By Joseph Aniemeka Nwachukwu
Many people in our clime depend on Government to initiate and drive t positive and desirable changes we need in our society. This set of individuals strongly believe that they can-do nothing on our own without Government-intervention or involvement.
However, others believe that they can be agents of positive change that is, by providing infrastructural facilities with their own resources.
One of such patriotic, self motivated, and highly liberal change agents is Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha, a vibrant and altruistic priest of Catholic extraction and a native of Ihitte Uboma LGA, of Imo State.
After stints at various hospitals across the world the dynamic catholic priest established a project known as Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha Foundation, in Ihitte Uboma LGA Imo State, in 1999, which he used to positively touch the lives of the people.
Indeed, if the acquisition of material wealth was his Primary preoccupation, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha would have absolutely no problems given his liberal spirit and consummate skills.
It is evident that this is a Catholic Priest with a difference. He is motivated by compassionate and altruistic considerations. Thus, from 1999 till date, the foundation has made monumental achievements. For instance, the hospital, through the instrumentality of Hon. Chief Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha its group Managing Director, KIACC Global Construction Limited, the national coordinator of this Austrian Based NGO, whom through his business prowess and synergy, were able to successfully execute all the projects. The foundation has since its inception conducted life saving free medical screening, eye surgery operations, such as cataract, orthopedic treatments for indigent persons totaling more than three thousand (3,000). It is an inconvertible fact that between 1999 and 2018, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha foundation, an Austrian Based NGO has attracted numerous projects to Imo State. His Austrian friends have consistently remained committed to sponsoring projects since they first set their feet on the African soil.
In 2018 alon, another group of 35 man Austrian Benefactors came to Imo State and worked for three consecutive weeks. They include Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha, Professor Christopher Faschinger (Eye Surgeon) Professor Hans Gnad a Surgeon, Dr. Eva Maria Faschinger (Surgeon,) Dr. Innocent Emeakaroha (Eye Surgeon) and Dr. Petra, Pattera (General Surgeon) among others.
Surely, this patriotic, outstanding humanitarian and selfless Icon of change deserves the moral, financial and practical support of Nigerians.
It could be recalled that the first group came in 1999 led by Consignor Schittwieser and built a parish house at St. Peter’s Catholic Umunohu/ Umuderim Ihitte. In 2001, the second group led by Dr. Welch, donated a brand new 25KVA generating plant to St. Peter’s Seminary Ihitte Campus -spread to Primary School Amakohia.
Same was the case in, 2002, 2003, 2004,2005 till date, The fourteenth group, started the construction of a gigantic modern school complex, Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools among others.
An inquisitive mind may ask what is the aim of this family in executing and attracting all these life serving projects?
According to Prince E.O.N. Emeakaroha (KSMJP) KSS, the father of the family who has always encouraged his children to sustain the philanthropic work the family in their vein. The above statement was corroborated by Hon. Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha, whose the people have been begging to represent them in whatever capacity he deems fit, maintainined that the purpose of the family in contributing in whatever small measure, is to complement the developmental efforts of dynamic and hardworking Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.
Hon. Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha, disclosed that Imo State is expected to take delivery of equipment to be shipped by lower Austrian Government directly to Imo State Govt. They include, Hospital Equipment, drugs, computer sets, generators etc.
The Ihitte Uboma, House of Assembly hopeful noted for academic, excellence and an ardent Christ Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha described flagging off of a 35 -MAN Austrian free medical as “saving a life, keeping a Dream”.
The real desirable qualities of men and women who serve God and humanity are anchored on their willingness to help others notwithstanding their biological, fraternal, maternal and religious relationship.
Nothing in life is ever successful without the corporate effort of many gifted people who are willing to network and submit their talent, experience and passion for a common good.
Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha, posited that we were created not just to exist but to live a fulfilled and significant life.
To Hon. Barr. Kelechi, Emeakaraoha, we say you have through your NGO, worked diligently to earn the popularity and reputation you currently enjoy. Your Entrepreneurial spirit is legendary and inspirational.
A courageous state builder, who Champions an aggressive movement for renaissance and development of Imo State. A self driven and result oriented aspirant who has cerebrally risen to Olympian heights in his philanthropic star-down.
Even Hon. Jessey Obinali, a notable and influential personality in the State, was full of praises for Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha foundation, after monitoring his activities closely in these past weeks. Hon Jessey Obinali, the husband of Hon. (Mrs.) Geraldine Adaku (nee Okoroha) Obinali said that the Foundation’s performance had reinforced his confidence in the philanthropic spirit of Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaroha. He also commended Hon. Chief Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha (KSM) whom he described as unassuming personality, master tactician, progressive, vibrant politician, erudite scholar of high repute and lawyer par excellence. According to Hon. Obinali he who has achieved monumental feats and greatness through hard work, honesty, and fear of God as required of leaders in these trying times. Expectedly, Hon. Chief Barr. Kelechi Emeakaroha is eminently qualified to represent the state in any capacity. Considering his antecedents and – intimidating pedigree. A man of honour and impeccable integrity and an embodiment of moral rectitude, and wisdom.
Dr. Joseph Aniemeka Nwachukwu
Public Affairs Analyst