By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
A philanthropist, Chief Okorie Kingsley Chuks, Okpata-Ozuoha 1 of Okposi, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to empowering youths, as well as the less privileged in society.
Speaking to newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Chief Okorie explained that youth unemployment and idleness are primary factors driving criminal activities. He pointed out that when young people are not engaged in meaningful work, they are more likely to engage in crime.
“Most of the time when I visit my sick mother, I find out that most of the youths are jobless, and what I mean by jobless is that when you find them gathered like that together without doing anything, the next thing they do is to engage in crime because they don’t have anything doing.
“When I see them in that situation, I have that feeling to help them, saying within me, if I get bike or Keke napep, give it to them, they will use it to hustle and live without crime. So, I thought about it and started doing it, and God has been assisting me.
“Although it is affecting my business, I don’t mind because we are the human beings representing God on earth. You cannot see God coming down to the earth and start giving; it is us that give.
“I will keep on giving to make sure that most of our youths leave crime. I see most of them that I have empowered with tricycles, Motorcycle, using it for business, using it to feed their families.
“If you go to the village square, there are no more there. I see all of them at court area trying to pick passengers, and I am happy for them. So, that moves my spirit to do more. I am not doing it only in my place; I also empower youths in other places,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Chief Okorie emphasized that his commitment to helping the less privileged has never wavered, even at the expense of his own business and safety. He recounted a harrowing experience where he was almost kidnapped by criminals due to his philanthropic efforts. However, thanks to the swift intervention of the security officers, he was rescued unharmed.
Chief Okorie shared that over the years, he has distributed hundreds of tricycles and provided financial support to young people in his community, helping them start businesses and become self-reliant. He has also invested in agriculture, particularly poultry and rice farming, offering employment opportunities to many.
“My covenant with God is to empower the poor, especially the youths, and give them hope for a better future,” he added.
Reflecting on his own humble beginnings, Chief Okorie recalled the hardships he endured growing up and his resolve to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He urged the youth to remain focused, avoid engaging in crime, and be patient in their pursuits.
“Crime destroys your future. Stay focused, have faith in God, and trust that He will change your situation just as He did mine,” he advised.