By joshua 
EBSHIA Boss Launches 5m Football Tournament For Youths, Distributes Cash To Varsity Undergraduates
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The executive Secretary of Ebonyi State health insurance agency (EBSHIA) Dr. Divine Okemuefuna Igwe has launched five million naira football tournament to the youths of Ezza North Local Government Area to foster youths engagement, talent development and Community unity.
The football competition was kicked off by the EBSHIA boss after the official unveiling of his new foundation tagged Dr. Divine Igwe impact foundation (DDIIF) at Nwode Primary School field Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area of the State.
The EBSHIA boss also presented a cheque of two hundred thousand naira each to thirteen University undergraduates selected across various wards in the council, describing the educational empowerments
as an investment in the future of the people and called on all well meaning individuals, philanthropists to join hands to create a better future for their communities and Ebonyi State at large.
The EBSHIA boss noted that the gestures aligned with the peoples charter of needs mantra of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and BERWO foundation in the State.
He stated that the mission of unveiling the foundation was to transform lives and strengthen communities through free healthcare access, educational support, economic empowerment, and agricultural development.
According to him “The Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation is not merely an organization; it is a movement to create pathways of opportunity, restore dignity, and shape the future of entire communities,”
He added that the the foundation has already made tangible impacts across several sectors including partnering with the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency by enrolling over 1,000 pregnant women to ensure safe maternal and newborn care as well as sponsored free eye surgeries, hernia repairs, and fibroid surgeries for about 200 beneficiaries, among others.
On education, Dr. Igwe revealed that the foundation has provided educational empowerment to 18 students in basic education and sponsored a beneficiary for a Master’s degree program, and supported the School of Nursing, Uburu, to strengthen quality training for healthcare professionals.
On community support, he said, vulnerable individuals have received housing assistance, while police services benefited from support in branding and operational mobility.
On economic empowerment and agriculture, Igwe hinted that the foundation has implemented skill-building programs for women, widows, and youth, while providing farmers with tools, training, and resources to boost productivity and food security.
The National Coordinator of the Foundation and Development Consultant, Dr. Ibiam Azu Agwu while chronicliing the objectives, mission and vision of the Foundation, said it was founded on the core values of compassion, integrity, service, equity and sustainability, aimed at achieving healthcare for all, education and mentorship, community and economic empowerment, security, as well as agricultural development supports.
He explained that the Foundation, a duly registered, non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization, was established to restore hope, uplift the vulnerable and drive transformational development, bringing people together: partners, donors, volunteers, caregivers and community members to create a better tomorrow.
He added: “His vision is clear: to build a society where every individual regardless of their background has access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for growth.”
On his part, the chairman of the event who is also the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ebonyi State, Hon. Oguzor Offia-Nwali lauded Dr. Igwe’s commitment and dedication to impacting lives, highlighting the alignment of the foundation’s goals with the government’s developmental agenda.
He described the initiative as a model for healthcare access, rural development, and youth empowerment, stressing the need for government and individuals support to the foundation’s efforts for full realization of its lofty initiatives.
“This is a moment to recognize the value of responsibility, compassion, and leadership.. Dr. Divine Igwe has demonstrated the kind of commitment that uplifts society, and the government stands firmly behind this foundation,” he said.
In their separate good will messages, the Executive chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area Hon. Moses Ogodoali Nome, State commissioner for environment Hon. Victor Chukwu, chairman forum of CEO’s State social health insurance, Nigeria Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi among others extolled the EBSHIA boss for his philanthropic disposition aimed at impacting the lives of his people positively and called all and Sundry for total support.
On behalf of the educational empowerment beneficiaries, Ezenwakpa Chidimma who hailed Dr. Igwe’s benevolence on them, pledge never to disappoint him but be good ambassadors of the foundation in their educational carriers.