By Ebriku John Friday
In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, the political leader of Igbekurikor Community in Ugaga Ward of Yala LGA of Cross River State and CEO of Yegraowo Integrated Farms Nigeria Ltd, Hon Dr Gabriel Bravo Oluohu has splashed over N5.5 million in cash, farm imputes, educational materials and gift items to celebrate with people of his community and other Yala communities.
The colourful event was held yesterday at the Community Primary School, Igbekurikor, Yala LGA and first of its kind attracted hundreds of people across Yala communities. Yala sons and daughters drawn from Ugaga, Woda, Yabu, Okuku, Yache, Okpoma, Yahe, Ukelle and others benefitted from Christmas largesse.
Notable personalities in attendance include the Cross River State Commissioner for Housing, Hon Dr Beatrice Igwe as special guest, traditional ruler of Igbekurikor Community, HRH Ogamode Iyaji Ipoule, Chief Anthony Bravo Oluohu (Chief O. C. Bravo, Ogadachichi 1 of Yala), royal fathers, political stakeholders, educators, women and youths amongst others.
Oluohu explained that the cash gift of N5 million along with sharing of 200 litres of agro-chemicals, 4,000 exercise books, 500 pairs of school sandals, 200 school bags, 100 pieces of 6 yards of wrappers, two cows and bags of rice distributed was his way to support indigent Nigerians this yuletide, and added that they are Nigerians and human beings that deserve support and care in order to give them a sense of belonging so they would not be left behind in the spirit of the yuletide season.
Other beneficiaries of his gift include men and women from across Yala Local Government area of Cross River State, estending to friends and associates in other LGA of Northern Cross River State which he said was part of his yearly routine empowerment scheme.
As Chief Executive Officer and founder of Yegraowo Integrated Farms Limited, he also slaughtered and barbecued a live cow as entertainment of guests during the event.
Interestingly, N20,000 cash was given to each 200 men and women to celebrate the Christmas with their families to reduce impact of hunger and hardship they have experienced, which also Igbekurikor Council of Elders including invited guests were gifted huge monetary packages.
Meanwhile, under his educational empowerment scheme for children and youth people, 4,000exercise books, 500 pairs of school sandals and 200 school bags were given to pupils from Igbekurikor community primary school and other children from Yala schools ahead of school resumption in January 2025.
According to the philanthropist, food security remains everybody’s responsibility, therefore, Nigerians need to go back to the farms, and he commended those who are deeply investing their resources on their farms, therefore, he distributed 200 litres of agro based chemicals to farmers across Ugaga ward to boost food production ahead of the next farming cycle.
Meanwhile, the Clan Head, Igbekurikor Community, His Royal Highness, Ogamode Iyaji Ipuole, expressed joy and appreciation over the intervention and gifts from son of the soil, describing him as a worthy son and pride of the Land who have over the years served selfless humanity irrespective of their background by demonstrating deep love and care, and added that Dr Oluohu has always placed the community on his priority list. He also prayed and showered Royal blessings on Dr. Bravo and his family.
Also, the Cross River State Commissioner for Housing, Mrs. Beatrice Igwe who was the Special Guest of Honour showered encomium on the philanthropist while she acknowledged the empowerment materials and said she was personally encouraged by the way Oluohu gave wholeheartedly to the people, especially, the community he hails from.
Meanwhile, as a man of the grassroots, Hon. Bravo engaged with various groups personally, and shared with them his plans for their empowerment, development and establishment as they believe in themselves to be responsible men and women that would add value to their lives, families, communities and the nation at large.
He also called on the community to promote and sustain peace and development in their locality despite their belonging to different political parties and have different political ideologies and people they support without sentiments, and they should be happy with what he has given to them as his token of love.
In their response, the Igbekurikor men and women, youths and children, and people from across Yala LGA present thanked him immensely for his show of brotherhood and love, as they appreciated the gifts and making them have something to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities, therefore, they prayed for more of God blessings, favours and open door on him.
