Touched by the increasing hardship and suffering experienced by Nigerians, a group, Uzodimma Paul Nwoga Foundation has commenced feeding and provision of basic necessities for indigent persons in Umuokrika, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Council of Imo State.
Under the programme, about 400 persons would be fed each day with nutritious food, at Nwoga’s compound, which will run for 10 days.
Founder of the group, Chief Uzodimma Paul Nwoga, a retired soldier from the United States Army, said he was propelled to extend hands of fellowship by the spirit of communal giving his late father, Prof. D. I. Nwoga, exhibited while he lived.
His father, a professor of English Literature, was the first to bring African studies to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
He was also the Dean of Social and General Studies in the same institution.
He said: “My father helped others. Six villages will be involved. It is good to do what you can to provide a solution. Don’t wait for the government all the time. Do what you can. Helping is in the heart. It is an attitude you wake up with.
“The intent is to make people see what I am doing and do the same. I live to help people. It gives me joy. I place more value on my fellow men.”
He noted that he was happy that he served the U.S army for 24 years with a track record, stressing that he needed to give thanks to God for guiding him in the military service by touching lives and giving hope to the indigent members of the 12 wards in the council.
He disclosed that despite the fact that he has lived in the U.S for 43 years, he would ever be closer to his ancestral home and community.
He listed the empowerment and knowledge advancement programmes he put in place in the foundation as Food Bank for Widows and Orphans teacher of the quarter/year; student of the quarter/year; Chief (Prof.) D. I. Nwoga Memorial Football Tournament; Boys and Girls Club; Yearly Cultural Dance; Spelling Bee Competition; Science Fair; Arts, Craft and Design Fair; and Track and Field Tournament.
A raffle was also held at St Patrick’s Parish Umuokirika.
The prices consist 30 tubers of yams. 25 people won N5,000 each; 20 people won chicken; 20 people won N10,000 each, 15 people went home with N20,000; 10 won N25,000 each, four people won N5,000 each, two persons won N75,000, each; four people won a goat each; and one person won N100,00. 400 people were served lunch with the focus on widows, women and their children.
