Owerri zone, comprising nine local governments, went agog at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square for Prince Alex Mbata, whose Foundation, the Prince Alex Mbata Foundation (PAM), unveiled one of the biggest and largest empowerment programme ever undertaken by a single individual.
The empowerment programme is driven by Dr. Mbata’s burning passion to give aid to the needy and the less privileged in the society.
It is also in line with his commitment to encourage human development, which he believes is an indispensable tool in fighting poverty and unemployment.
Prince Mbata has introduced a new dimension in the art of philanthropy- being the first non public office holder, in Imo State to embark on a huge and monumental empowerment programme valued at N300 million.
The multiplier effect of the programme is enormous as It will spiral into the economy of the State, by taking out 3,000 persons out of the unemployment net in Imo State.
Over 3,000 men, women, youths, the aged, the Physically Challenged in Owerri zone, benefitted from Mbata’s mega empowerment scheme.
Over 300 motor bikes, 500 hairdressing equipments, 500 sewing machines, 2000 bags of rice and 50,000 each to 1,000 persons, were given out to over 3000 indigent persons who before now had nothing doing.
The Governor of Imo State , Sen. Hope Uzodinma who was present at the event expressed his heartfelt joy for the show of generosity by Prince Mbata and was quick to thank God for the initiative.
"My heart is full of joy. Indeed, I am very very glad that this is happening in Owerri today even when few months ago nobody ever believed that there will be a gathering of this sort in Owerri Township. May God and God alone take glory.
"I am indeed very touched with the level of generosity and philanthropy exhibited by Prince Alex Mbata by touching the poor and the vulnerable.
"I am passionate about this occasion. As you may know, I am the Grand Patron in Abuja of Saint Vincent the Poor in the Catholic Church.This event is coming at a period when only next tomorrow the whole Archdiocese of Abuja - Saint-Vincent the Paul, will empower the poor and the needy.
"Government alone cannot take care of our citizens. It is only through constructive partnership will the private sector and the government make meaningful contribution that will have a rapid impact on our people".
The governor in addition thanked Prince Mbata on behalf of the Government and people of the State. "So I want on behalf of Government and the entire people of Imo State carry bundles of greetings to Prince Alex Mbata, for finding a space in his heart to partner with government in this direction. God will bless him - God will bless his family - God will bless his community - God will bless Owerri zone - God will bless Imo State - Indeed God will bless Nigeria.
"Let me use this opportunity to invite our brothers and sisters who may not be as rich as Alex Mbata, who probably may have more money than Alex Mbata, to toe this line of honour.
We don't shy away from commitment - I have said it times without number that Hope Uzodimma, - I have come here to do only God's will - I have not come to continue with the wrongs of the past".
The State APC Chairman , Sir. MacDonald Ebere, PhD who was physically beaming with smiles throughout the event expressed happiness over the impact the Alex Mbata Empowerment programme will have on the economy of the state . He added that Prince Alex has shown that Government indeed cannot do everything to alleviate the sufferings of a greater majority, but can at least go far through partnerships from the private sector .
The State Chairman , who is an ardent promoter and believer in the ripple effect of philanthropy and empowerment of those in serious financial milieu , went further to call on wealthy sons and daughters of the state , big time private enterprises running and doing business in IMO state , to draw understanding from the Alex Mbata Programme and as expected do more in aiding the Government bring dividends of the present Shared Prosperity administration to citizens in dire need of it.
