Anambra State businessman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Power Holding Corporation (PHC), Enugu zone, Chief Emeka Offor, stole the show when he donated 400 wheelchairs to physically challenged persons and 100 crutches to assist persons with disability who would require the facility in the South-East geopolitical zone. He made the donation in Awka during activities marking this year’s World Polio Day.

In his speech at the occasion, Chief Offor said that he was moved to make the donations because he was touched by the plight of disabled persons in society, some of who he said were unable to provide such mobility aids for themselves, adding that said that he will continue to render assistance towards polio eradication in Nigeria until the battle was fully won. Recalling his various donations towards the eradication of polio in Nigeria, and in other countries such as Afghanistan, the PHC boss vowed that he would not relent until the planet earth was completely free of polio.

His words: “I have over 10 million U.S. dollars in various countries, to assist them in their fight against polio and the problems associated with it.”

Offor advised parents to always ensure that their children and wards were immunised against polio, adding that some parents often neglect very important vaccinations and thereby subject their children to eventual polio attack.

The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Nobert Obi, said that the war against polio must be won at all cost.

He pledged that the state government would continue to champion the fight against polio in the state.

The governor also commended Offor for his contributions towards the fight to eradicate polio and its menace from the society and urged people to join in the fight.

Earlier in his welcome address, the District Governor of Rotary Club, Awka Chapter, HRH Noble Eshemuta, commended Offor who, according to him, had continued to identify with the Rotary Club in its efforts to eradicate polio not only in Nigeria but across the globe, a gesture which he said had earned the philanthropist Rotary International Polio Ambassador.

Also, the chairman, Committee on Polio Plus, Mr Eloka Chuwkwudum, said that the fight against polio was a worthy one, and called on people to identify with the fight.

The president of Rotary Club of Awka Metropolis, Dr Dennis Ekemezie, pointed out that efforts must be made by all to chase away polio pain in the world. He called on mothers to always take necessary precautions towards their children. He noted that Rotary has six areas of focus, namely: Peace and conflict prevention and resolution; Disease prevention and treatment; Water and sanitation; Maternal and child health; Basic education and literacy.

The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, on his part, hailed the Chief Offor for the various humanitarian services he had done in line with Rotary principles. He promised that the university will partner with anyone who touches lives for the good of the society.

The ceremony was attended by the creme de la creme of the society. Among them, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Chief Valentine Ayika, lawmaker representing Njikoka 1 Constituency; traditional rulers and members of Rotary Club from within and outside the state.

Mr Ikechukwu Ukeje, chairman of Joint National Association of Physically Challenged Persons, commended the efforts of the philanthropists in putting smiles on their faces and assured that the facilities would be distributed and used for the desired purpose.

Representatives from the five South-eastern states of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra, the host, were all present at the occasion.

•Photo shows Chief Emeka Offor speaking during the 2014 World Polio Day ceremony in Awka.

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