By Dayo Awoniyi
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze has launched a large-scale philanthropic initiative in his hometown, donating 20 tricycles (Keke NAPEP) to unemployed youths and supporting vulnerable members of his community through financial aid and educational scholarships.
The donations, made in Umu Chimaelu, Okoko Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, are aimed at promoting self-employment and economic empowerment among local residents.
In addition to the tricycles, Chukwueze awarded scholarships to students from low-income families and distributed cash gifts to widows and others facing financial hardship. The total value of his contributions is reported to run into several millions of naira.
Chukwueze also hosted a dedication ceremony for a newly built mansion gifted to his father, Reverend John Chukwueze, in recognition of his family’s support throughout the footballer’s journey.
“I’ve been blessed through football, and it’s only right to use that blessing to uplift others,” Chukwueze said.
“This is where I come from, and these are the people who supported me from the very beginning. It’s my joy to give back.”
Chukwueze, who rose to prominence with Villarreal CF before joining AC Milan in 2023, continues to balance his professional success with a commitment to community development.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
