An Ebonyi women philanthropic, non-governmental organisation, Ehugbo Unique Friends Foundation (EUFF), said it would pay the WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination fee for 100 students from Afikpo communities.
The founder and President of the Foundation, Lolo Chinedum Ozomgbachi, disclosed this on Friday during the group’s sensitization rally marking the commencement of their annual charity programme in the community.
The women during the rally visited some major government owned primary and secondary schools in both Ehugbo and Unwana communities in Afikpo North Local government area where they gave gifts of writing materials to the pupils and students.
The group also gave words of admonition to the school children.
Speaking, Ozomgbachi, explained that the Foundation was a union of childhood friends and school mates with passion for charity.
She noted that the rally was a prelude to their main charity programme on Saturday when they would reach out to the widows and other vulnerable people in the community with various gifts.
The Afikpo born philanthropist married to Ezeagu in Enugu State, emphasized that the group has a lofty dream of becoming a world class philanthropic organisation.
She called on the well placed in society not to always depend on government to solve all societal needs, but to add value to society, by touching people’s lives, especially those of the less privileged.
Ozomgbachi said: “We have been friends for so many years, spanning into decades.
“So, we decided to come together.
“The main aim is to carry out charity work; assist the less privileged in Ehugbo community.
“With time, we decided to register the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a Non governmental Organisation, Ehugbo Unique Friends Foundation.
‘We tax ourselves to raise funds for our charity works, and we hope that with time, people will see what we are doing globally.
“We have about 100 students we plan to register for WAEC Examinations in this year.
“I always maintain that we should not leave reaching out to the less privileged only for the government.
“It is not only for the government; individuals can come together to help the less privileged.
“It is not only for those in politics.”
Other members of the Foundation who spoke to our correspondent, including the Public Relations Officer, Lady Nnenna Vera Egwu, said belonging to the Foundation was a dream come true, and pledged to continue to utilize all resources at her disposal to nurture the Foundation to attain its desired goals.
One of the strong supporters of the group, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Madukaibe Ewa, in his remarks, applauded the women for their charity initiatives.
While stating that works of charity were in line with his devotion in life, he added that the Foundation was unique both in formation and manifestations.
“The organisation is part of what I usually like doing.
“Any congregation that has to do with assisting the less privileged is my passion.
“So the unique nature of the Organisation gives a light to it that it is specifically identified for a particular purpose: unity, cohabitation, interaction in a peaceful atmosphere, and to assist those in need, thereby creating happiness in their various homes.
“These women are professionals and big people in their various capacities; some of them married to other places, but the cardinal point is that in every aspect of what they have done, I have contributed a little quota in either fine tuning, initiating or assisting them to carry out a particular function.”
Some of the pupils and students who received the gifts: Okechukwu Godwin Oti and Jennifer Mgbebu of Government Primary School Afikpo, with their headmistress, Josephine Ogeri Ugwu, described the visit and gifts as exciting.
Victor Chinwemmeri and Victoria Eme Orji of Comprehensive Secondary School, Unwana, said they were inspired by the visit and gifts to redouble their efforts in their academics, promising not to disappoint the women and their parents.
Chinwemmeri said: ” On behalf of the Principal, the teachers, and my fellow students, we are very grateful to this Foundation for coming together to help us this far.
“For this token you gave to us, may the Lord grant you grace and favour, to keep abiding, and helping the next generation.”