United Kingdom-trained and certified Information Technology expert, Engr. Charles Osaretin Aluge has challenged well- to-do Nigerians to endeavour to extend a helping hand to vulnerable Nigerians around them as the federal government’s withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products continues to bite harder.
Speaking in an interview with leadership in Abuja, after he bagged a humanitarian award conferred on him by Glorious Life Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for his selfless service to humanity, Engr Osaretin insisted that helping the vulnerable is the responsibility of anyone with the means to do so.
According to the Edo state-born Information Technology expert, ” It really doesn’t matter whether you are a public or private figure before helping the poor. Even the public officials should know that helping the vulnerable is not restricted to private individuals alone.
The most important thing is to be able to impact human lives. The bible says ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. So, even public officials must learn that impactful services go beyond official roles; it’s about genuine commitment to improving others’ wellbeing…”
Osaretin who is the co-founder of Eron Technologies Ltd, developers of Erononline.ng, an E-commerce platform, added: “That is why I am honoured to be a part of this initiative and for also receiving the recognition award. It’s a good thing to me and I also appreciate the fact that there are many notable people in the society who appreciate this initiative and are willing to partner this foundation to ensure that they keep doing what they are doing. So, this award is going to encourage me to keep making an impact, transforming the lives of the vulnerable ones in society, especially in the face of the current economic hardship in the country.”
The ICT entrepreneur and philanthropist commended Amb Chris Daniel for using the foundation to help the needy, stressing that “It is a good thing that some people in the society are taking up the challenge – not leaving it to the government alone… I like to thank Amb Chris Daniel who has been doing a lot to help the vulnerable ones.”
Speaking on the prospects of a government partnership with the private sector on ICT, Osaretin emphasised that “Government-Private sector partnership in ICT and entrepreneurship can leverage expertise and resources for effective solutions. It can foster innovation; and also has the tendency to address the country’s challenges by effective collaboration with all stakeholders”.
