By Rommy IMAH
Nwabunna is an Igbo name that when literally translated, means “the child is a father”. Another translation could mean “a child, makes a father”. But realistically speaking, it sounds absurd when a child is said to be a father or when it is believed that it is only when a male adult bears a child that he assumes the position of a father.
Perhaps, the late Alexander Achu foresaw what his third son was destined to be when he gave him the name, NWABUNNA. There is, indeed, something in a name!
Today, across Isuochi, that hilly boundary town in Abia State, one name that has in the last couple of years been resonating in the ears of inhabitants of this boisterous town is Nwabunna, a young man in his early 40s, who has taken the town by storm with his uncommon acts of philanthropy.
Today, this young man has redefined philanthropy in such a way that even the late Indian charismatic leader, Mahatma Gandhi would probably be nodding excitedly in his grave that Nwabunna heard him when he said many years ago that “The simplest acts of kindness are by far, more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
Chief Nwabunna Achu (Akubuilo) has no doubt warmed himself into the hearts of Isuochi people with his numerous philanthropic activities such that the people no longer respect him as a wealthy man but rather as a generous soul who has touched lives in various ways.
The people have since seen in Chief Nwabunna Achu, Albert Einstein’s statement that “The value of a man resides in what he gives.” They see in Chief Nwabunna Achu, an answer to George Eliot’s rhetorical question, “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?”
Over the years, Chief Nwabunna Achu has contributed to the welfare of the people. He has created jobs for and empowered the youth, helped small business owners build their businesses, and by so doing, has contributed in no small way to eliminating poverty in society.
A few years ago, he commenced his journey on this philanthropic trajectory by lightening up some streets in his native Umuobasi with streetlights. He followed this up with a water borehole, where people come to fetch water free of charge.
Chief Nwabunna Achu has been described in some quarters as a moving monument of thoughtfulness and consideration. Those who describe him in such a manner believe that it is not his wealth that makes him different from the rest as he is neither the wealthiest nor the most famous.
A couple of years ago, he did the unimaginable when he distributed 10 brand new tricycles (Keke NAPEP) to some youths across the nooks and crannies of Mbala. In fact, this singular act of philanthropy launched Chief Nwabunna formally into the less-populated philanthropy space.
Thus, when one thinks of Nwabunna, within and around Mbala, what swiftly comes to mind is the word, Philanthropy. He stands apart from the rest of the pack because he recognises that “in minor ways, we differ, but in major, we are the same” as postulated by Maya Angelou.
Chief Nwabunna Achu has been described in some quarters as a moving monument of thoughtfulness and consideration. Those who describe him in such a manner believe that it is not his wealth that makes him different from the rest as he is neither the wealthiest nor the most famous.
They rather see Chief Nwabunna as one who not only gives the bit he has, but the bulk, and then, everything else. He has lit the lamp of so many who wallow in the darkness of inadequacy, bringing true light to life among the people.
It’s evident that in Nigeria, various individuals live by the code of helping others and have devoted much of their resources to seeing others smile. Chief Nwabunna Achu belongs to this group of individuals.
He believes that lending a helping hand to further better society is similar to giving hope to those who need it and would be a crime not to offer any form of assistance. He believes that he has a responsibility to give back to the community of his birth and help those who are facing challenges.
The ability to render a helping hand to others in society, especially to those encumbered by the unpredictable hands of nature is an attribute those familiar with Chief Nwabunna Achu have come to know him for because he perceives philanthropy not only as a temporary aid to mitigate the need but something the recipients can use to build and live a meaningful life.
Chief Nwabunna Achu is still touching lives across the nooks and crannies of Mbala with his sincere commitment to the progress and growth of the community, always attending to the needs and desires of the less privileged in society.
Chief Nwabunna Achu has also supported various community development projects, healthcare initiatives, and efforts to alleviate poverty. Only recently, he handed over some completed bungalows to some indigents in the society, a project he has almost turned into a regular ritual.
For the second year running, he has borne the burden of paying the salaries of Umuobasi Neighbourhood Watch, a vigilante group thus, contributing to the security of the area. This is in addition to the huge donations he has made so far to the security fund of Umuobasi community.
Chief Nwabunna Achu is still touching lives across the nooks and crannies of Mbala with his sincere commitment to the progress and growth of the community, always attending to the needs and desires of the less privileged in society.
His passion for making a difference is evident in his tireless work to uplift the lives of those in need. And his story serves as an inspiration to others, a reminder that success can be measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive change one can bring to the lives of others.
In appreciation of his numerous philanthropic activities, the Umuobasi Town Development Union, a couple of days ago, sent a letter of commendation to Chief Nwabunna Achu for “the plethora of assistance” he has rendered to the community, and prayed to God to continue to bless and protect him and his family.
No doubt Chief Nwabunna Achu fully understands the position of the pioneer American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie who once set the standard for giving back: “No man can become rich without himself enriching others. The man who dies rich dies disgraced.”
Humanity eagerly anticipates the future endeavours of this philanthropist, confident that his passion for making a difference will continue to leave a lasting legacy of compassion and change.
Akubuilo has indeed become a beacon of hope.
