By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
Sir Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu (Okpataozuora), a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, on Friday 25th April 2025, laid the foundation stone for Louis Carter International Vocational School at Umuezeagu, Uruagu Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The foundation laying ceremony officiated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese was fully attended by dignitaries from far and near.
Some of the dignitaries were: Catholic Priests, Prince Samben Nwosu, YPP Senatorial aspirant for the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial by-election, Hon. Innocent Okoli, CEO Organizer Oil and Gas, Sir Arthur Ngwugbe, Lady Nwangwu, Sir Tony Nwangwu, Sir Emeka Obinwa, Sir Ndubuisi Okoli, among others.
In his remark, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye charged Christians to live a life of witness and be committed to the things of the church.
He revealed that the dream started in 2013 and remained incomplete, but today, according to him, God used Sir Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu to bring it to actualization.
Bishop Okoye implored Christians to identify what God assigned them to do for humanity. He thanked Sir Louis Onwugbenu, the benefactor of the Louis Carter Foundation, for his kind heart and accessible spirit.
He assured Sir Onwugbenu, as Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, that his dream would never die, and Louis Carter’s foundation would never die.
“Even if I pass on, I will make sure that Sir Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu will be on record, I assure you” Bishop Okoye added.
Chief Louis Onwugbenu, in his remark, said the Louis Carter Education Foundation is an adaptation of the Carnegie Melon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his first son, Emeka Onwugbenu, attended. The University, founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1900, is today, among the top Universities in the US.
The benefactor of the Louis Carter Foundation, Sir Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, said everything that has been happening in his life has been a miracle.
He further disclosed that he has been doing charity all his life to give back to God and humanity.
Sir Onwugbenu affirmatively stated that his foundation would be one of the best in Nigeria. He promised to complete the structures within one year.
“Since it happened at St Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu, Nnewi, where there was no space, the miracle will still happen here because we have enough land for the structures I have in mind,” he reaffirmed.
Sir Onwugbenu appreciated His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, who, according to him, has been supportive of the possibility of the project. He prayed that God would continue to keep him strong for the work he assigned him to do for the church and humanity
Highlights of the occasion included the foundation stone laying by the benefactor, Sir Onwugbenu, a tour of the structures, which include the Father’s house, a chapel for the school under St Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu, Nnewi, secretariat, Admin block, classroom blocks, and many others.