By Chioma John
Chidozie Okoye is an indigene of Enugwu Ukwu community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. A United States of America (USA) trained Cyber Security Analyst, based in Washington D.C, United States of America, he works as a Cyber Security Analyst (CSA). President of Aid the Hungry Foundation, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Okoye Consulting Group and automobiles. He is one of the emerging philanthropists of our time who understands very well that God blesses people, expecting them to use the blessings to impact the lives of others positively.
He has the view that wealth is of no essence if it is not used to make impact in the lives of fellow citizens, especially the indigent and less privilege. News Echo recently got hint of one of his humanitarian activities, whereby he is purchasing Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination forms for 50 indigent students of his community (EnugwuUkwu). Impressed by this action, News Echo made effort to get across to him in his base, at far away Washington DC, United States of America, to get more insight into his humanitarian and philanthropic activities.
Responding to questions from News Echo, the Cyber Security expert said humanitarianism has always been a core part of his life. “As a Christian, when I was young, I have always believed that you don’t have to be rich to become compassionate about the well-being of others, a little support can go a long way for a person who is in need. “Wealth is not to feed our egos, but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves.” that’s a quote by Andrew Carnegie. “It has always been a part of me to give to the needy ever since I was young. With that said, according to The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), 91 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line in 2022.
Now, aside from the government doing its part, I believe if we as individuals can render as much help needed, Nigeria would become a better nation. Responding to a question on how he thinks his philanthropic gestures and empowerment programs have impacted the lives of the beneficiaries, the President of Aid the Hungry Foundation, Washington DC had this to say: “To be honest with you, most of my beneficiaries are happier now and living better than they did before. They reach o u t e v e r y d a y i n appreciation to thank me for my support. That alone means a lot to me because I feel happy knowing I was able to turn a frown into a smile.
Being a political season, News Echo could not help but drag this ebullient and pragmatic philanthropist to speak about Nigerian politics. On whether, As a Nigerian in diaspora he is sensitized about Nigerian politics, he answered thus: “Yes I am, I do my part to follow up with the news about Nigerian politics and keep abreast with changes. On his take on the forth coming general elections in Nigeria, Mr Okoye said, “I think every Nigerian of age should get their PVC and vote for who they believe in their heart will take Nigeria to a better place.
Nigeria compared to America is like 50 years backwards, even with our abundance in natural resources. However, there’s still time for us to catch up, if we can agree as a people and put the right person in power. When News Echo asked whether he subscribes to the agitation by Igbos of the South East to produce the next Nigeria’s president come 2023, the diaspora philanthropist had this to say: “Nigeria is our own, definitely as a country that believes in oneness and togetherness I believe everyone should be given equal opportunities in general.
When News Echo probed further to know if this erudite Anambrarian has any political ambition, he barred his heart thus: “We all have a calling to serve humanity, and if this leads me into politics I will be more than happy to serve my motherland. He had this advice for the Igbos and Nigerians at large, regarding the forthcoming elections: “Nigeria is for us all, if anyone of us has developed an interest in becoming the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would say please go for it, Democracy is for the people and by the people, and not just for a particular tribe that applies to the presidential seat of power. Tribalism aside, everyone with an interest should run and when they do, we should all come out with our PVCs to vote and with a free and fair atmosphere; the election will produce the best man to lead the country to the promise land.
