Dr. Theo Okeke, a philanthropist from Nnewi, has built a one-kilometer road for his people in Umudim Nnewi, Anambra State.
The road was officially opened on Friday in the presence of the Obis of Umudim, Obi Bennett Okafor, Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, and Uruagu, Obi Afam Obi, who were all representing His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III.
Dr Okeke said it was his way of giving back to society during the commissioning of the road, which was tarred on both sides and had drainage systems on both sides.
Dr. Okeke said he had travelled to many countries and learned that individual contributions to community development could not be overstated because the government could not do it alone.
He remarked that he had seen similar good things in other places and resolved to provide his people with a good road network, not only for a smooth ride but also to prevent erosion from bad roads.
He stated that with individual and collective development efforts, the community would be a happy place to live in no time.
Dr. Okeke also stated that he was contributing to the development of his community in honour of his parents, whom he described as cheerful givers, and that he would always uphold his parents’ legacy.
“This is my hometown, where I was born and raised.” Through various empowerment programmes, I have been contributing my quota to development and upliftment of my people. I empower widows, and I have a scholarship programme for indigent students, among other things.
“My own idea of assisting people is to show them how to farm so that they can stand on their own two feet,” Dr. Okeke said.
Apart from road construction, Dr Okeke said the community was also facing a flood threat, which he said he had resolved, despite the fact that it had increased his initial budget.
The Dimuzo kindred road, he explained, was in danger of eroding. He stated that he had taken palliative measures and that he would like government officials at all levels to assist the community in achieving a checkmate and developing erosion control measures to complement the efforts already made.
The philanthropist slammed insecurity in Anambra and Nigeria in general, saying it was unfortunate that it had devolved to this point.
He expressed optimism that, with the right approach, it could still be overcome.
“I admire Governor Charles Soludos’ efforts. He is a man of great goodwill who genuinely cares about the State. He went on to say, “I call on all Anambra people to support him.”
Dr Okeke expressed disappointment that what Ndigbo expected was not what he saw unfolding in the 2023 Igbo presidential bid to produce a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari.
After many years on the sidelines, he wondered why an Igboman would not be given the chance to rule Nigeria.
Other attendees included Chief Atuenyi Maduka, the current president-general of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi (Nnewi Town Union); Chief Ugochukwu Udemezue, the immediate past president general; and Elder Soge Egbuna, the Nnewichi president general.
