Founder of a non-governmental organisation, Ambrose Agho Empowerment and Welfare Initiative, an NGO, Retired Major Ambrose Agho, has urged wealthy Nigerians to support the less privileged in society.

Mr Agho made this appeal in his new year message, emphasizing the need for donations to support the NGO’s philanthropic efforts.

This is contained in a statement to journalists by the NGO’s Director of Information and Publicity on Sunday in Benin City, Edo State, Kevin Okunzuwa.

Mr Okunzuwa said that Mr Agho’s appeal was timely, considering the ongoing struggles with poverty in Nigeria.

A World Bank Report had projected Nigeria’s economic growth to reach 3.3 per cent by April of 2024.

According to the report, in spite of the low unemployment rate in the country, low consumer spending and purchasing power remain an issue, especially in the absence of commensurate increase in minimum wage to mitigate the inflationary growth in the economy.

At the presentation of scholarship grant and interest-free loan cheques on Saturday in Benin, the Board’s Chairman, Prof. Daniel Osasogie, encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity, highlighting the harsh realities of poverty in Nigeria.

He said, “To address poverty effectively, NGOs such as the Ambrose Agho Empowerment and Welfare Initiative require support from wealthy individuals and organisations. By working together, we can create a brighter future for the less privileged in society.’’

A trader, Mercy Ogbe, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the NGO for the gesture, describing the grants and loans as mustard seeds that would positively transform their lifestyles.

Mrs Ogbe said these grants and loans would help alleviate some of their financial burdens enabling them to focus on their education and economic empowerment.

The beneficiaries received scholarship grants from between N25,000 for Primary school and N50,000 for Secondary schools and interest-free loan of N100,000 to traders.

(NAN)