From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Last year was remarkable in the life of Nnewi-born philanthropist and billionaire businessman, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu. He holds the traditional title of Okpataozuora Nnewi, “One who cares for the multitude”
He clocked 70 and it marked the 20th anniversary of the consecration and dedication of St. Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu, Nnewi, which he built and handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. Still, his Louis Carter Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary. So, it was a year of multiple celebrations for these multiple achievements.
Onwugbenu is the chairman of the Louis Carter Group, whose milk of kindness has affected positively large number of Nigerians irrespective of their origin, religion and other leanings.
At the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebrations, its Chairperson, Lady J. N. Nwangwu said that every minute of those ten years and of course these 70 years of their benefactor’s life, remained a blessing to anybody around him: “Yes, you must agree with me that ten years of charity, ten years of touching lives, ten years of sacrificial love is neither a sentimental nor an emotional feeling but an intelligent act of the will of God and as such, demands celebration.”
Nwagwu traced the history of the foundation to August 15, 2013 saying: “Since inception, the number of beneficiaries has continued to increase exponentially. The Foundation is currently funding the scholarships of over 500 beneficiaries including the religious men and women in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and outside the country’s shores.
“The ten years Louis Carter Foundation is itching for an international standard and recognition for assurance of continuity even when Chief Louis is no more just like its counterpart, the Andrew Carnegie Foundation of the USA.
“To this end, we at the Foundation (the board members and beneficiaries) are appealing to friends and well-wishers of Chief Louis who share like minds with him to partner with us to make the foundation a permanent home of refuge for the poor, for all generations and everlasting source of blessing for all.
“For this reason, the foundation is in dire need of a permanent site. The location is expected at completion, to house: a multipurpose hall for seminars, scholarship exams and interviews, skill acquisition trainings, workshops, among others.
“Health Centre for free medical treatments; an ultramodern e-library for students and teachers research; a conference room for board meetings; offices and store rooms for official use.
“Others are fifty laptops and projectors for computer trainings and other skill trainings; a stand-by generator for powering the foundation house; a bus for transportation of the beneficiaries for out-door engagements and other official uses.”
First son of Chief Onwugbenu, Emeka, could not hide his feelings over the progress the foundation has made over the years.
He was upbeat about the future of the foundation and muted the plans for permanent structures to give it an international outlook.