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By Madu Obi
There was jubilation in Anambra State weekend as a renowned philanthropist, Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo began the distribution of yam seedlings to households and farmers in the state as part of his contribution to ensure food security in the country.
The first phase of the intervention programme, which began in Awka, is being executed under the auspices of JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation, a non-profit and charity organisation founded by Onunkwo ten years ago.
According to Onunkwo, shortlisted beneficiaries for the first phase will directly benefit 500 persons, while the second and third phases would follow shortly.
The exercise attracted politicians, women and youth groups, cooperative societies and farmers from the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
Speaking before the commencement of the distribution, Onunkwo, who is a two-time governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, said his Foundation predated his involvement in politics, adding that through it, he has been helping humanity as much as he could, using his hard-earned resources.
He said: "Election or no election, my philanthropic work will continue. Over the years, we have intervened in areas of health, education, youth empowerment and community development services, but this time around, we decided to think agriculture as it is the only way to wipe out the ravaging food crisis and hunger in the land."
"That is why we started the distribution of yam seedlings as part of our agricultural intervention."
Also speaking at the ceremony, the zonal chairman of APC in charge of Anambra Central, Chief Augustine Muomaife appreciated JohnBosco Onunkwo for his philanthropic gestures in the state since 2016 and urged the beneficiaries not to relent in the yam cultivation, in order to achieve maximum result.
"For whom much is given, much is expected," he added, advising the beneficiaries to share the tubers among their neighbours after harvest.
Appreciating the donor, Philip Nwatu, representing Ifediche Cooperative Group said Onunkwo's ingenuity and benevolence at this critical period would go a long way to bring many people in Anambra State out of poverty and prayed for more blessings over his endeavours.
Speaking on behalf of the women wing of JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation, Mrs. Amaechi Nwobu thanked the philanthropist for easing the burden of many homes and farmers in the state.
She encouraged women to invest more in agriculture, stating that agriculture is the only option to reduce rising cost of prices and hunger in the land.
The next phase of the distribution is scheduled to hold in Aguata federal constituency later this week.
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