Rite food Limited has rewarded a 27-year-old Ugochukwu Ibere, a street hawker of sausages with a well stocked shop of its products for free, who last year in August became a social media sensation for feeding transported prisoners in traffic through the tiny holes of Nigeria Prison Force van with his products for free.
Some of the items gifted to Ibere aside a two-year-rent payment include a generating set, deep freezer, and shop amenities.
Speaking at the opening of the store located at 181 Bamgbose street Lagos Island, ibere who also has been commissioned by the company to sell in bulk to retailers rite products and other grocery items, said his act of kindness was simply from his experience as a prisoner.
He recounted how after the death of his father at 18 from a family of 17 children, meant he has to give up school, became an apprentice, and was later tortured wrongly for stealing.
“My experience of going through several days without food in the prison, legs and hands tied to the ceiling while I was beaten to pulp, was all that motivated my action, the pity I felt for the prisoners that very day stretching their hands for help brought me to tears.”
An elated Ibere remarked, “I chose to hawk along that road specifically for the prisoners I was told that was there route and when I finally saw the truck I could not hold back, as that was the only way I could help, I never did it to get this, I did it from my heart, I cannot thank God enough for what he has done for me ”
Facebook user, Denike Ajitena who shared the story of Ugochukwu also could not hide her joy that her post 6 months ago could change a life
In her words, “ this was beyond imagination. How could he have guessed that his act of kindness would generate such goodwill?! From selling out of a carton in traffic to owing a store! How long would it have taken him to save for rent alone?? And the brand new equipment the company put?? And he will even be able to add provisions and general grocery items to the free products.”
While thanking Rite food Ajitena challenged Ugochukwu, this to work harder to become an “importer, exporter” and much more.
Speaking on the donation, Adesewo Joseph Regional Sales Manager Lagos, said the gesture is part of the company cooperate social responsibility in uplifting life.
Representing the Managing Director, Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, Joseph added that Ibere our #riteboy story resonates in line with the company’s vision over the years across the country in touching lives, ‘we are proud of him as an ambassador of what we stand for’.
“We are committed as a true Nigerian company to not only provide products that are tasty and nutritious but also a product that Nigerians can connects with as one that cares, Ibere story teaches us that when you are kind to others definitely one will be rewarded
