……..Challenges Nigerians to Become Their Brother’s Keeper.
By Emmanuel Clement
LAGOS — The fifth edition of the annual empowerment programme organised by the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo Kingdom and Chairman of the Council of Ndieze, Lagos State, Eze Ambassador Dr. Chika C. Nwokedi, was not only a distribution of food and welfare packages but also a celebration of compassion, hope and humanity.
The event, held at the Secretariat of Igbo Buru Otu on Saturday, June 27, 2026, attracted Igbo stakeholders,community leaders, religious ministers and hundreds of beneficiaries, most of whom were widows and other vulnerable members of society.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as Christian ministers offered prayers and words of encouragement, reminding participants that caring for widows and the less privileged remains a sacred obligation before God.
Drawing from the books of Isaiah, James and First Peter, the clerics urged the widows not to lose faith despite life’s challenges, assuring them that God remains the defender of the helpless and the provider of those who trust in Him.
They also offered special prayers for Eze Nwokedi and his family, asking God to preserve, strengthen and prosper him for consistently investing his resources in uplifting humanity.
Speaking to the people, Prophetess Amarachi described the monarch’s unwavering commitment to widows and vulnerable persons as a practical demonstration of biblical Christianity.
“It is not easy for one individual to continually cater for more than 200 widows in this difficult economic climate. It takes a heart filled with compassion and genuine love for humanity.
This is pure religion as described in the Scriptures, and we pray that God continues to enlarge his coast and reward his kindness,” the cleric said.
The emotional highpoint of the event came as beneficiaries took turns to share touching testimonies of how Eze Nwokedi’s interventions had transformed their lives.
Speaking with newsmen,Mrs. Oluwakemi Adekemi, who has participated in the programme for the past three years, described the annual intervention as a lifeline for many struggling families.
According to her, the food items received each year have significantly reduced the burden of providing for her household amid rising economic hardship.
“I pray that God continues to bless everyone supporting this programme. May they never lack, and may the source of these blessings never run dry,” she prayed.
Similarly, Mrs. Rita Anabogu from Anambra State, another long-time beneficiary, described Eze Nwokedi as a compassionate leader whose concern for humanity extends far beyond food distribution.
She revealed that the monarch regularly intervenes in family disputes, assists people facing legal and police-related challenges and provides support to members of the community during difficult times.
“He is a man with a golden heart. He doesn’t only give food; he stands by people in their moments of difficulty. I encourage those who are yet to identify with this community to come and experience the love and support we receive here,” she said.
For Mrs. Anu Olumikeye, who has benefited from the empowerment programme for about four years, the monarch is more than a benefactor—he is a destiny helper.
Holding back tears, she narrated how Eze Nwokedi not only provided her with food over the years but also gave her the financial support needed to establish a Point-of-Sale (POS) business, which has become her family’s major source of livelihood.
“He has been putting food on my table for years. When I wanted to start a business, I approached him, and he immediately gave me money to establish a POS business.
That business is still sustaining me today. Apart from God, he has been my greatest helper,” she said emotionally.
She further praised the traditional ruler for his impartiality, saying his generosity knows no ethnic, religious or social boundaries.
“I am from Osun State, but he never asks whether you are Yoruba, Igbo or from any other tribe before helping you. He assists anyone who is genuinely in need. I sincerely wish more leaders would emulate this beautiful example.”
Beyond the widows, the outreach also recognised dedicated members of the Igbo Speaking Community and Ohanaeze Ndigbo who have remained committed to the growth and development of the community.
They received food items and welfare packages as a mark of appreciation for their dedication and service.
Investigator news reports that beneficiaries described the gesture as another reflection of Eze Nwokedi’s inclusive style of leadership, noting that his humanitarian interventions cut across ethnic, religious and social divides, reaching everyone in genuine need.
Chairman of the Igbo Speaking Community in Ijegun-Ijedodo, Chief Ibezim Ibeachusi, commended the monarch for redefining traditional leadership through selfless service.
He observed that while many traditional rulers are known for demanding support from their subjects, Eze Nwokedi has distinguished himself by consistently giving back to the people.
“He is one king who believes in giving rather than taking. Widows, widowers and the less privileged have continued to benefit from his generosity year after year. I encourage other traditional rulers and leaders to emulate him because the hand that gives will always remain blessed,” he stated.
For many who attended the event, the fifth edition of the empowerment programme was more than an act of charity—it was a powerful demonstration that true leadership is measured by service, compassion and the ability to restore hope to the hopeless.
As economic challenges continue to affect millions of Nigerians, Eze Chika C. Nwokedi’s unwavering commitment to supporting widows, vulnerable families and community members stands as an inspiring reminder that one person’s kindness can transform hundreds of lives and inspire others to become their brother’s keeper.