A coalition of 207 Igbo billionaires, under the banner of the De Imperial Philanthropic Family (DIPF), has raised an impressive ₦495 million in just 30 minutes during an extraordinary general meeting held at Acropolis Gardens and Residence, Okija, Anambra State.
The funds, which far exceeded the group’s initial ₦50 million target, will be channelled into critical healthcare and educational interventions across Nigeria’s Southeast region.
The meeting was presided over by the DIPF National President, Imperial Super High Chief Dr Darlington Nwabunike (Ogbaluaku n’anwu na Ojoto), Eze Nwakaibeya, who continues to mobilise Igbo elites through the organisation’s humanitarian vision: “Living for Humanity.”
Immediate Impact and Future Plans
As an immediate intervention, ₦26.5 million was disbursed to offset hospital bills for 37 indigent patients in Anambra State. Dr Nwabunike assured that similar support programmes would be extended to other Southeastern states to ease the medical burdens on vulnerable communities.
The DIPF also announced a scholarship scheme targeting 700 underprivileged students across the five Southeastern states. The programme aims to promote academic excellence and improve access to quality education.
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Additionally, the group revealed plans to construct and fully equip five modern school blocks, one in each Southeastern state, as part of its commitment to revitalising public education infrastructure.
Dignitaries and Stakeholder Presence
The high-profile event attracted distinguished personalities from across Igboland, including:
- HRM Ebuka Onunkwo, CEO of Seahorse Lubricants
- High Chief Ifekudu, Super Agbalanze na Ozubulu
- High Chief Abraham Otti, “Mighty Mighty” of Umuchu
- Super High Chief Henry Orabuchi, “Teka Ikenga Ogberuru”
- UCHEMEK, Omeihe-Ukwu, Chinetugo na Obodoukwu Kingdom
- Chief Dr Onyeka C. Ogbatu, Don Perry of Don Peé Wines & Beverages Ltd
- Chief Dr Lucky E. Udenka, Onyinyechukwunyere Dunukofia
- Ozo Nwanchinemere, Amuruonye n’Ego na Nsukka
- Eze Abrikete of Umuchu
- Onwa na Isuochi, Nwachinemere na Ihiala, Ogbaturuenyi na Ichida, Afunwa na Abagana, and Ebekuodike na Abagana
A Model for Regional Development
The DIPF’s remarkable fundraising effort underscores the potential of community-led philanthropy to address developmental gaps in healthcare and education.
The group’s rapid mobilisation of funds and clear commitment to grassroots impact serve as a model for other regions and philanthropic bodies.