From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
For nine years running, Nnewi philanthropist Chief Louis Carter Onwugbenu has consistently kept his door open to promote education in Igboland through his foundation.
Carter Foundation which is the platform for philanthropic gestures has a total of 325 beneficiaries both at secondary school and tertiary institution levels and still counting.
Chairperson of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Lady Jane Nwangwu disclosed this in an address on December 31, when the benefactor usually calls the students to feast them and encourage them to forge ahead.
Lady Nwangwu said out of 153 beneficiaries at the secondary level of the foundation, 97 had graduated while 56 are still in school. At the tertiary, she said 92 had graduated and 80 were still in school which added up to 325 as grand total for the past nine years.
“In a special way, the Carter Foundation family is so thankful to God for the gift of our benefactor, Chief Sir Louis Onwugbenu (Okpataozuaora Nnewi), a man who presented himself to God to be used to meet the needs of the needy in our society.
“We are particularly indebted to him, for not just allowing himself to be used by God to give us hope, but also for creating time to be and celebrate with us.
“Indeed, the last day of every year, the 31st of December is always a remarkable day to this family as it is the day we come together as one family to celebrate our dear benefactor and present to him in absolute appreciation as the children and products of his kindness, ” she said.
The foundation noted that the little thought of love and willingness for charity Chief Onwugbenu exhibited had metamorphosed into hope for the hopeless, a great future for the less privileged, economic salvation for the poor and dream fulfillment for a whole lot of indigent students.
According to the Chairperson, many products of the foundation who graduated from various universities, polytechnics and colleges of education had been gainfully employed in companies within and outside Nigeria.
In his response, Chief Onwugbenu said it was the will of God for him to be a philanthropist, having had a humble beginning. He said he always allowed God’s guidance and did everything in life with the fear of God.
“I have never failed to appreciate God. My prayer is that these beneficiaries will grow up tomorrow and also become philanthropists and help others to achieve their dreams in society,” he said.
Chief Onwugbenu, who will be 70 years in a matter of months has triplets, quadruplets and other children in his scholarship scheme for up to the university level in addition to the grown-up category.
In a mass to kick-start the event which witnessed scores of Catholic priests in attendance, Rev Fr Clement Mogbo admonished Christians and non-Christians alike to endeavour to be Christ-like in their dealings with their fellow human beings.
“Jesus came in a human body for us to be like him. He said for the least you did for your brother, you did it for me. Express love and kindness this 2023 which practical example you have seen demonstrated by Chief Onwugbenu, ” said the priest in a brief sermon.
There was sumptuous and elaborate entertainment for all as well as music and comedy.