Niger Delta philanthropist, High Chief Mike Loyibo, on Friday, March 23 showered some indigent people of the state, with cash awards, totally about N15 million.
The event which took place at Tuomo community, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta state, was to empower both youths and elders from various communities in the Niger Delta.
The event attracted many important personalities from far and near.
Many of those empowered include some fisher men and akara (beans cake) sellers. Others are tailors, local hunters, plantain sellers, amongst others.
The successful beneficiaries, numbering about 30, have beforehand been trainees of Chief Mike Loyibo Empowerment Programme.
The empowerment programme was another step that provides them with startup capital that will enable them funds their desired business ventures.
A total sum of 15 million naira was shared between 30 youths and elderly.
There was joy and celebration with many of the beneficiaries shedding tears, on receiving their fortunes. Many of them had hitherto, no means of survival, while some were hopeless and have barely any means to fend for their families.
A man in particular, who had six wives, who was fortunate to have been one of the lucky few, had lost hope of making it in life until help came in form of the kind gesture of Chief Michael Loyibo, who has been putting smiles on the faces of Niger Deltans in the region for some years.
Senator James Manager, one of the personalities present at the event, commended Dr. Mike Loyibo for his philanthropic gesture and contributions to Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
He said, “I was told about this event few days ago and the objective was empowerment. Anything about empowerment must attract reasonable people, so I have come, I have seen and now I am reasonably satisfied.
”I have known Mike Loyibo for some time now. I have been following his event, the way and manner he lives his life and I can assure you, that there is far more to come than what we are seeing now.”
James Manager who assures the audience that Chief Mike Loyibo has no political ambition for now, said that whatever he was doing, was not tied to him winning an election.
Furthermore, he said that many people from places in the Niger Delta, other than his own local government have benefitted from the programme.
He further advice the people who have been empowered to use the money judiciously, adding that they don’t need millions of naira to start and grow a business effectively.
He advised them to manage the money effectively, to grow their business so that they can empower people as they themselves have been empowered.
Senator Manager also revealed that Chief Mike Loyibo, through the programme, has challenged many of them as politicians, adding that for an individual to do this from his own personal wealth, is something worth celebrating and emulating.
Chief Mike Loyibo told GbaramatuVoice that he is using the occasion of his birthday to put smiles on the faces of the people.
“As it is my birthday, I decided to give back to the community to improve the life of the people. When I put a smile on the face of my neighbor, to me, that is the greatest happiness I have always enjoyed and that is what is keeping me.
“I was asked if I was running for political office, I said ‘No’. My own is just to give back to the community and support good governance and that is why I will always encourage our people to maintain the peace and always support the present government. I believe the only way to make the community happy is to give back to them.”
When asked on his message to those who received empowerment, he said “They should put to good use, what they have being given and use it well.
”They don’t need one billion to create wealth; what they need is a foundation. About forty people benefited from the programme.”
High Chief (Dr.) Mike Ekayama Loyibo (Arepamowei of Kabowei kingdom) is from Burutu Local Government of Delta state, a philanthropist, social crusader and an activist who has been in the forefront of providing responsible and transparent leadership to the people of Niger Delta and Nigeria.
He has provided shelters for many, attracted a lot of developmental projects to several communities in Delta state and beyond. He has also empowered several youths and elders across various communities in Nigeria.
The occasion of his birthday has now become a time for giving, a time for deep reflection, works of charity and re-strategizing on the way forward with stakeholders, elders and experts.
Chief Mike Loyibo has in the past, empowered several Niger Delta youths with cash rewards and has turned it into a regular feature in the state.
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