Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD), a non-governmental organisation, primarily formed to bring developments to the grassroots in Delta state, has on Saturday, 5 November, 2022 marked its 10th anniversary of “touching lives.”
The event which took place at Aninshi Primary School Field, Ogwashi Uku ku, was honoured by the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who was ably represented by Hon. Ochor Christopher, deputy speaker, Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority leader of the House of Representatives, Aniocha and Oshimili federal constituency, HRM. Henry Kikachukwu, Obi of Ubulu-unor, and other high profilie person in the constituency. All political wards in Aniocha and Oshimili federal constituency were also represented in groups.
At the event, Hon. Paul Adingwupu, founder of FELD and a newly ordained Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, announced that the foundation would be giving out a N12m non-interest loan to its beneficiaries which cut across all political wards represented.
Also, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, while speaking, announced that as part of his constituency project, that a non-interest loan of N100,000,000 will be given to his constituency. He noted that the disbursement of the loans will commence immediately.
Adingwupu, speaking on his motivation for the creation of the foundation, said he was inspired by the reality on ground in Nigeria.
He said,”You and I know what it is in Nigeria today. Some people can afford assorted cars, eat assorted foods, live in luxury and comfort, but a lot of people cannot afford even one. I have seen it. So, I was inspired by what I saw, the suffering I see around. Then, I decided to do something.”
The newly ordained pastor said that he is very happy on how far the foundation has come.
“Looking back, I am always happy. When I look back, I remember that many people have worked on this project. At a time, we went to so many blighted areas in Lagos, engaged so many youngsters and with our “Treasure Box” filled with simple questions. And at the end, right on the spot, we gave out N50,000 as support for their school fees.
“Then, you will see them rejoicing, very happy. That shows you that many people are suffering. And you just have to do more. So, if you are able to eat, make sure that others can eat. Because, if you eat and others are not eating, one day – like what is happening today in this country, you won’t sleep with your two eyes,” he said.
Speaking on his plans for the foundation and on what the foundation is capable of doing at the moment, the philanthropist said ,” Now, we have a multi-purpose cooperative society at FELD, That’s why we can now go into serious entrepreneurship. That’s why we can issue interest free loans to our people. I know for sure that within a short time, we will be able to hook them on to various government schemes, like special SMEs and so on.
“And most of the people you see here today, you may not be able to recognise them in five years’ time. You will see some of them so rich, because they have multiple businesses. So, that’s my aim; to be able to produce about 10,000 of such or more. I know that the sky is their limit. Thank you.”
Barr. Godwin Okoh, Chairman Local Organisation Committee of the foundation, in his opening address, said that, in the foundation’s 10 years of operation, many lives have been touched and transformed and that FELD has sensitized and revived the culture of studying among youths.
In his words, “FELD Foundation has sensitized and revived the culture of studying among our youths in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions through it’s Television programme “My Education Quiz Play” with cash winnings.
“Suffice to say that over 225 Adults and more than 60 students in Aniocha Local Government Area benefited from it’s educational and rural empowerment programmes.”
The event was made colourful by the march past parades and dances from different cultural dancing troops, representing each political ward.
All political wards that were represented, went home with different food items, courtesy of FELD.
Report written by Juliet Ugah and Dorcas Izah
