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Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa on Saturday emerged patron of the Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD), even as Minority Leader of the Federal House of representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu said he would inject N100 million to support the foundation’s empowerment programmes as part of his constituency’s allocation before the end of his current tenure in May 2023.

This happened at the impressive celebration of the 10th year anniversary of FELD where its Founder and convener, Chief (Hon) Paul Adingupu, while acknowledging the good works of Governor Okowa especially in the areas of human capital development and empowerment programmes said the Foundation as a matter of consensus agreed to appoint the governor as its patron.

Similarly, Hon. Elumelu, who represents Aniocha-Oshimili in the House of Representatives, was also named a patron of the Foundation in recognition of his high quality representation, uncommon empowerment programmes and attraction of projects for the people of his constituency.

At the event at the Ani-Nshi Primary School field, Ogwashi-Uku, a total of N12 million was disbursed in soft loans to 10 beneficiaries from each of the 22 wards covered by FELD, 300 widows received N5,000 and a bag of rice each.

While reiterating that Governor Okowa loves every Deltan and that every community is benefiting from his government, the Deputy Speaker said: “I will relate all that has transpired here to the governor, and I will tell him and I know that he will bring his support to FELD.”

In his speech, Rt. Hon. Elumelu obviously thrilled by what he saw, began singing in praise of Adingupu, extolling the good work he is doing, the giving grace upon him that has made him to remember the less privilege and the need to ameliorate their situation.

Elumelu said: “Touch lives, government cannot do it alone. Individuals can; no matter how small please do. Touch lives, give to people, and when you give be rest assured that God’s blessing is on you.

“Having said that, let me say on behalf of my office that before I exit office in May 2023, as Minority Leader I’m injecting N100 million to support FELD Foundation. The item will be there, Empowerment for FELD Foundation; we are considering the budget; I want to assure you that it will be there, N100 million untouchable under the money that has been allocated to me by way of constituency to take care of my people.

“You will get it between February and April 2023, we will come back either here or Asaba to disburse the money. But be rest assured that N100 million is available to access from my office by FELD Foundation members. To God be the glory,’ Ndudi Elumelu said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of FELD Local Organising Committee, Barr. Godwin Okoh who thanked the audience for the honour done to the Foundation by their presence, he said the event was a celebration of the vision given to Hon. Paul Adingupu, who saw and felt the needs of the idle youths the under privileged and the vulnerable adults and developed a plan for them irrespective of their tribe and religion. “This year’s celebration is tagged: 10 years of touching lives,” Barr. Okoh said, pointing out that in its 10 years of operation, many lives have been touched and transformed.

The LOC chairman said: “FELD Foundation sensitized and revived the culture of studying among our youths in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions through its television programme, “My Education Quiz Play” with cash winnings.

He announced that over 225 adults and more than 60 students in Aniocha Local Government Area benefitted from its educational and rural mpowerment programmes.

Quoting the late but revered South African freedom fighter and for President, Madiba Nelson Mandela, Okoh said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that would determine the significance of the life we led” – Nelson Mandela.

Highlight of the joyful and colourful event was match past engaged in by FELD members across the 22 wards and the traditional dances as well. For the march past, Ward 4 came first and received N100,000, Ward 1B came 2nd and got N50,000 and Ward 6B got N20,000.

For the dancing contest, Ward 6B came 1st and went home with N500,000, Ward 4 came 2nd and got N300,000 and Ward 9A (Ewulu) came 3rd and got N200,000.