Philanthropy, which is the art of giving to the less privileged and the poor in the society, has existed for ages. Beneficiaries of philanthropy were, initially, members of extended family, then local community and later, friends, well-wishers, religious organizations and, sometimes, strangers. These, of course, are typical of Nigerian philanthropy, which is largely propelled by cultural beliefs and obligations, rather than generosity.
In Nigeria, for instance, as in many parts of Africa, philanthropy is at the core of what binds the society together. Philanthropic giving generally supports poverty alleviation and sometimes helps to provide assistance towards education. But much of these are not measurable in terms of its impact, and it hardly produces the much desired results.
However, people like the Chairman and Managing Director of Tonimas Nigeria Limited, Chief Sir Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, OON, Onowu Neni; the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, Osodieme; the Traditional Prime Minister of Awa in Orumba North Local Government Area, Chief Israel Okeke Ezue  (Omelora) and the Chairman and Managing Director, Winco Foam, Chief Godwin Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, Anyanwuora one of Isuofia have, no doubt, formalized their philanthropy by setting up private foundations.
Philanthropy has also crept into the house of God in view of its importance to the flock. For instance, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor, Ph.D and his wife, Chinyere (Nnechukwunyere), have together floated a foundation called, “Generous God Education Fund”, as part of efforts to assist indigent but brilliant students, to obtain quality education.
Over the years, philanthropy, even in developed world, contributes to the betterment of the society. In the United Kingdom, for example, private giving averages around nine billion pounds sterling, while in the United States, more than eight hundred billion dollars resides in foundations and donor-advised funds. No doubt, philanthropy or charitable giving is currently at an exciting stage of development in Nigeria. Over the past few years, there have been increase in institutional philanthropy and the field now consists of private, corporate, family foundations, public foundations and a range of others.
In Anambra State, some prominent foundations have sprung up, solely to touch the lives of the people. For instance, the CAFE Foundation, established by Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, Osodieme, has impacted positively on the lives of widows, children, women and the sick in the State.
Similarly, Chief Anthony Enukeme, the Chairman Managing Director of Tonimas Nigeria Limited, apart from offering employment to over ten thousand persons across the country, is also using the Tonimas Foundation to offer free health care services to the people, especially those with eye problems. Through the foundation, scholarships are offered to indigent but brilliant students in both secondary and tertiary institutions.
He has, in addition, given shuttle buses, tricycles, generating sets, cash, wheel barrows and milling machines to farmers in Neni, his home town, as part of efforts to boost agriculture in the country. Chief Enukeme is also reconstructing and maintaining many roads in Neni. All these made the people of Anaocha Local Government Area to confer on him the chieftaincy title of Anya-Anaocha.
Others, who used their foundations to empower the people, especially youths, include Chief Israel Okeke Ezue of Awa; Chief Godwin Okafor of Winco Foam and Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor, Bishop of Aguata Diocese and his wife, Chinyere, who offer scholarships to the poor.
Perhaps, philanthropic organizations and the wealthy in Nigeria should borrow a leaf from those in advanced countries of the world, whose founders have committed the rest of their lives to philanthropy. According to the Nigeria 2014 Wealth Book, Nigeria had over sixteen thousand high net worth individuals, who owned about ninety billion dollars in wealth. It is, therefore, time for the well-heeled in Nigeria to support towards making a positive change in the society. Nigerians need to start feeling the impact of this wealth. Nigerian communities need more and better access to health care, clean water, food and education.
One of the wealthiest men in the United States, Andrew Carnegie, well known for his philanthropy once said, quote: “successful men should help lift the unsuccessful into more productive lives and a man who neglects this duty and dies rich, dies disgraced”. End of quote. Be that as it may, foundations can partner by developing common strategies, sharing policies and pooling their resources.

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