other people could be encouraged to sponsor more people in that same line of programme.
Traditional Ruler of Umuopu community, Igwe Cyril Ayogu described the activities of COSIM Foundation as prayer answered for the Founder, Dr Don Chris. He prayed that the same God who inspired him to do this will continue to bless his endeavours and make him grow more than where he is today.
“The young man suffered, passed through the furnace before becoming whom he is today and by the virtue of that suffering, he saw what others are passing through and was moved by the inspiration of God to help out because he felt the same pain this people he is helping today are experiencing.
“I know that by the grace of God, he is going to go higher than this because he possessed that heart of giving from childhood and this is the manifestation of what comes out of a man. We were told in the Bible that it is not what goes into a man that makes him but what comes out of him. What comes out of Don Chris has given us encouragement even to others that are like him to do likewise so that our youths will enjoy the dividends of labour from those whom God has blessed righteously” Igwe Ayogu said.
Ifeanyi Kingsley Adonu from Ikpamodo community, Igbo-Eze North who confessed that he was meeting Don Chris for the first time physically that day described his gesture as an act of charity which is the best form of prayer.
Ifeanyi, a philanthropist too who is the Founder, Regina Ogbonnaeke Empowerment Foundation (ROEF) and also sits on the Board of many Companies as a big time player in the telecoms sector , Chairman/CEO, S.Mobile Netzone Ltd., Setbiz Datalink Concept Ltd., St. John Global Communications Nig. Ltd., Adonu- Gas West African Ltd and Divine Gift Water Resources Ltd, said that Don Chris doesn’t need any other introduction or identity to be described as a good or God fearing man when his action had already described him as one.
“We pray through charity and I congratulate him for understanding both the Bible and Koran who made it clear that any act of kindness outside charity is an act outside God’s direction. I see the whole programme as a way of praying because the money he is spending, he can use it to build estates for him and his family or invest in business for more profit.
“I believe that he is doing what God wants and I’m here to support him because charity is not a one –off thing but a continuous one which shouldn’t be restricted to only one person. I have a Foundation too working in same direction and people are supporting me too so I will support him” he said.
Deputy Chief Whip and Member representing Igbo-Eze North 1 Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi gave kudos to Don Chris for taking his philanthropic gestures and empowerment a notch higher.
She recalled that Don Chris has been empowering people before now but owing to the poverty level in the land decided to make it open for all to benefit. Hon. Ethel also thanked Don Chris for going beyond his immediate environment and constituency to reach out to the entire people of Enugu State and prayed that God will increase his fortunes for more blessings.
Hon. Ugwu Innocent representing Igbo-Eze North 2 Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly said he was overwhelmed by Don Chris’s positive reactions in the society noting that the populace have over the years erroneously looked up to government alone for development projects. He expressed love for Dr Chris Onyekachi’s actions and said he remained hopeful for more in such direction.
A close associate of Don Chris and another philanthropist from Umuopu community, Igbo-Eze North, Chief Kevin Ayogu (Okpoko Ijike) who sent his goodwill message and support to COSIM Foundation from Lagos described Dr Don Chris as a true brother who is shining the light by showing others the way to follow and succeed.
Chief Ayogu who had also embarked on similar development and philanthropic activities in his community appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for providing the atmosphere and encouraging progressive minded people from the private sector to also embark on development projects in the state.
He called on like-minded people of Igbo-Eze North both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to join the progress train and make things happen in their various communities so that the tempo will increase for good.
Engr. Ifeanyi Eze (Lord Ezetech) who had also pioneered various technological innovations in the state and beyond in a remark recalled how he benefited from a similar scholarship during the time of Barr. Goddy Ogbo as a local government chairman many years back. He said the shortest way to immortality was to create a human being.
“Creating a human being doesn’t mean going to begin to design like God but to rather making a human being to have positive focus and one cannot be focused without being literate. Even if you are not literate, you have no direction without the means. What Don Chris has done is providing intellectualism, education and as well what it takes for those who hadn’t the opportunity because of finance. I commend him so much and I pray that God will continue to give him what it will take to power this laudable project” Ezetech said.
A Board of Trustee Member of COSIM Foundation, Chief (Barr) Lawrence Ifeanyi Eze (Ijere) described COSIM Foundation as the first of its kind in this part of clime.
“It’s designed to alleviate poverty and explore many unharnessed potentials in our area. It is purely humanitarian foundation and I say kudos to the progenitor in the person of Chief Dr Chris Onyekachi Simon. He is a rare breed with an exceptional potential. His love for humanity is second to none. All I ask God Almighty is to keep him alive and strong for many good things will still unfold” he said.
