By Leonard Okachie
Ivyline Care Foundation has distributed food, non food items and cash to vulnerable households in Leru Umuchieze, in Ummunneochi Local Government Area, Abia, to support their efforts.
The items were distributed on the occasion of Ozonyiri Charity Day, which held at Leru Secondary School field, Leru Umuchieze.
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The founder and lead coordinator, Dr Evangeline Ozonyiri, said the event was organised in honour and memory of her late parents, Rev. Chinyere and Rev. Sorochi Ozonyiri.
She said that she decided to establish the foundation, to help amplify the voice of the voiceless after overcoming the many challenges she faced between 2009 and 2019.
Ozonyiri, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, said she was passionate about eradicating hunger, inequalities, poverty, and contributing to improving healthcare access in vulnerable communities.
“It is in my heart to always help the need and the vulnerable persons, empower my people and give back to the society.
“It is something I have been doing at least three or four times a year through my foundation, for the past five years and I’m not stopping,” she said.
She said that one valid lesson she learnt from her parents, especially her father, was to be kind to everyone despite what they had done to you in the past.
Ozonyiri explained that the foundation had over the past five years, distributed foodstuffs to over 8,000 individuals across several communities in Abia, Imo and Abuja.
Also, she said the non-profit organisation had donated tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines and motorcycles to help women and youths kick-start their journey into financial independence.
In brief sermon entitled “Is my father still alive?” Rev. Chinedu Nwaogu, who narrated the story of Joseph in Genesis 45:3, advised the people against household enemies.
He urged them to turn away from their evil ways and look up to God, who is their heavenly father as they began their journey in 2025.
In their separate speeches, some of the community leaders, including Ugoeze Agnes Ogoke, wife of the traditional ruler of Leru, lauded Ozonyiri, for always giving back to her community.
Also, Mr Patrick Ezeala, who supported the foundation with 40 bags of rice, said he was deeply touched by Ozonyiri’s act of benevolence to the people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed among the five villages of Leru: Achara Leru, Akpu Leru, Agwu Leru, Agbala and Umuaka.
The items include bags of rice, gallons of vegetable oil, cartons of tomato pastes, bags of salt, mattresses, mats, clothing, buckets and writing materials among others. (NAN)
