……..As Obodoukwu Community, Police Chiefs, Igbo Leaders Celebrate Couple @25
Ikpeama Emmanuel.
It was a colourful celebration of love, resilience, success and service in Lagos on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as the Chairman Council of Ndieze, Lagos State,Eze Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, Eze Ambassador Dr. Chika C. Nwokedi, and his wife, Pastor Dr. (Amb.) Tessy Chika Nwokedi, celebrated their 25 years of marriage in grand style.
The silver jubilee celebration, which also coincided with Eze Nwokedi’s birthday, attracted an impressive gathering of police chiefs,traditional rulers, prominent Igbo leaders, business executives, community stakeholders, friends and well-wishers who came together to honour the couple and celebrate a remarkable marital journey.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom; AIG Maritime, Lagos, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Okeyson Motors, Chief (Dr.) Okey Udeji.
Others are the President General of the Igbo Speaking Community, Chief Sunday Udeh; High Chief Sunday Akpoyibo; executives of the Eastern Brothers Club; traditional rulers and leaders of the Ndigbo Buru’Otu Association of Nigeria.
Members of the Obodoukwu community and other stakeholders from the wider Igbo community also turned out in large numbers to celebrate one of their illustrious son.
In a moving account of his life journey, Eze Nwokedi recalled how his success story began from a very humble background.
He disclosed that he left Obodoukwu in Imo State for Lagos in 1992 with little formal education and limited opportunities, eventually finding his way to the Ladipo motor spare parts market.
According to his early years in Lagos were characterised by hardship and uncertainty, stating that there were periods when he slept on the floor of a shop, bathed outside and used public facilities, while struggling to raise money for accommodation and basic needs.
At some point, he said, he had to engage in commercial transportation and other menial jobs to survive.
But rather than allow hardship to define his destiny, Nwokedi said he remained focused, relying on faith, hard work, honesty and determination.
His perseverance eventually earned him leadership responsibilities at the Ladipo market, where he rose to become chairman of the Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee.
He later expanded his business interests and became Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chipresido Merchandise Property Limited.
Investigator news reports that for the celebrant, the journey from sleeping on a shop floor to becoming a successful businessman, traditional ruler and philanthropist is a testimony to the power of perseverance.
‘Success Is About the Lives You Touch’
Eze Nwokedi also used the occasion to reveal the philosophy that has shaped his humanitarian activities.
He said his greatest satisfaction was not simply in acquiring wealth but in using his resources to make a difference in the lives of people around him.
He disclosed that he had built houses for widows and widowers, supported families, empowered individuals with business grants and provided land and other forms of assistance to people in need.
The Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo opined that his humanitarian efforts extend beyond ethnic boundaries, as he has also supported people from other parts of Nigeria.
He said his personal definition of success was measured by the number of people whose lives had been positively affected by his efforts.
Nwokedi also acknowledged the role played by his wife and her family during their early years of marriage, particularly his late mother-in-law, whom he said supported and encouraged him when he was struggling financially.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the renewal of the couple’s marriage vows, as Eze Chika and his wife once again publicly reaffirmed their love and commitment after 25 years of marriage.
The emotional ceremony provided an opportunity for the couple to look back on their journey, celebrate the challenges they overcame together and express gratitude for the family and life they have built.
Standing before family members, friends and distinguished guests, Eze Nwokedi declared his continued commitment to his wife.
“Twenty-five years ago I chose you, and today I choose you again. I thank God for the years we have shared. I promise to continue to honor, cherish, and stand by you,” he said.
His wife equally reaffirmed her commitment to her husband, expressing gratitude to God for their marriage, family and the experiences that have strengthened their bond over the years.
The celebration took another emotional turn when Eze Nwokedi fulfilled a promise he made to his wife during the early years of their marriage.
According to him, he had promised that if they successfully reached their 25th wedding anniversary, he would present her with a car.
A brand-new car was presented to Pastor Dr. Tessy Nwokedi, with AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom conducting the presentation amid cheers, excitement and applause from guests.
The gesture was widely seen as more than a material gift. It represented a promise made during the couple’s early years of struggle and fulfilled after a quarter of a century of marriage.
From Sleeping on Shop Floor to Building a Legacy. 
Speaking with newsmen,AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom of Alagbon congratulated the couple and described Eze Nwokedi as a man who relates well with people and has consistently demonstrated goodwill towards the police and members of the community.
He prayed for many more years of peace, good health, harmony and prosperity for the couple.
Lending her voice,AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat of Maritime also described Eze Nwokedi as a genuine friend of the Nigeria Police Force who had consistently supported officers and promoted cordial relations between the police and the public.
She recalled meeting him when she was an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and praised his commitment to assisting people through legitimate means.
According to her, Nwokedi had distinguished himself as a man who would not associate himself with bad causes but would readily intervene whenever there was a genuine need.
The CEO of Okeyson Motors,Chief Okey Udeji who was one of the special guest stated that he had known the couple for more than two decades noting that the impressive turnout was a reflection of the goodwill Nwokedi had built over the years.
He noted that people would not leave their homes and endure difficult roads simply to attend a celebration unless they genuinely valued the person being honoured.
Chief Oluchukwu Melechi from Obodokwu Community also described Nwokedi as a compassionate and accessible leader who had remained available to people in need despite his growing influence and success.
He particularly praised his support for widows, the less privileged and members of the community.
The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Ndigbo Great Fred Nwajiagu, commended Nwokedi for his commitment to the welfare of Igbo residents and his efforts to promote peace and unity.
He described the celebrant as a hardworking Igbo man who had consistently demonstrated concern for the wellbeing of his people.
For Super High Chief Unugachukwu,Eze Ambassador Nwokedi is a dangerous giver and one who always ensure that he puts smiles on the poor and needy including the widows in the society.
He said “My prayers for him in this 25 years of marriage,he should focus and keep doing what he is doing as this is secret of his good health and wealth, wishing him more years to come both in age and marriage”
Investigator news gathered that the ceremony later climaxed with the cutting of the anniversary cake, presentation of gifts, music, dancing and goodwill messages from guests.
But beyond the colourful displays and celebrations, the event offered a deeper reflection on a 25-year journey that began with youthful dreams, endured difficult seasons and evolved into a story of family, entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy.
For Eze Chika and Pst. Dr. Tessy Nwokedi, the silver jubilee was not merely a celebration of how long they had been married. It was a celebration of how far they had travelled together.
From the uncertainties of their early years to the privileges and responsibilities that came with success, the couple stood together once again to reaffirm the promise they made 25 years ago.
And as guests showered them with prayers and goodwill, the message from the celebration was clear: the greatest legacy of a successful journey is not what one acquires, but the lives touched and the people lifted along the way.
