Nnewi Catholic Community Celebrates Philanthropist, Onwugbenu, at 70

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Catholic Community in Nnewi, Anambra State, yesterday celebrated famous philanthropist and Chairman of Louis Carter Group, Sir Louis Onwugbenu, as he marked his 70th birthday.

The celebration, which coincided with the feast of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, witnessed the presence of over 100,000 children from all the 102 Catholic parishes in Nnewi Catholic Diocese.

Several priests of the diocese and businessmen who graced the occasion spoke glowingly of the philanthropist, attributing his health to his selfless service to humanity.

Rev Fr Hyginus Aghaulor, the chaplain of Block Rosary Crusade in the diocese, told THISDAY that: “Today is the solemnity of assumption in the Catholic calendar. It also coincided with the birthday of the benefactor of the Catholic Diocese, who is also the grand patron of Block Rosary Crusade in Nnewi Diocese, Sir Louis Onwugbenu, who is celebrating his birthday today.

“He decided to celebrate with the children, and you saw the number of children here, and more are coming. Before now, he had sponsored a March past and quiz competition with hundreds of children winning hundreds of thousands in prize money and trophies too.

“We have over 120 parishes in Nnewi Diocese, and he hired buses and sent them to all the parishes to bring these children here just to celebrate his birthday. He is overseas, but because of the love, you can see the attendance.”

Also, the General Manager of Louis Carter Group, Ndubuisi Okoli, said: “Today is the birthday of the chairman of Louis Carter Group, who is my employer. He is an industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

“He is a man who is noted for his philanthropy, and you can see the number of children of Block Rosary who are here for him. He started as a member of Block Rosary himself, and he has called them to come and celebrate with him.

“He will also award scholarships today. He has a foundation which has thousands of children on his scholarship in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. He is a man who is gladdened to see other people happy, and that is why we are here to celebrate him.”

On his own, the Episcopal Vicar of Nnewi Region, Rev Fr Donald Chukwudolue who spoke during a Holy Mass to commemorate the birthday, described Onwugbenu as a man whose philanthropy challenges other men of means.