Despite Stampede, Obiejesi Insists He Won’t Stop Helping Poor People

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Renowned businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Ernest Azudialo Obiejesi also known as Obi Jackson, has said that the incident of stampede which happened during a rice distribution exercise in Anambra State will not stop him from helping the poor.

It would be recalled that during an event on the morning of December 21, where the Obi Jackson Foundation was distributing bags of rice as Christmas gifts to people from his community, a stampede occurred, claiming the lives of 21 persons.

But Obiejesi who spoke yesterday at St. Mary’s School Field, Okija, during an interdenominational service in honour of the victims, said he will continue to support the families of the victims.
He said: “I am pained by the development, but I want to promise to continue to support the families of the victims.

“Despite the handiwork of the devil, I will not stop empowering my people. I will continue to provide for my people as long as my foundation exists.
“I have been providing this kind gesture for the past 15 years without such incident.  I and my foundation will continue to empower vulnerable families of Okija Kingdom.”

He commended the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Emeka Nnamdi Okezie, for ensuring a peaceful service, while describing the stampede as the worst incident his foundation will ever witness since its inception.

Earlier, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ralph Okafor, while delivering his sermon consoled the families of the victims, urging them to accept what happened as the will of Almighty God.
He urged the people to pray against any reoccurrence of the tragedy in the community, while appealing to the philanthropist not to allow the incident discourage him from his continued service to humanity.