By Onuchukwu Hamilton
Historically, the name Akajiugo Charity Foundation is not strange in the South Eastern communities of Nigeria as the reasons for its popularity stems from its moral worths, the purity of its charity intent and adherence to the universal moral duties.
Tracing back to the legal strength, Akajiugo Charity Foundation was officially registered as a corporate body in 2021. It was also registered in accordance with the provisions of section 17(2)(a) of the money laundering prevention and prohibition Act of 2022. Besides the official certification that reposes confidence, efforts have been made to officially domesticate Akajiugo Charity Foundation in all the Local Governments cum the States’ Ministries of Social Development. Its Founder and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) HON. AMB. Prince Joseph Okwara ( Akajiugo) has always distinguished himself in conduct and character. His Foundation ( AKAJIUGO CHARITY FOUNDATION) is bestowed with the (4Rs) uncommon virtuous of giving to the right people, the right amount, for the right purpose and in the right maner.
However, the discussion here, is not on the Akajiugo Charity Foundation but on a national teething matter affecting humanitarian service. The Management of Akajiugo Charity Foundation has looked into the lens of systemic social justice in Nigeria and uncovered the fact that while many Nigerians are living as displaced persons, there are genuine Charity Foundations Like Akajiugo Charity Foundation that are serious to partner with the Federal Government to effectively reduce the systemic agony and inequalities . Hence Akajiugo is also encouraging the Federal Government to favourably discuss and equip the Private Charity Foundations as the best rescue groups at this critical time.
Like in the U.S. , non governmental charity groups work with the U.S government through several core operational and financial mechanisms to alleviate poverty domestically and globally. In the United States , non governmental charity groups apply and receive competitive grants and funding for contracts from the Federal and State Government agencies such as USAID, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture and deliver welfare, health-care and food assistance. On the Ground Execution: while federal, state ad local governments supply much capital or policy framework, NGOs often act as the direct service providers.
In the U.S., non governmental Charity Foundations also help in the management of federal food banks, homeless shelters, job training, affordable housing projects and rural development.
Like in the civilized nations of the world, during natural disasters, economic downturns, or public health emergencies, non governmental charity foundations, coordinate with the federal bodies (such as FEMA) to distribute emergency cash, transfers, supplies and meals to the vulnerable populations.
Despite the effort of the federal government in providing social welfare services, through government employees, nothing changes in the lives of the downtrodden especially where the workers have remain so unpatroitic and selfish.
Statistical records of innocent civilian victims of terrorism in Nigeria reveal a deeply complex and devastating humanitarian crisis. Over the past several decades, millions have been affected by the activities of Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani militant groups, and criminal bandit gangs. It is unfortunate that the families to these victims yearn for succor where only the private Charity Foundation, are passionate , kind and generous.
Therefore, this is actually the time for the Federal, State Government, to strengthen the existing relationship, between the private Charity Foundations and encourage their selfless services to the poor and vulnerable.
In Nigeria today, the need to strongly encourage and empower our indeginous charity foundations has become a national concern. The International Red Cross Society Organization should also work in collaboration with the non governmental charity foundations like the famous Akajiugo Charity Foundation in responding to where the need is objectively greatest rather than where there is a personal emotional connection.
Now that the country is bedeviled with a math of insecurity challenges , terrorism cases and hunger consequences , the Nigeria government at all levels can borrow a leaf from the U.S. Social Security Act of 1935 that effectively unlocked government funding for social care .
