The people of Mburubu, a vibrant community in Nkanu East Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, experienced a memorable and uplifting Christmas season this year, as they were the beneficiaries of significant charitable gestures from Prince Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology.
Ezeh, who is also an influential member of the community, lived up to the vision of Governor Peter Mbah, who has made it a priority to reach every part of the state with development and support.
On December 24, 2024, Dr. Ezeh officially inaugurated the completed interlocking of St. John Catholic Parish, the only Catholic church in the community. The church, built by Ezeh in 2021, has continued to serve as both a religious and communal centre, offering a vital gathering space for residents.
Dr. Ezeh singlehandedly funded the interlocking project, which marked a significant milestone for Mburubu, providing the community with a long-awaited place of worship and spiritual refuge.
The holiday season was marked by a series of events that left the people of Mburubu with a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. Beginning on December 24, 2024, Dr. Ezeh inaugurated the completed interlock of the 15,000-square-meter area of St. John Catholic Parish, Mburubu, which he singlehandedly funded.
Recall that the building of the Catholic Parish church in the community was financed by Dr Ezeh in 2021. The church occupies a sprawling site and features an edifice reminiscent of a pro-cathedral, radiating a profound spiritual ambience. The completion of the interlocking project marked another monumental achievement for Mburubu.
In the spirit of Christmas, Dr. Ezeh did not stop at commissioning the interlocking project. On the very same day, he extended his generosity to the youth of Umudara Mburubu by donating millions of naira to support their various activities and initiatives. The funds were aimed at empowering the young people of the community, many of whom struggle to access opportunities for economic and personal growth. This gesture was part of the Commission’s broader mission to uplift the youth and give them the tools they need to succeed.
The generosity continued the following day, December 26, when he made another significant donation to the entire Umudara Mburubu. He gave 50 bags of rice, which were distributed among the people of Umudara, a central quarter within the community. In addition to the rice, he also provided millions of naira to support local development projects and provide financial relief to families who had been struggling, especially in the wake of the economic challenges exacerbated by the global pandemic.
However, the most spectacular event took place on December 27, when Mburubu as a community was ablaze with excitement as the Prince of Mburubu made an unprecedented donation of 10 commercial buses to the community. This donation was particularly important as it addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing the people of Mburubu: transportation. The community had long suffered from inadequate access to other parts of the state, which had made it difficult for residents to access markets, hospitals, and other essential services. Moreover, farmers in the area struggled to transport their agricultural products to the city, leading to losses and a reduction in income. With the donation of these buses, Dr Ezeh not only provided a solution to the transportation challenge but also created new business opportunities for young entrepreneurs, who could now operate these buses as part of the commercial transport system in the area.
In addition, he generously donated 250 bags of rice to the entire community, along with millions of naira in cash donations to each village. This is not the first time he has made such substantial contributions to the community. He has also provided solar panels to the seven different villages of the community, improving access to sustainable energy.
Over the past 15 years, his philanthropic efforts have spanned multiple projects, including the rehabilitation of bridges, the upgrading of electricity grids, and the construction and asphalting of internal roads in Mburubu. Additionally, he has invested in road grading and awarded scholarships to deserving students, while also empowering local youth through various programs.
Speaking to the community during one of the events, Prince Dr. Lawrence Ezeh expressed his joy at being able to assist the people. “It fills me with great pride to support the development of Mburubu,” he said. He emphasized the importance of community development and urged the people of Mburubu to continue working together for the common good.
Dr Ezeh also expressed deep gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for the recent award of two vital roads in the community. “Governor Peter Mbah’s vision is clear — to touch the fabric of every community in Enugu State. I am proud to be a part of that vision, and I promise to continue supporting you in every way I can,” Dr. Ezeh said. He urged the people of Mburubu to continue their unwavering support for the Governor, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in achieving the state’s progress.
The people of Mburubu were visibly moved by Ezeh’s gestures. For many, the gifts of rice, cash, and buses were more than just material donations—they were symbols of hope, resilience, and community spirit. Chief Simon Aniobi, the former President General of Mburubu Town Union, expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that Dr Ezeh’s contributions would have a lasting impact on the well-being of the community. “This is a Christmas we will never forget,” he said. “Prince Dr Ezeh has shown us that there is a future to look forward to, and we are deeply thankful for his kindness.”
As the community celebrated these acts of generosity, the importance of leadership grounded in compassion and service became clear. Prince Dr Lawrence Ezeh’s commitment to his community serves as a reminder that development is not just about infrastructure or policy; it is also about touching the hearts of people and making a tangible difference in their daily lives. With his continued support and dedication, the people of Mburubu can look forward to brighter days ahead.
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