By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Anambra-born prominent philanthropist, Hon. Stanley Nwabueze Okafor, has bagged a prestigious award as Friend of the Holy Spirit Award, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and his relentless efforts towards uplifting the less privileged.
The award, presented on Sunday, was given during the grand finale of the 2024 Women Conference and Award ceremony of the Catholic Women’s Organization (C.W.O.) of the Osumenyi Denary, which held at the Holy Spirit Parish, Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the State. The well-attended event was also drew people from different walks of life, who came to fete with the awardee and women.
Presenting the award to him, the Patron of CWO Osumenyi Denary, High Chief Samuel Belonwu (Eze Nze na Ozo) reiterated that the award was aimed at recognizing Hon. Okafor’s remarkable contributions to humanitarian causes through his Walata Humanitarian Foundation, as well appreciating his influence in transforming the lives of the less privileged across Anambra State and beyond.
He highlighted Okafor’s laudable commitment to community development and his enduring support for charitable initiatives, further commending him for his selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
While describing the award as well-deserved, Chief Belonwu further charged him to sustain the light and continue being a useful vessel in the hands of the Holy Spirit, even as he called on others to emulate him.
Earlier speaking, the C.W.O. Organizer of Osumenyi Denary, Lady Mrs. Uchenna P. Anigbata (LSM), said the award was one of their own ways of recognizing and appreciating Hon. Okafor’s dedication to community service, especially the ones he champions through various initiatives under his Walata Humanitarian Foundation, through which he has significantly improved the lives of the needy and been of great help to many.
According to her, Hon. Okafor’s philanthropic initiatives and support, which cut across education, healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors of life, are not just acts of charity, but also lifelines that have restored hope to many and lifted many individuals and households out of hardship. She said one of the unique and outstanding things about the Walata Humanitarian Foundation is that the Founder champions all the humanitarian services and charity projects without making noise about it.
While congratulating Hon. Okafor on his award, Mrs. Anigbata also acknowledged that he (Hon. Okafor) embodies moral and spiritual values that align with the Friends of the Holy Spirit Award’s principles, which qualified him as best match for the such special and highly coveted award.
Speaking after receiving the award, Hon. Okafor, who is also the MD/CEO of Walata Consults and Services Ltd., commended the group for finding him worthy of the honour, while also reaffirming his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Going memory lane, he reflected on the inspiration behind his journey in philanthropy, attributing his drive to make a difference to his personal faith and a sense of duty to give back to society, which made him to officially launch the Foundation in January this year.
“This award is humbling and reminds me that our work is far from over,” Mr. Okafor stated.
He emphasized that his Walata Humanitarian Foundation is committed to impacting lives, promoting welfare, and facilitating lasting solutions to some pressing issues, particularly in education, healthcare, and community development. He also commended his family, friends, and supporters, for their encouragement, which, he said, has been crucial in enabling him to pursue and sustain his vision.
Hon. further assured to uphold the selfless gesture of serving God and humanity with his God-given wealth.
Reports have it that Okafor’s Walata Humanitarian Foundation has implemented numerous projects addressing the welfare of vulnerable populations. Through its scholarship programs, the foundation has enabled hundreds of children to pursue education, while its healthcare initiatives have provided essential services to underserved areas, including medical screenings, treatment, and support for chronic illnesses; among other philanthropic gestures addressing systemic issues.
