Ebonyi Lagos-Based Businessman, Evangelist Nwibo, Empowers Izzi Youths with Over ₦200 Million

A Lagos-based businessman and philanthropist, Evangelist Dominic Nwibo, has empowered youths and residents of Ekwe Buru village, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, with empowerment initiatives valued at over ₦210 million, spanning education, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Evangelist Nwibo, the Chief Executive Officer of Choice Sanitary Wares Limited and a native of Ekwe Buru in Nduechi Agbaja Autonomous Community, unveiled the empowerment packages during the Ekwe Day 2025 celebration and the launch of a ₦500 million community development project held at Ekwe Buru Agbaja Community Primary School.

Speaking at the event, the business mogul described the initiative as part of his lifelong commitment to giving back to his people, stressing that the greatest wealth lies in impacting lives positively. Evangelist Nwibo, who also serves as the National President of the Izhi Professional Forum, Lagos State, and a member of the Ebonyi State Economic Committee, recounted his humble beginnings, revealing that he underwent an eight-year apprenticeship and was settled with just ₦30,000. According to him, his success journey was shaped by hard work, integrity, sincerity, and perseverance.

He emphasized that collective responsibility remains vital for sustainable community development, noting that empowerment through education and entrepreneurship is the surest pathway to growth and prosperity. The philanthropist expressed gratitude to the Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, as well as business associates and friends who supported the event financially.

According to him, the scholarship component of the empowerment programme is designed to ease financial burdens on students and encourage academic excellence among youths.

“It is about the desire to make impact, not because I have arrived. This is our community. Most of us left here years ago in search of greener pastures. We may not have achieved everything, but there is always something meaningful one can do,” he said. Evangelist Nwibo further noted that Ekwe Buru community lacked significant government presence for many years, explaining that major infrastructure such as roads and electricity were achieved through communal efforts. He disclosed that the Ekwe Buru Day, celebrated every five years, has evolved into a platform for driving development projects, including the establishment of a secondary school, electricity supply, and other social amenities. Advising youths, he urged them to embrace determination, focus, discipline, and integrity, warning against shortcuts to success.

“Life is a journey and a choice. There is no magic to success. Every shortcut cuts life short. Decide what you want, work hard, and remain focused,” he admonished.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, described Ekwe Buru Day as a strategic avenue for attracting development to the grassroots. He commended the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, citing ongoing infrastructural projects across Izzi land, including flyovers, tunnels, and road construction.

“They once said His Excellency and I were too young to lead, but today we have proven them wrong through performance,” the senator stated. Senator Nwebonyi applauded Evangelist Nwibo for thinking home, referencing the Igbo aphorism “Aku ruo ulo, amara onye kpara ya,” noting that the Governor’s leadership has laid the foundation for such community-driven development initiatives. He further pledged to construct one kilometre of concrete road to ease the transportation of farm produce to urban markets, in fulfilment of his campaign promise to open all parts of Izzi land for development.

The Chief Launcher and CEO of Chubyzion, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, lauded Evangelist Nwibo’s generosity and charged youths to uphold resilience, discipline, integrity, and hard work, qualities for which Abakaliki people are known.

Also speaking, philanthropist Chief Boniface Okpete described Evangelist Nwibo as a giver without boundaries and thanked him for his consistent benevolence to his people. Other dignitaries, including the President of Ebonyi People in Lagos and CEO of Centagon Resources Limited, Mr. Innocent Nwamgbo; Coordinator, Ebia Development Centre, Hon. Iboko Stephen; Chief Michael Nwofe of Rapture World International; and Mr. Vincent Ibina, Executive Officer of Nracheka Kitchen, commended the host and urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds judiciously.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Ogbaragwu James and Mrs. Mgbabor Charity, expressed gratitude to Evangelist Nwibo for remembering the downtrodden and prayed for continued divine blessings upon his business and family.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of award to winners of sports competition, award of ₦1 million each to 25 undergraduates from Ekwe village and neighbouring communities studying in tertiary institutions across the country. Additionally, five beneficiaries received ultra-modern tricycles, one individual was empowered with ₦10 million, while 20 business owners received ₦3 million each to expand their enterprises. Beyond individual empowerment, Evangelist Nwibo donated ₦50 million to the Ekwe Development Union to support its ongoing ₦500 million community development project, which includes the construction of a standard secondary school, electricity supply, and other critical infrastructure in Ekwe village.