Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Commend Chike Okoli Foundation on Empowerment

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The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Managing Director, Emzor Group and Chairman, Board of Directors, Chike Okoli Foundation, Dr Stella Okoli, for her efforts towards the sustenance of the foundation and its vision in the last 16 years.

While speaking at the foundation’s 16th Annual Heart & Soul Gala 2022, held in Lagos recently, the Lagos State First Lady said “for some people, when they lose their loved ones, after the burial, it ends there, but for the Okolis, it is a different thing.

“For 16 years, the foundation has been doing great and with the theme of this year’s edition which is “the legacy of empowerment, the future of hope”; it shows that the foundation still has so much to do. I therefore commend the Chairman and every other member of the Board of Directors of the foundation for the good work they have been doing to sustain the foundation till date”.

Also speaking at the Gala Night, the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun commended the Emzor MD for her partnership and support for the women and children in Ogun State through the foundation. She called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the foundation, saying the good gesture of the foundation needs to be extended.

The Ogun State First Lady said “This year’s theme “the legacy of empowerment, the future of hope” is very apt in its representation of what the foundation stands for. For the past 16 years, the foundation has successfully run its program to enhance the life of young Nigerians through its various entrepreneurial initiatives to fight poverty and promotion of awareness for cardiovascular health to promote healthy living.

“The work the foundation is doing is very important as it gives out materials on information and communication that promote healthy living. We don’t pray for anyone to fall sick because somehow, many people cannot afford quality healthcare today. Beyond commending the foundation on what it’s doing, we need to support them in propagating healthy lifestyle across the country and this is where partnership comes to play. Government, non-governmental organisation, donor agencies have to play a big role to extend the reach of the foundation.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone has applauded the worthy endeavour of the foundation in UNIZIK and across the country in promoting healthy lifestyle among Nigerians of all age bracket and empowering young Nigerians for a productive life through entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquisition.

He stated that he’s convinced that entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquisition that the foundation has been pushing vigorously is the panacea to the youth unemployment dilemma taunting Nigeria. He said he has resolved within himself, as the VC of UNIZIK, to give due attention to further empower the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies in the university.

Among other things, he said he would see to expanding the portfolio of skills available for acquisition in the centre, re-invigorate efforts at promoting entrepreneurial and skill acquisition by students, irrespective of their disciplines of studies and reaching out to youths beyond UNIZIK.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the foundation, Dr Stella Okoli appreciated those who have been partnering with the foundation in the last 16 years. She said the foundation will continue to do better in its healthcare and empowerment programmes.

“God is still in the business of doing good. Love doesn’t mean you have to see the person physically, love is in the heart, hence we are trying to do better and add value to what we are doing, we will not relent to do more. Nigeria shall be great again so that we can continue to give glory to God”, the Emzor Managing Director said.

Chike Okoli Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was established in 2006 in memory of Chike Edward Okoli who passed away on May 31, 2005, due to an undetected coronary artery disease shortly after his 25th birthday.

Since established, the foundation has been making effort to ensure that Nigerian youths are fully aware of the dangers of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), and the available preventive measures and treatment options. The foundation has also been working to equip young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills to enable them set up and manage profitable business of their choice.