In line with his annual custom of providing for the poor and less privileged during the yuletide season, High Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, Chief Security Officer of the All Progressive Traders Association of Nigeria (APT) TradeFair, Lagos State, has donated rice and cash valued at over twelve million Naira to support over 1,500 people in Lagos and Anambra States.
During the distribution at the TradeFair in Lagos, Mekaowulu stated that this charitable endeavour is a key component of his birthday celebration on December 31.
The second phase of the distribution will take place in his hometown of Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area Anambra State, following the event in Lagos.
Mekaowulu emphasised that the gesture was not driven by political motivations but rather a means of expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate another birthday while bringing joy to those around him.
“I don’t do this thing because of politics. I do it because it gives me joy, I like giving back to people. I do this just to make them happy because I was born in December. It’s not the first time. It’s not that I have too much money but due to the love I have for people,” he said.
He noted that, given the challenging economic climate, those in privileged positions should extend goodwill to those in need, ensuring that everyone can celebrate the season with happiness.
According to him, giving is essential, as it serves as a means of attracting additional blessings from God.
Regarding the orderly distribution of items without incident, the CSO attributed this to his efforts to avoid creating a crowded scene, as well as his professional security expertise.
He advised organisations and individuals planning to distribute items to consider delivering them directly to beneficiaries’ homes using their phone numbers and addresses.
Furthermore, Mekaowulu suggested exploring the possibility of conducting distributions at the ward level, with robust security arrangements in place to control crowds and system to ensure that the items get to the beneficiaries.
In his words “I share gifts and palliative to show my love for the people. Since morning we started distributing the items to them. My Vicar, Rev. Akindele came to officially declare it open with a prayer to show that it is from God.
“Giving is a great thing for humanity. What happened in Anambra, Ibadan, and Abuja showed me that I needed to put more security to make sure that there was no stampede. Here in my office, people came in large numbers, but we managed it because I am a security expert; I know how to manage people.
“Come, 1st, I will do the same thing in the village, my town called Umuoji. But that one will not give me stress because I share it through the kindred. The non-indigenous people will come a day before to write their names. The items will be given to people to locate the beneficiaries through their phone numbers and house addresses. With this arrangement, we will avoid stampede. I started this in 2009 and have continued till now”.
He expressed support for the Lagos State government’s directive requiring those distributing relief materials to obtain prior approval.
High Chief Mekaowulu reaffirmed his utmost loyalty to the Lagos State government, commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding performance since taking office.
He observed that only a leader with exceptional leadership qualities can achieve such significant milestones in a cosmopolitan state like Lagos.
“He is a wonderful governor of our time. I have been a full member of APC since the time of former president Buhari. I know that it is not easy to control the masses. He is doing his best, so I support him,” he asserted.
The items were distributed based on the beneficiaries’ needs, with rice allocations of 50kg, 25kg, 10kg, and 5kg, accompanied by cash gifts.
The ecstatic recipients thanked the donor and prayed for God’s blessings, wishing him continued longevity to remember them amidst the country’s hardship.
The peak event of the distribution of items in TradeFair, Lagos will be an elaborate party with traders in the market on the 24th of December to mark the closing of the market for 2024.
