Keonye Ahamefule on how to fight poverty in Igboland.
2 min read
Chief Keonye Ahamefule, the Akushinanna of Akah and his wife, Lolo Oby Ahudiya Ahamefule, the owners of Akusinanna and Ahudiya Foundation will on December 28, 2022, empower some Umulolo women. Umuaka Times last week engaged Chief Keonye Ahamefule in an interview on the big event and how to fight poverty.
Excerpts:
Why did you float the foundation?
The foundation was founded because I strongly believe that many people in our country, state and communities need extra support, be it financial or otherwise to survive with daily basic necessities of life.
Is the foundation really filling in the gap, for which it was founded?
Yes, of course, the foundation is doing what I had in mind setting it up. The intended people are benefiting immensely from the foundation. In a society where the government does not support or aid its people to do well, rather it does anything and everything possible to hinder the people’s progress. It becomes incumbent upon caring people like me and my wife to pick up the mantle of help and do whatever necessary to alleviate the people’s sufferings.
When did you float the foundation?
I have always been a humanitarian, even while attending secondary school or before that, I was nicknamed Ome-foburuaku because of my magnanimity. All my friends in high school and those who were not my friends benefited from my generosity. That has carried on since then.
Is the foundation only an Umulolo Ugbele affair?
No, I have always done charity for people from all over. But locally, I started with Umulolo women.
Will it be correct to say that this year, the foundation will work beyond Umulolo?
Yes indeed. This Christmas, it’s extended to Umudiodara women in Ugbele- Akah and I will continue to expand it to all umuaka communities and beyond.
Who is funding your charity?
My charity is solely funded by my wife and I, (Akushinanna and Ahudiye).
Why do you fund yourself?
I do not think It’s an overstatement to say that we have done well economically in life and it makes us extremely happy to be able to give back to our community.
Are you by any means pained by the level of poverty in your immediate environment?
The answer is glaringly obvious, any person who has human sympathy, feels the pains and anguish suffered by the people in our society today. People are unable to provide daily meals for their families hence basic human needs have become luxury.
What do you suggest that can be done to fight poverty in Igbo land?
I think every Igbo man and woman of good means should strive to contribute their quotas in so far as helping the have-nots.
Thanks a lot sir for your time sir.
It was nice talking to you .
