Chairman of the United Nigeria Airlines (UNAir), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo yesterday – Monday, December 23 -commenced distribution of Christmas rice and other food items to 10,000 women across Anambra.
The gesture is being handled by Okonkwo’s pet project, the Pro-Value Humanity Foundation in his country home, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area.
While observing one-minute silence in honour of victims of rice distribution stampedes in Okija and other locations in the country, Okonkwo who spoke at the paaliatives-distribution flag-off at his Ogidi country home, commiserated with the affected families, adding that in spite of the unfortunate incidents, it was still important to share the blessings of the season with those in need.
He advised that, going forward, greater caution must be exercised by organisers and beneficiaries alike before and during distribution of relief materials to the needy in the country.
“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and giving. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and extend them to others, especially women who play vital roles in their various families and our society at large.
“Sharing the gifts and blessings of God is a responsibility we all should embrace, not based on the size of our pocket but on the depth of our compassion.
“I want to encourage everyone to give something back as an act of love, and simple kindness, it can make the difference in someone else’s life,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Chukwuma Ezeafulukwe, the Project Manager of the programme disclosed that the items distributed included rice, wrapper, vegetable oil and cash.
He said no fewer than 10,000 women across the state would benefit from the largess adding that the distribution had been strategically planned and across days to ensure effective crowd control.
He said the Pro-Value Humanity Foundation had kept the tradition for about 13 years with the aim of helping the indigent in the society celebrate Christmas and the new year with ease.
“This distribution has been a hallmark of the philanthropic endeavours of Prof. Okonkwo for over 13 years,” Ezeafulukwe was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as saying.
