Emeka Offor, EEDC Boss Donates N100 Million Endowment For Development At UNN

By Chuks Eke*

Sir Emeka Offor, a renowned international philanthropist, donated a N100 million endowment fund to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on Saturday.

Offor, Executive Chairman of the Chrome Group of Companies and Chairman of Enugu Electric Distribution Company (EEDC), made the donation shortly after receiving the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) degree at UNN’s 52nd Convocation in Nsukka.

Offor, who was represented by Chief Steve Ahaneku, stated that the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe, would be summoned later to discuss the method of disbursement of the funds and the areas of development for which the funds would be used at the university.

Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has been at the forefront of educational, health, and youth empowerment. UNN has benefited greatly from his foundation’s Books for Africa programme, which has provided multi-million naira worth of books across disciplines.

SEOF and Books for Africa have donated books worth $30 million to institutions in 18 African countries, covering disciplines such as law, computer science, business administration, and political science, according to Offor, also known as Sir ‘E’.

Offor stated that the foundation recently donated 100 fully equipped hospital beds to the University of Nigeri Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla near Enugu, in order to reinforce Nigerians’ desire for good health.

In 2010, the foundation endowed a professorial chair at the UNN worth N20 million. However, a comprehensive report on the endowed chair has not been sent in a long time.

“I thank this great institution for bestowing this rare and prestigious honour upon me and my group,” he said.

Earlier, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe, stated that the university carefully selected world-class personalities who met the stringent criteria for awarding UNN honorary degrees.

Before reading Offor’s citation, Igwe emphasised his achievements as a student and ambassador of the institution, including in the oil and gas sectors and other endeavours.

“Sir Emeka Offor has done exceptionally well in everything God has blessed him to do; a shining example of simplicity, humility, and someone who is fully committed to uplifting humanity as a whole,” he said.

In response, Igwe Austine Ndigwe, Eze-Uzu III of Awka Ancient Kingdom, stated that Offor deserved the award for his numerous acts of charity and philanthropy, adding, “Offor gives to everyone and group without limit.”

Ndigwe encouraged Nigerians to emulate Offor’s spirit of selfless giving, saying, “God will continue to bless Sir Emeka Offor because of his spirit of giving and wiping many people’s tears.”

Chief Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, stated that Offor had been a great blessing to humanity and had played an important role in the development of communities and institutions throughout the country.

Ofodeme, who represents the Ekwusigo State Constituency, stated, “The people of Anambra are proud to associate with our illustrious son and foremost philanthropist.”

Offor and three others were awarded honorary doctorates from UNN.