*Foundation doles out N25,000,000 as start-up capital to over 25 persons
By Charles Okonji
In furtherance of efforts towards tackling alarming poverty and unemployment ravaging the country, the founder of Dr. Chioma Awuzie Foundation, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, has disclosed that the foundation has spent over ₦180 million in three years bring people out of poverty.
Dr. Awuzie made this disclosure while announcing that everything is set for the July 2023 youth investment and women empowerment programme, which concides with the 50th birthday celebration of the founder.
She noted that the beneficiaries would receive between N200,000 – N800,000 as business starters, depending on the type of business.
According to her , the initiative was necessitated by the rising level of poverty and uncertainties occasioned by spiraling insecurities, wanton killings, widespread unemployment, massive poverty and, excruciating economic hardship that are profoundly pushing people into socio-economic doldrums, frustration and anguish.
As part of the events marking the 50th Birthday Anniversary of the founder, Dr Awuzie, the Foundation has rolled out the following programmes; “Distribution of food items, foot wears, raincoats and clothing materials to students and the residents of Old Aguata at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State on 14 July, 2023.
“Undertake free medical outreach to Onitsha residents at SS John and Paul Parish, Iba-Pope Awada, on 15 July, 2023. Distribution of clothing materials to indigent widows and the underprivileged at SS John and Paul Parish, Iba-Pope Awada. Visitation to St. Martin’s Community Children/Welfare Orphanage Home at Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Distribution of food items and clothing materials to indigent widows at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State on 16 July, 2023.
“Donation of refrigerators/electrical cooling appliances to indigent women for entrepreneurship, provision of sterilizing appliances to support a deserving barber, provision of digital camera and laptop computer to upcoming photopreneurs.
“The Foundation has selected 15 indigent students from various tertiary education institutions in Anambra State who will be awarded Scholarship on 14 July 2023 at the Federal Polytechnic Oko.”
Dr. Awuzie pointed out that the foundation has provided shelter for an indigent and homeless orphans, adding that it has also visited and provided food items to children at Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage Home, Asaba, Delta State on 21 July, 2021.
“Visited and tended inmates of the Medium Security Correctional Center at Ogwashi-Uku Delta State on 20 July, 2022. The Foundation has tended patients, newly delivered mothers and babies) in 2023.
“Under this programme, the Foundation focuses on providing succour to the vulnerable persons in our society. We are especially concerned about the lives of indigent women, girl children and the youths who bear the brunt of poor governance, conflicts, unemployment and attendant insecurities.
“The foundation has purchased and distributed 5 Cassava Grinders to some rural women in 2020, procured and distributed 1 Shuttle Bus and 1 Carriage Vehicle to select unemployed youths in 2020 and 2022 respectively, provided start-up capitals (ranging from N200,000- N800,000) for entrepreneurship to 20 indigent persons, sponsored 15 select underprivileged persons to their choice skill acquisition, craft and innovation programmes.
“The Foundation has paid school and sundry fees for over 25 female students in various tertiary educational institutions, paid school and sundry fees for over 19 male students in various tertiary educational institutions,” she stressed.
