By Uche Eze

As part of its mission to encourage Nigerian youths through empowerment in various fields of human endeavours, to curb insecurity and attain global competitiveness, Barrister Sam Otoboeze Foundation, a non-governmental organization at its 2024 annual event doled out millions of naira to support over 50 beneficiaries of the Foundation’s poverty alleviation programme to set up businesses.

The event which had its theme as “Empowering People; Enhancing Security” was held at the Holy Child Catholic Church, Ochima in Igbo-Etiti local government area of Enugu state.

The occasion also witnessed the handing over of artificial limbs for mobility empowerment to five persons that had either their leg or arm amputated as well as distribution of various food items to over 500 persons.

Speaking at the event, the founder and president of the Foundation, Barrister Sam Otoboeze said he was excited that the Foundation has grown, cutting across communities, local governments and states, adding that the occasion was to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting the people and promoting save environment.

The Foundation he added has empowered many people since inception, emphasizing that it has grown beyond the imagination of the members. According to him, the essence of the Foundation was to assist people, especially those that seem to have lost hope, adding that those who obtain help from the organization were also expected to extend same gesture to others. He appreciated God, and those who saw the vision to form the Foundation.

“The Foundation has over the years organized capacity-building programmes that have empowered more than 3000 youths, equipping them with the skills and confidence they needed to succeed. It has as well sponsored many youths in various technical training programmes, both within Nigeria and outside, ostensibly to open doors of new opportunities for them.

In our 4th stream of this programme held in November this year, over 52 youths participated in that capacity-building initiatives designed to steer them away from crime and engage them in entrepreneurial and wealth creation activities. Today, we will award well-deserving participants with business seed grants to support their existing businesses or help them start new ventures”, he said.

Barrister Otoboeze added that the Foundation mapped out #350, 000 for the best performing participant in the training, while #250, 000 and #200, 000 were for the second and third positions respectively. He also categorized other winners in the training as top level, mid-level and basic level grantees where the top level grantees comprising five beneficiaries received #150, 000 each, mid and basic levels grantees with 13 and 9 beneficiaries got #100, 000 and #50, 000 respectively. Some of the recipients of the financial support were Chigozie Rose Mbah who went home with #350, 000. She had the highest mark of 79% in their assessment after their capacity-building training at Nsukka in November, 2024.
Obetta Collins and Amarachi Ruth Egbo, both scored 75% and 74% to take second and third positions and got #250, 000 and #200, 000 respectively.

Barrister Otoboeze also reeled out other giant strides of the Foundation to include, establishment of Charity Food Shop, where those in need shop freely, putting up free medical outreach programme, which over 3,500 persons had benefitted from since inception as well as providing artificial limbs to over 500 persons, picked from various parts of the country.

He however pointed out that the major challenge facing the Foundation is that most people seem not to understand the positive implication of what it offers and don’t seem to replicate or identify with it.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Ben Etiaba, chairman, Vice Chairman Body of Titled Chiefs of Nnewi, Anambra state and Fellow of Ethical Leadership of the University of Nigeria Nsukka said Barrister Otoboeze Foundation has succeeded in filling the gaps which government has failed to do, pointing out that it was the duty of every government to provide employment to the youths, provide affordable and quality education, amongst others. He described the vision of the Foundation as great and commended the tenacity and steadfastness of the founder to remain afloat with its service to humanity.

Also in his remarks, the Parish Priest of the Holy Child Catholic Church, Ochima, who also officiated the mass that ushered in the occasion, Rev. Fr. Sebastine Odoh, said Barrister Otoboeze is a gift not only to Ochima community and the Catholic Church therein but also to humanity, pointing out that he has made immense contributions to improve the community, church development and the society at large through his benevolence and the Foundation’s support to individuals.

In a chat with the chairman of the event Planning Committee, Hon. Pastor Emeka Abugu, a one-time commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in Enugu state to ascertain his feelings on the occasion, he said the occasion was awesome and great, adding “though its preparation wasn’t easy, it ended in praises”.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Annual event of the Foundation featured “Meritorious Humanitarian Awards” to some deserving individuals for their various contributions towards the success of the Foundation. The recipients of the awards were the chairman of the occasion, Chief Ben Etiaba, Sam Ekwueme, APC Senatorial candidate in Enugu North Senatorial zone in 2023 election, Engr. George Agu and Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu. Others were HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Sir Ogbonna Nnabuchi Idike and Dr. Obisike Victor Obelu.

The occasion also featured free medical outreach and Educational support programme to the people of Ochima and other communities.

People from different works of life, including Engr. OBJ Chukwurah, Cyril Chinedu Onuh and a movie star and CEO, Larry Gee Film Industry, Hillary Eze attended the occasion.