By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The President General, PG, Ogbaru Relief (Main) market, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, Hon. Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Wednesday, in the spirit of christmas, empowered scores of downtrodden and orphans with cash and food items estimated into millions of naira.
Speaking at the event during the periodic prayer session of the market, Ochiogu said that the empowerment became necessary in view of the need for the downtrodden to join in celebration as Christmas approaches to memorize the birth of Jesus Christ.
He recalled that he was born into a poor family background that lived by charity those days adding that what he did was a reflection of his experience in those days, stating that the event was in exercise of his promise to God to assist the needy.
“I beg God to bless me to assist the poor and God did that to me and it is that promise that I am fulfilling today. I am the first leader in the market to initiate and implement such ideology and I did it also to emulate Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who awarded scholarship to indigent students.
The market boss paid glowing tribute to those who contributed in cash, kind and through food items to the success of the event stating that all these kind gestures became possible sequel to the trust and belief the traders have in him.
The event was preceded by a Holy Mass, Presided over by the Catholic priest in charge of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Sampson Ogbuebune.
In his homily, Fr. Ogbuebune commended the leadership of the Market for her initiative in remembering those in need, that included traders saying that what he did was an expression of appreciation to God.
He further admonished that appreciation is the highest sacrifice to God, adding that in the presence of God, there is a multiplicity of blessings.
“When you are in the presence of God, He will protect you. When you praise God, the kingdom of enemies will be in confusion. Do not be afraid of your enemies, because the shadow of God covers you. If God blesses you, extend it to others. Make sure you put smiles on the faces of others this Christmas,” pleaded the cleric.
Expressing satisfaction, one of the traders, Mr. Ochuba Joseph, said that Ndubuisi Ochiogu has been a wonderful leader to traders, stating that his leadership brought tranquility, peace, and oneness to the market.
Among the orphanages that benefited included, Umunna Motherless Babies Home Onitsha, Mercy and Charity Orphanage Obosi, Crowther Orphanage MCC, Okite Jesus Nnewi, Life Compassionate Orphanage Obosi, Idemili North Orphanage Umuoji, and Madonna Mercy Atani.
Items distributed included, cartons of noddles, cartons of gala, bags of rice, bags of detergents, 200 tubers of yam, crates of mineral, cartons of tea, cartons of biscuit, satchet tea, soaps, among others.
Pic shows the PG
