Innocent Udoidiong, a philanthropist based in the United Kingdom, has called for support and relief materials from well-to-do individuals and organizations to aid underprivileged Nigerians amid the country’s economic hardship.
Udoidiong, Founder and CEO of the Innocent Udoidiong Foundation (IUF), made this appeal in an interview with newsmen after donating relief items to vulnerable persons in Etim Ekpo and Abak Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Udoidiong emphasized the need for humanitarian gestures, stating, “At a time like this where it appears the government has turned deaf ears against the plight and wailing of the suffering masses, we need to step up humanitarian gestures. It is very disheartening that most government officials concentrate their lives in the cities. Do they care to go down to the trenches to see what the people are going through?
He added, “I left Nigeria to study in the UK some years ago, and with the little God has blessed me with, I feel compelled to put a smile on people’s faces, not just my immediate family.”
“It is sad to see what people go through as a result of hasty government policies. I pray we will all get out of these. Please, if God has blessed you do not hesitate to bless others who may not be privileged like you” he stated.
Udoidiong’s visit to Nigeria saw him donate cash to over 60 widows and less-privileged persons in Ediene Abak, Abak Local Government Area. In Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, he provided fuel to assist over 100 commercial motorcyclists and petty traders.
Udoidiong earlier presented cash gifts to about fifty widows selected randomly in Ibio Nung Achat, his hometown in Etim Ekpo Local Government.
It would be recalled that through his NGO, Innocent Udoidiong Foundation, the philanthropist had previously presented facilities such as school desks, tables and drum sets to schools in the state.
Some of the past beneficiaries of such gesture by the foundation include Government Primary Schools Aka 1, Uyo, Secondary Grammar School Ukpenekang, Ibeno, Government Primary School, Ikot Akpan Okop, Mkpat Enin, and St Mary primary school, Ediene Abak.
