Philanthropic organisation, I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF) has posted further landmarks in its activities.
Last Friday at the International Conference Centre, Awka, Anambra State, IGAHAF marked its third education seminar and fifth phase of its scholarship award ceremony by offering full scholarships to 250 more students. This brings to 670, the number of scholarships so far given to deserving students by the Foundation within three years of its existence.
Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Innocent Akuvue highlighted the difference between Aguowo and some other wealthy people in Nigerian society, who, he said, used their wealth to make trouble and inconvenience others. He noted that many wealthy people in Nigeria live a life of profligacy. This, he pointed out, is different from the life of the Chairman of IGAHAF, who decided to deploy his God-given resources to lift humanity.
Akuvue, commended Aguowo and called many others blessed with wealth to emulate him.
IGAHAF’s Executive Director, Mrs. Gloria Ugonnia Abanihe informed guests that the Foundation came out of the conviction of its founder that “education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society, as well as a key that unlocks opportunities to a brighter future”.
She pointed out that IGAHAF is also committed to various other philanthropic programmes in the healthcare sector and numerous Nigerians have been benefitting from these programmes. She assured that the foundation will continue to lift humanity through its activities in healthcare and education.
Anambra State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh expressed delight at what IGAHAF is doing. She said the activities of the Foundation are complementary to the education programmes of the state government. According to her, the Foundation represents a good example of Public Private Community Partnership, which, she said, the Chukwuma Soludo administration encourages.
Aguowo’s former teacher, Barrister Nwando Obiano, who was the keynote speaker, hailed his “exceptionality”. She extolled his services to humanity and called on the beneficiaries of his philanthropy to also show exceptionality in their character and future endeavours. She asked the numerous beneficiaries of Aguowo’s magnanimity to always pray for him and be good ambassadors of the Foundation that has given them a head start in life.
Aguowo said he finds joy in philanthropy because he had a humble beginning and knew deprivation and poverty, hence his commitment to lift as many people in life as possible. He said he had the dream many years ago, to do what he is currently doing.
Numerous cash prizes and educational aids like laptops were given out at the ceremony.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor; the state Head of Service, Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe; and the traditional ruler of Nibo town, His Royal Majesty, Michael Ngene. They commended the Foundation and its founder, Chief Ignatius Onyeka Aguowo, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive of Volic Group of Industries.
