The Imo State professors at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) under the platform of, Imo Professors Forum (IPF) has honoured Chief Engr Success Obioma Akagburuonye the Founder and National Leader of Hope Rising for Imolites, who is also the MD/CEO PRACO International Ltd Abuja for his countless philanthropic gestures to humanity.
Speaking on Wednesday in Nsukka while conferring award of Excellence Service to Humanity on Akagburuonye during 3rd Heartland lecture.
The Chairman of IPF Prof Boniface Nworga, a former Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity in Imo State said that, Hoperising a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded by Akagburuonye had created sustainable livelihoods, foster economic independence, empowered over 5000 youths.
“Most of these youths empowered by this NGO are now millionaires in their various businesses,”he said.
Nworga, said the forum after seeing many good things Akagburuonye have done to the society and also to the IPF decided to give him award of excellence as token of appreciation from the forum.
“Last year during the IPF heartland 2nd lecture this philanthropist donated solar panels and batteries that have been installed in houses of Imo professors in UNN to enable them to have steady electricity to do their academic work as well as their families to enjoy steady electricity in their homes.
“Today no professor from Imo State in UNN is complaining about electricity challenges because they have light from solar all the time in their houses,” he said.
The forum chairman said the MD/CEO PRACO International Ltd Abuja have trained many young people on modern and employable skills in areas such as solar energy installation, CCTV installation, computer applications, entrepreneurship among others free of charge.
Responding, Akagburuonye expressed appreciation to Imo professors for finding him worthy for the award, noting that the award would encourage him to do more to humanity.
He described Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as a God sent for good governance, to build massive infrastructures and transform the state as one of the best in the country.
“Gov.Uzodimma is God sent to Imo State, he has done very well and if I am empowered politically, I will continue with his good work in Imo State,”he said.
The philanthropist made a donation of N10m to IPF as well as directed that all final year students in UNN from Imo state to compile their names and tell him how much it will cost them to do their final clearance so that he give them the money.
Our correspondent reports that, this gesture attracted loud applause and cheers from students.
Akagburuonye disclosed that why he is using wealth given to him by God to help the poor and serve humanity is because he started from a humble beginning and promised God that if God blessed him with wealth he will use it to bless others as well as render selfless service to humanity.
“What I am doing today is keeping the convant I have with God, I tell people to join me and teast God and see that the Lord is good,” the philanthropist added.
Our correspondent also reports that, Rt Hon Goodluck Opia, former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and former Minister of Education was the Chairman of 3rd Heartland lecture in UNN for 2025