Abia Born Philanthropist Spends Over Five Million On Road Rehabilitation In Aba
A consummate philanthropist and business mogul, Mr Ifeanyi Kalu, popularly known as Odogwu, has expended over five million naira (#5,000,000), in rehabilitating roads around the Umukalika axis of Aba, which have been made impassable, as a result of erosion menace.
The roads from Amalek to 7up bottling company, have continously received palliative work from Mr Kalu, to help reduce the risk people face while using the road.
Apart from the routine road rehabilitation, Mr Kalu, has also invested heavily on youth empowerment, community projects,widows empowerment,free medical care and started businesses for women.
Ordinarily, one would assume you to be a politician or have a political ambition before making such investment on people, but in this case, Mr Kalu disclosed that he has no intention of becoming a politician, adding that he is only spurred to give back to the society because he hates seeing people sad.
In an interview with journalists, Mr Kalu revealed that he discovered that the fastest way to make more money is by rendering assistance to the poor and needy,adding that since he discovered this principle, he has never joked with it.
According to him, the road project was a major concern to him, as all the roads around the 7up area, are usually taken by flood any time it rains.
He said he was prompted to salvage the plight of the people of the area in any possible way, because he hates seeing people go through difficulties.
Mr Kalu pointed that his philosophy of life, is to keep helping people, regardless of origin or political affiliations, stressing that whatever one sows today, has the capacity to benefit his children tomorrow. “I love helping people, it is natural and has nothing to do with politics. People already know me with a good name, i will not stop to do good, so that i will be remembered for my good deeds when i finally join my ancestors”.
Recounting the several community and human capital projects embarked upon, Mr Kalu said, he has shared tricycles (keke napep ), motorcycles (okada), to young people as empowerment, giving special medical care to widows, distributed food items,among others.
He also commended the new government of Abia state, under Dr Alex Otti, for toeing the part of success, stating that the state is gradually experiencing a lift,with the new policies on ground, assuring of his unwavering support.
Mr Kalu, further, disclosed that he is an ardent supporter of Gov Alex Otti, stating that during the concluded gubernatorial election, he supported the Governor with several materials, including mobilizing voters, distributing tricycles and motorcycles for campaigns among others, expressing happiness that his efforts were not in vain.
He,however, called on Abians to support the government of the day for a better Abia, while urging the government not to relent or go down on the tempo they started with, enjoining that they stand on the path of truth at all times, so as to deliver maximally on their mandate and as well, make policies that would encourage businesses to thrive in the state, while the business environment should be made conducive for investors to come in.
In an interview, a motorcyclist and a petty trader in the area, testified of the kind gestures of Mr Kalu, stating that his numerous road interventions have been helpful to residents, preventing the area from related flood issues, which according to them, had been their lot, before Mr Kalu intervened. They prayed God to bless and keep him in all his endeavours.
