By Henry Nsidinanya
Held every 24th December at Atani Arochukwu hall (except when it falls on a Sunday), Atani outreach is an event designed to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots in the society.
This year’s event started at about 11.04am. The first segment of the occasion was a brief opening speech by the President General Atani Welfare Union Worldwide, Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti in which he acknowledged God’s goodness to Umu Atani from the beginning of the year to its end. It was followed by praise/worship session and opening prayer said by Mazi Nwammuo Onwuchekwa. In his spirit-filled message, Rev. Tochi Ogbonna, centred on the gains of giving cheerfully to God in others as written in 2 Cor.9:6-7.
Mazi Chimezie Orji, the pioneer sponsor of Atani Outreach delivered his goodwill message as usual. The executive of Atani Welfare Union Arochukwu busied themselves with distribution of the 200 cartons of indomie noodles to the less privileged persons in the community, courtesy of Mazi Chimezie Orji from Port Harcourt branch. The philanthropist who was unavoidably absent received royal blessings of the Ezeogo Atani via the Prime Minister, Mazi Chris Mbadiwe Kanu who represented him at the occasion.
The President General Atani Welfare Union Worldwide, Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti on behalf of the union extolled the virtues of humility and kindness of Mazi Chimezie Orji and his likes in Atani and challenged others to emulate them. Mazi Oti noted that providing care for the needy in the society remained the best way to orchestrate the blessings of God in one’s life.
Next on the programme was a health talk delivered by Mazi Okoro Eni Nwaka on behalf of Neimeth Pharm. Plc Medical Mission to Atani. Mazi Nwaka (who championed the cause of the mission by one of Nigeria’s healthcare giants) spoke on certain illnesses such as High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Worm Infestation, their causes, effects and preventive measures. Mazi Nwaka also advised against uncontrolled use of salt and other food additives. He promised more healthcare services to the community in 2018 on behalf of Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa.
Madam Dorothy Ijeoma (Atani woman leader) in her remarks noted that Atani Outreach which started in 2016 was gaining momentum and thanked the sponsors for their kindness to the community. About 600 persons benefitted from a free ‘de-worming’ exercise by Neimeth Pharm. Plc with their Pyrantrin Worm Expeller. This was followed by roll call of the beneficiaries who went home with cartons of indomie noodles. The management and staff of Neimeth Pharm. Ikeja Lagos continued their medical mission to Atani clinic where a sizeable number of persons received medical attention for eye-related cases, corrective eye glasses and drugs free-of-charge.
Rev. Tochi Ogbonna together with some elders and leaders of the village took time to pray for continued progress of Atani and said blessings on Mazi Chimezie Orji and Mazi Okoro Eni Nwaka for their gesture of kindness to Atani and humanity in general.
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