To celebrate his 60th birthday on Thursday, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, has donated essential supplies and launched a scholarship programme for inmates at the Nnewi Correctional Centre in Anambra State.
The former PDP spokesman noted that it was an anniversary he chose to celebrate by giving hope to the less privileged in society.
At the start of the celebrations, the former Metuh visited the Old Father’s Home in Ndigwu Village, Otollo, Nnewi, before proceeding to the palace of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, where he received royal blessings and formally expressed his commitment to using his birthday to uplift the needy in the society.
From the palace, the former spokesman moved to several other places, including the Nnewi Correctional Centre, where he donated food items, drinks, toiletries and other essential items.
He assured the management of his continued support which he said would subsequently extended beyond material items while.
Furthermore, the former spokesman awarded scholarships to about five inmates of the correctional centre up to the university level.
He said, “I have come here to give you hope, and that is the greatest gift we bring today. And for those of you who are minor offenders, I would expedite action in securing your bail.
“I have a scholarship scheme that would train five of the inmates of this correctional centre up to the university level and I also know that you have problems related to access to good drinking water and that is why I will be sinking a water borehole here in Nnewi Correctional Centre and also construct a skill acquisition centre, once approved by the authorities, to help reintegrate you back into the society with employable skills.
“I urge you not to lose hope; a person has to be in body and soul to overcome the challenges of being behind bars. Though you are here, let your body be here and not your soul and your soul shall be where you want it to be when you come out of here.
“Myself have been here before, and today I am visiting to celebrate my 60th birthday with you. Be well-behaved. You can become a politician tomorrow or rise to high positions in society. Nothing can stop you from becoming what you want, with hard work and determination.”
Metuh, during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, was accused of misappropriating N400m meant for security equipment purchase and was arraigned during the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
Ahead of his 60th birthday, the former spokesman declared that he had forgiven everyone who were involved.
“I’ve forgiven the judge. I’ve forgiven the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” he said.