Chairman of Umu Ezike Diaspora Group, Chief Roland Ayogu (Eze Omeogo) who came from his base in South Africa also appreciated and supported Don Chris urging more Ezikeoba sons to join hands and improve the lives of the people and their communities.
Robinson Odo, Chairman, Enugu State Civil Service Commission described COSIM Foundation as a unique platform worthy of emulation. He said Don Chris is a young man who has come to distinguish himself both from the local community to the state level urging local governments who are regarded as grassroots government to emulate what he has done.
“He is trying to inject life into the people and we believe that in twenty years to come, the seed Don Chris has sown will bear much fruits” he said.
The spontaneous arrival of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Lion Building crew from Enugu government house at the peak of the event not only enlivened the atmosphere but served as a perfect climax of a high octane event hosted by Dr Onyekachi Chris Simon .
Don Chris in an overview while addressing the Governor disclosed that the services of various intellectuals and academia from ESUT and UNN were sought to ensure that the selection process for the beneficiaries didn’t fall short of the expected standards.
“They wrote a standard exam set and supervised by the lecturers and only those that got the required scores, the best 100 were selected. Among them will emerge Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses and other professionals” he told the Governor.
He said each of the 100 beneficiaries received N1milion each covering their tuition and other sundry expenses at N200, 000 per session for five years at 20 million for five years totaling N100, 000,000.
Entrepreneurs were also given financial support ranging from N2million, N1million and N500, 000. The petty traders were not left out as they also received N50, 000 each.
Don Chris also appealed to all other good spirited sons and daughters of Enugu-Ezike to come back home and make their communities better and prosperous noting that if Enugu maintains its peaceful and conducive state, it will be for the benefit of all.
He clarified that it was the love for his people that drives his passion and not necessarily to show off as someone who had made it in life.
Talking about the road project, Don Chris told the Governor that the project which he has elected to undertake singlehandedly connects Mkpamute-Igogoro-Isiugwu and Ofante communities, 13km road with asphalt, drainage and street light noting that development project should not be left for government alone.
“We shall continue to complement government’s development projects and we solicit for your prayers to do more. I have to come back home to put smiles in the lives of my people” he said.
Governor Ugwuanyi who officially flagged off the road project could not hide his excitement and satisfaction over what Don Chris has done that he burst into songs of praise to God and called on the priests present to lead the people in intense prayers for the unusual philanthropist.
After the prayers, the Governor appreciated the continued support of the people of Igbo-Eze North to his administration including the contributions of the private sector people like Don Chris. He said people of Igbo-Eze North has always set the pace in the state and should be emulated.
“I will advise other communities in Enugu state to come to Igbo-Eze North and learn how to think home. Come to Igbo Eze North and learn how to be one’s brother’s keeper. I’m proud of you people. We thank God in a special way for our brother, friend and our son, Don Chris. The priests of God in our midst have said it all and capped it with prayers. We thank God for what He is using Don Chris to do in our place” the Governor concluded.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke like Samson Ojile from Isiugwu who received N1million naira to boost his business, Eze Christian from Ogrute who received N2 million to boost his music production business and Ugwu Euphemia from Umuopu who benefitted from the undergraduate scholarship could not hide their excitement as they prayed for Don Chris over what he has done in their lives.
To appreciate all that Don Chris has done for his people, the Traditional Rulers Council of Igbo-Eze North led by its Chairman, Igwe Gabriel Agbedo and the Grand Patron, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council conferred on him the traditional title of Mkpuruoma 1 of Enugu –Ezike.
There was also naira rain in the event as friends and associates of Don Chris including others who have benefited from him like Bashiru from Kano state all made financial donations to support the Foundation.
Former Secretary to Igbo-Eze North LGA and COSIM Foundation BOT Member, Hon. Hillary Ogili in a summation said Don Chris conceived COSIM Foundation out of his passionate need to bring succour to people around him and beyond, knowing that there are lots of individuals and families that are trapped by sickness, poverty and deprivation of different sorts.
He said these and more became the content of what the Foundation stands for, which was part of what was delivered on the day of the event.
“I will say that I’m particularly impressed by the man Chief (Dr) Chris Onyekachi Simon, founder of COSIM for his sense of candour, his brilliance and fellow-feeling. He has shown clearly that life is more gratifying when you look across your shoulder to appreciate how your fellow man is fairing and move quickly within your ability and capacity to lend a helping hand where necessary.
“For me, the event was a huge success and I appreciate the Governor of our state for being physically present in the occasion and our people who turned out in their numbers to support this great initiative of the founder” he concluded.