By Augustus Bill
Billionaire cum Oil Mogul, Prince Engr. Arthur Eze has called on the Government, church and corporate bodies to extend their hands of support to the welfare of the less privileged in the society. He made this call during the Christmas celebrations, while receiving the Association of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder in his country home, Ukpo.
The Philanthropist whose flagrant benevolence has affected and reshaped many lives in the country, appreciated the Church, especially the Catholic and Anglican for deeming it wise to appoint chaplains for people living with the sickle cell disorder, this he said is a bold step in the right direction. He, however, urged the church to not neglect one of her duties, which entails ensuring that the less privileged in the society are not left unattended to. It would be a brazen show of neglect and inhumanity on the part of the church, if the less privileged in the society cannot look up to them for help without a disguised collateral, as the church is the last resort of a hopeless person, and when these persons are neglected out of omission or intention they could plunge into big uncontrollable disasters to themselves or the society. He however thanked those who had identify with the group through their various individual and group support.
Eze continued his appreciation for the wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano for her extended hands of generosity to the less privileged through her Café Initiative. He also said that the Government should understand their responsibility in providing for those who could barely provide for themselves. He frowned against the act perpetuated by most politicians who use charity and empowerment as means of campaign. He advised them to shun playing to the gallery when it comes to charity, as giving is not something that should be broadcasted and used for campaigns.
The Oil magnet, however, regretted the constant omission of persons living with sickle cell disorder in most empowerment packages by the government, especially by the legislators who had various empowerment packages for their constituents but skipped people living with sickle cell disorder in those constituencies. He also advised persons living with the disorder to always try to reach out to the Government, as they should be entitled to various degrees of empowerment by the government.
In her reactions, the Coordinator of APLSCD, Aisha Edward appreciated the benevolence of Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, who has been a strong pillar of support and a Patron of the Association throughout the year. She also thanked him for lending his voice in calling out for support from various bodies, and hopes the call would yield bounty fruits for the Association in the coming year.
Aisha, urged the society to pedal the neglect meted out on her members, as though they may not be physically challenged as is usually the excuse for their omission, their case is very much critical, as their crisis, ulcer of the leg, and body system is definitely what no one would pray for an enemy, not also considering the fact that they are not the causes of their ailments, which up to date has no cure, implying that they would suffer the consequences of other people’s mistakes from birth to death, thus making their case worse.
Aisha, also urged other categories of persons challenged with various disorders and ailments to rise to the occasion and speak boldly for themselves, as waiting on an NGO or government to speak for them may not be the best option, as only them can understand fully to what extent their travails are.
