One of the known philanthropists in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor John Owakwe Obunezi has stated that one does not need to be a politician to support his/her people and positively affect humanity.
Obunezi who is also the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Omuoda Clan in Aluu made this known during a press interview with newsmen over the weekend at the community in course of receiving an Award of Excellence from a media consultant for his contributions to the society in general. He expressed gratitude for the gesture and disclosed that it will spur him to do more.
“I am so happy and excited over the award which came at the time, it was least expected”, he said.
The CDC chairman who has served his community in many other capacities before now including Public Relation Officer (PRO), Chief Security officer (CSO) and Revenue Committee chairman said he not only enjoys serving humanity but putting smiles on people’s faces as a hobby.
On what motivated him to chose this path, Pst Obunezi disclosed that he passed through a lot of hardship while growing up and so vowed to ensure that those who come in contact with him will find life easier.
The CDC chairman reiterated his vision to ensure that he collaborate with the local and state governments to improve the dilapidated facilities in their community including the internal roads, schools, hospitals, markets and pipe bone water.
He emphasized that if Nigerian citizens at whatever levels have the Godly minds of helping each other with whatever resources at their disposal, the world will be a better place to live in.
With this mindset, the CDC chairman said he left The Apostolic Church (TAC) of his birth where he had rose to become a Presiding Elder and a Deacon to open his own church known as “The Vision Of Christ And His Glory Church” with headquarters at Igwuruta, when he had a divine call to do so.
The 45year old Timber Dealer further disclosed that apart from sponsoring over 40 youths in his scholarship and skill acquisition schemes, he also has a Foundation in partnership with Dr. C. C. Nwasolu Clifford, Medical Director of Solution Cottage Hospital, Mbodo Aluu, which he said takes care of some of his peoples medical treatment on retainer arrangement.
Pst. John Obunezi made it clear that his vision in life is to positively affect his community through the entrenchment of peace which he noted, is panacea to development.
Another, he continued, is how he can attract empowerment to his youths and women alike and make them self reliant urging all to place the peace and security of the state above personal ambition, even as the general election approaches.
Elder Dan Okparaibea, Chief Stanford Owakwe Fortune in their remarks during the brief ceremony also thanked the guests for the recognition on behalf of their Chiefs, Omuoda Community and the paramount ruler/Nyeneweli, HRH, Eze Gabriel W. Okparaibea who was also present.
The other chiefs at the event included, Chief Emmanuel Nkomadu of Omuchota family; Chief Christopher Okechukwu Wosu of Omuaru family and Chief Kennedy N. Amadi of Omuonunwo family.
These stakeholders confirmed that the award is really merited, adding that indeed “no hand can cover the brightness of the moon” and thanked the guests for recognizing the star in their midst.
According to them, “the CDC chairman is a man on a mission”
They equally promised to give him all the necessary support for him to realize his vision and mission in life. They also promised to maintain a relationship with the consultants to better their lives.
