By Juliana Nwachukwu :
Four indigent traders of Sokoto Road Market Traders Association, Onitsha, Anambra State, were empowered by the market Chairman, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, with a sum of #100,000 each.
The kind gesture of the chairman according to market sources has become a routine aimed at taking the down trodden to the next level, especially at this era of economic quagmire.
During the occasion, Pastor Godspower Chibuzor, who presided over the market prayer session that preceded the empowerment exercise enjoined the traders to embrace God and assist the needy for them to be blessed.
Despite the money presented to the beneficiaries, the benefactor, Hon. Mbachu and his amiable wife also donated some mother care items to nursing mothers as part of their social responsibility.
According to Mr Mbachu, I do it at least quarterly but as for this December last prayer, it is a must that I will help the needy. This one is the third time I am doing it. That is what I decided to be doing.
“After handing over to the needy, my friends and good spirited individuals around supported me and raised up to #300,000 for them.
“We rise by lifting others, when you see the needy, try to sponsor the person, don’t look at what people are saying about your philanthropy.
“The one I did last year, the beneficiaries came out today and sow seeds. A day after the prayer day, I was passing through the shop of one of the beneficiaries that was selling fruits and realized that she is now selling toys.
“I am pleading on all the market leaders to emulate my kind gesture as I emulate from our Governor.”
He also said that the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is a workaholic and as such whoever that works with him must behave like him.
“My special greeting goes to both the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evarist Ubah, and our ASMATA President General, Hon Humphery Anuna, including the Onitsha South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji. They are people working under Onitsha South and they are doing good.
Reacting, Mrs Joy Azubuike, one of the beneficiaries said, “When I came to Sokoto road market, I didn’t know where to start from, everyday I will be crying till one day our commander advised me to stand firm. He told me to go and meet our chairman and explain things to him, I told him our chairman is not my class that he hardly responds or gives me a listening ear any time I am complaining my problems to him.”
“It pains me a lot but because every time our chairman will be advising us about being hot tempered, we should avoid it. So I let go, not knowing that he was planning for me,” she said.
Another beneficiary also prayed for God’s guidance on Mr. Mbachu as he remembered them, asking God also to remember him, make him a king and the land of Onitsha to bless him.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State