Billionaire philanthropist Okafor awards scholarships, provides free healthcare to Akwaeze residents

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ikenna Okafor, has awarded scholarships and provided free healthcare services to residents of Akwaeze community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The initiative, carried out under the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation, a charitable organization established by Okafor in memory of his late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor, benefited over 200 students across various levels of education.

Chief Okafor, who is also the Chairman of Keves Global Leasing Limited, an oil servicing company based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the annual scholarship scheme covers both indigenes and non-indigenes of Akwaeze.

During this year’s programme, 41 primary school pupils received ₦40,000 each, 57 secondary school students were awarded ₦80,000 each, while over 100 students in tertiary institutions—including public and private universities as well as seminaries—received scholarships ranging from ₦400,000 to ₦1 million.

In addition to educational support, widows, widowers, and persons with special needs, including the blind and sickle-cell carriers, also benefited from the foundation’s outreach. Pregnant women and other sick individuals received free medical care sponsored by the foundation.

The event, which began with a Catholic Mass, also featured testimonies from past beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, many of whom have since completed their education.

Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary of the Foundation, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke, described this year’s programme as an improvement over previous editions, noting that the foundation has been in existence for 20 years.

He commended the Okafor family for their commitment to uplifting the less privileged, stating that their generosity would remain unforgettable in the hearts of the Akwaeze people.

In his remarks, Chief Okafor explained that the scholarship initiative was aimed at sustaining his father’s legacy and empowering the community through education. He expressed optimism that sustained investment in education, healthcare, and agriculture would help eliminate illiteracy and improve living standards in Akwaeze.

“Our goal is to liberate our people from illiteracy and hardship. With access to education, healthcare, and food security, the community can overcome its struggles,” he said.