By Dickson Okafor
The philanthropy of Mr. Festus Mbisiogu has touched the lives of many people in some communities in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State . He has helped many people through his various community development projects. Until recently, people in the local council area were struggling to survive without basic amenities such as potable water, good roads and functional health centres. They believed that the government would provide them with all the basic amenities but it is disheartening to note that some of these communities in Ideato South have no clean water, with Urashi River being the only source of water.
Arising from his selflessness and philanthropic disposition, the people of these communities he has assisted with development projects are mounting pressure on the business mogul to offer himself for public service. In Ideato, his
admirers fondly refer to him as the shining star and a role model. It is a fact worth stressing that until ten years ago, many in Ideato and indeed, Nigeria did not know that the man behind the success story of one of the world’s greatest and best brand names in logistics and shipping, Blue Diamond, China, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, is an illustrious son of Nigeria. His passion for enhancing the quality of lives of his people through complementing government’s efforts in the provision of social amenities has earned him outstanding recognition from various organisations, including the award of a medal of honour in Diaspora Nigeria’s Hall of Fame, specifically reserved for outstanding Nigerian citizens overseas, who have made remarkable contributions towards the development of their home country. In the same vein, the Umuchima Development Union, Women wing had honoured him with a Worthy Son Award, the Asia Pacific Award and Igbo Amaka Personality of the Year Awards 2011 and 2014 respectively.
However, the Umuchima-born social crusader has severally denied nursing political ambition.
Interestingly, Mbisiogu has through his Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Uzotex Charity Foundation (UCF) built, equipped and handed-over a multi-million-naira hospital to Umuchima community. For the laudable achievement, he received commendations during its commissioning on January 4, 2017 by the Federal Government and the Governor of Imo State.
He is eminently qualified to seek for any elective position of his choice if he decides to do so.
Dickson Okafor, Lagos