A philanthropist, Mr Ukochukwu Akunodozie, has distributed essential food items to hundreds of women in the Federal Capital Territory and offered scholarships to no fewer than 200 students.
Speaking at an event held on Friday in Abuja, Akunodozie said that his philanthropic gestures were not merely seasonal acts but a fundamental part of his identity and a means of personal fulfillment.
The event was part of activities marking the birthday of Akunodozie, the Chief Executive Officer of Blake Resort, Abuja.
“There is not a specific thing that pushed me to do this. It is my life; it is who I am.
“The greatest joy I get is not when I spend on myself, but when I spend on people. The fulfillment for me is seeing the excitement and happiness when they pick up these items.”
On the scholarship programme funded through his foundation, Akunodozie said that education remained the only platform that allowed the children of the poor to compete fairly with the children of the elite.
He said that many children were disadvantaged from birth due to their family’s economic status, through no fault of their own.
“The child of a president or the richest man in Africa only measures up with the child of a labourer when you have education; it is the safe platform to compete.
“The only way to give these underprivileged kids a platform in life is to give them education.”
According to Akunodozie, he is currently sponsoring no fewer than 200 children, providing them with tuition, new uniforms, shoes, bags, and writing materials.
He added that the foundation also organised special preparatory classes for students struggling academically to ensure they caught up with their peers.
On Nigeria’s current challenges, Akunodozie urged citizens to look inward and focus on “adding value” rather than solely criticising the government.
He revealed that his business ventures currently employed more 600 staff across Abuja and other regions, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic stability.
“The economy has always had situations where it could be better.
“As business people, our goal is not just to criticise whoever is in power but to add value.
“If 10 million Nigerians decide to add value from one point or another, the burden on the government will reduce a great deal,” he said.
While acknowledging the need to hold the government accountable, he said that individual contributions were vital to national growth.
Akunodozie, who described himself as being in a prayerful mood during Holy Week, promised to continue supporting widows and the less privileged year-round.
On his part, the Acting Governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), FCT Chapter, Mr Michael Oyibo, described Akunodozie as a “low-key” philanthropist who had been impacting lives for more 18 years without media attention.
“He has been doing beautiful things for people that many do not know about. We decided that his works must be seen because his story can inspire other young Nigerians,” Oyibo said.
A close associate of the celebrator, Mr Ibrahim Usman, said that Akunodozie’s interventions spanned across primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels for the vulnerable.
NAN reports that the event—attended by friends of the celebrator, entertainment industry representatives, and various women’s groups (both Muslim and Christian)—featured the distribution of food items and a birthday session.
