By Onyenweli Mercy

BENIN CITY — Businessman and ph ilanthropist, High Chief Johnson Atshelghe, has received two separate Awards of Excellence for his humanitarian contributions, support for media practitioners and sustained efforts toward the development of Ologbo Kingdom in Edo State.

The honours were presented by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and The Crusaders Voice News at Ologbo Hospital Limited, the newly established healthcare facility founded by Atshelghe in Ologbo.

The event was attended by representatives of the Federated Chapel, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking after receiving the honours, Atshelghe challenged wealthy Nigerians to invest more of their resources in their communities rather than concentrating their wealth and investments abroad.

He said many communities across the country still lacked essential infrastructure such as hospitals, roads, electricity and schools, stressing that strategic investments by wealthy individuals could significantly improve the lives of residents.

“You are just wasting your time taking all your money abroad to invest because one day your children may not be able to access those investments. Why not invest in your community?”

He maintained that government alone could not provide all the infrastructure required by citizens, urging affluent Nigerians to complement government efforts by investing in projects that directly benefit their communities.

‘I Built the Hospital Because of My Sister’
Atshelghe disclosed that the establishment of Ologbo Hospital Limited was inspired by the death of his younger sister during childbirth.

According to him, his sister had to be transported from Ologbo to Sapele for medical attention because the kingdom lacked an adequate healthcare facility, but she died on the way.

“That was when I said I must build a hospital in this kingdom. I saved towards it, and the project started last year. It was officially opened last month,” he said
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He explained that the hospital was established to provide quality healthcare services to residents of Ologbo and neighbouring communities, particularly vulnerable persons who might otherwise struggle to access adequate medical care.

“My heart belongs to the people and the vulnerable. I use the blessings of God in my life to bless my people,” he said.

Atshelghe said he had also invested in community roads, electricity and other development initiatives, adding that his interventions were driven by his desire to see Ologbo prosper.

He disclosed that his businesses currently employ more than 1,200 workers, with a monthly salary commitment of about N138 million, noting that his philosophy of giving back to society extends to youths, women and the elderly.

Presenting the Federated Chapel’s Award of Excellence, a leader of the chapel, Comrade Edosa Okunbor, described Atshelghe as a humble and humane personality whose contributions had positively impacted Ologbo Kingdom.

Okunbor said his personal interactions with the philanthropist had revealed a personality significantly different from the image sometimes portrayed by some individuals, urging him to remain committed to his humanitarian activities.

He said posterity would remember Atshelghe for the lives he had touched and the development projects he had undertaken.

Okunbor also commended him for using his resources to promote development and peaceful coexistence, stressing that peace remained a critical foundation for sustainable investment.

Representing the NUJ Edo State Council Chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, the State Secretary of the NUJ, Comrade Andy Egbon, also commended Atshelghe for his leadership qualities, philanthropic activities and contribution to peace and development in Ologbo.

“If there is no peace, it will be difficult to attract investment,” Egbon said, while conveying Alenkhe’s apology for his absence.

He said the philanthropist had demonstrated genuine commitment to improving the welfare of the people through interventions within and outside the kingdom.
Egbon described Atshelghe’s contributions as worthy of emulation and urged other affluent Nigerians to deploy their resources to projects that would improve the welfare of their people and accelerate community development.

In a similar vein, The Crusaders Voice News presented Atshelghe with its own Award of Excellence in recognition of his philanthropic contributions, support for media practitioners and indigenes of Ologbo Kingdom.

The honour also recognised his support for community development and his commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

Ambassador Prince Johnson Atshelghe, JP, the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, was born on March 20, 1957, into the Atshelghe family of Idogbo community in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

He attended Ozaniche Primary School and Azanichi Secondary School in Orhionmwon before proceeding to the College of Education, Warri, where he obtained his Nigeria Certificate in Education.

He later worked with several drilling companies, rising to managerial positions before resigning to establish his own businesses and pursue a career as a security consultant.

His companies include Jhobason Nigeria Limited, ASOPAC Oil and Gas Services Limited, ASO Virgin Nigeria Limited and Ologbo Hospital Limited.
He is involved in several social and community organisations and serves as patron of various groups.

Atshelghe, who is married with children and grandchildren, is regarded by associates as a philanthropist and community leader committed to improving the welfare of his people.

The event was attended by community leaders and other dignitaries, including Chief Oghnedo and Chief Omiri. The high point was the presentation of the Federated Chapel Award of Excellence to Atshelghe for his support for the chapel, humanitarian work and contributions to the development of Ologbo Kingdom.