…Says, “Touching Lives Is My Greatest Joy”; Urges Wealthy Nigerians to Support the Less Privileged
By Emmanuel Ikpeama.
It was a day of celebration, gratitude and emotional tributes in Ijegun, Lagos, on Saturday as members of the Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, prominent Igbo stakeholders, business associates and admirers converged to honour Eze (Amb.) Dr. Chika C. Nwokedi, the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo, Chairman, Council of Ndieze, Lagos State, and Founder/President of the Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, ahead of his birthday on August 4, 2026.
In a remarkable demonstration of appreciation for his decades of selfless service to humanity, 25 distinguished Igbo stakeholders presented the respected traditional ruler with a brand-new car, describing him as “a rare gift to humanity” whose generosity has transformed countless lives across ethnic and religious divides.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Ndigbo Buru Otu Association Event Centre, was also used to celebrate all members born in the month of August. Amid cultural music, prayers and goodwill messages, the atmosphere became even more electrifying when the surprise car gift was unveiled, drawing prolonged applause and emotional reactions from the large gathering.
The presentation was accompanied by several other gifts, including household appliances and valuable items, while the cutting of the birthday cake symbolised not only another year in the celebrant’s life but also years of unwavering commitment to lifting the poor, supporting widows, empowering youths and promoting unity within the Nigerian society.
Speaking at the event, the Grand Mayor of the Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, Obi Tochukwu, described Eze Nwokedi as a leader whose compassion has become a source of hope for thousands of people.
According to him, the massive turnout at the celebration reflected the deep affection people have for the traditional ruler.
“Eze Okpoko is a man of the people. He has spent years putting smiles on the faces of others. We are celebrating a man whose life is dedicated to serving humanity.”
“We pray that God grants him long life, sound health and greater strength to continue touching lives,” he said.
The tributes continued as Deputy Commissioner of Police Obiora Okonkwo(SWAT) praised Eze Nwokedi’s unwavering support for the Nigeria Police and his commitment to promoting peace and unity.
He described the celebrant as a dependable brother and leader whose relationship with security agencies has strengthened community policing and harmony.
His wife, Pastor (Amb.) Dr. Tessy Chika Nwokedi (Queen Ugoeze Adakaada I), painted the picture of a man whose greatest fulfilment comes from giving.
She disclosed that although the association celebrates members born every month, the August celebration is always unique because it coincides with the birthday of its founder.
“Even when he has little, he still gives. He forgets his own needs to attend to the needs of others.”
“I pray that God will continue to bless him with greater resources because every blessing he receives eventually finds its way into the lives of the less privileged,” she said.
Also speaking,a renowned businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Cartel Wine and Hillux Paints Nigeria Limited, High Chief Sunny Akpoyibo, who has known Eze Nwokedi for more than two decades, described him as one of Nigeria’s most compassionate community leaders.
He recalled how the traditional ruler had distributed more than 230 bags of rice, clothing, cash, business support funds and relief materials to widows and struggling families across Lagos without considering tribe, religion or social status.
According to him, “If Eze has only one thousand naira and someone is hungry, he will gladly give it away. Nigeria needs more men like him. If we had ten people with his heart in different parts of the country, Nigeria would be a far better nation.”
Representatives of one of his business partners, Victor Benjamin and Mr. Kelvin Lee, also described the celebrant as a dependable friend and mentor whose integrity and kindness have earned him the admiration of business associates within and outside Nigeria.
An overwhelmed Eze Ambassador Nwokedi, while receiving the surprise vehicle and other gifts, admitted that he never expected such an honour.
He said the gesture confirmed his belief that genuine kindness never goes unnoticed. “I am deeply touched.
I never imagined that people were planning this for me. When you do good, people are watching. When you touch lives sincerely, God raises people to appreciate you,” he said.
Nwokedi who is also the Chairman, Council of Ndieze, Lagos State revealed that he had often chosen to spend his personal resources on widows, orphans, indigent families and community development projects instead of acquiring luxury possessions, insisting that his greatest wealth lies in seeing others smile.
The respected monarch reaffirmed that helping humanity remains his life’s mission. According to him, his greatest prayer is not for riches but for more resources to continue serving the less privileged.
He disclosed that he had recently financed a multi-million-naira community water project that now supplies free water to residents, in addition to regularly paying hospital bills, sponsoring businesses, distributing food items, clothing and educational support to vulnerable families.
Investigator news reports that over the years Eze Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu had donated parcels of land to deserving individuals and consistently organised large-scale palliative programmes during festive periods.
“Touching lives is my greatest joy. We came into this world with nothing, and we shall leave with nothing. What will matter before God is the number of lives we positively affected. I don’t measure wealth by the number of houses or cars one owns but by the number of tears one wipes away,” he declared.
Eze Nwokedi went further to challenge wealthy Nigerians, political office holders and successful entrepreneurs to embrace the culture of giving, stressing that society can only become better when those blessed by God deliberately invest in the welfare of others.
“If you want your children to succeed, help another person’s child. If God blesses you, let someone else feel the impact of that blessing. Giving is not about how much you have; it is about the compassion in your heart,” he said.
He noted with satisfaction that many members of the association had begun emulating his philanthropic lifestyle, describing it as one of the greatest achievements of his leadership.
Investigator news gathered the celebration climaxed with prayers for the celebrant and all August-born members, presentation of additional gifts, cultural performances and expressions of gratitude from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through Eze Nwokedi’s generosity.
Among them was Mrs Vera Jonas, who described him as a mentor, father and compassionate leader.
“He carries the burdens of others as if they were his own. He wants everyone around him to succeed. I pray that God strengthens him to continue this divine assignment,” she said.
As guests departed with smiles and renewed admiration, one message resonated throughout the event: true leadership is measured not by titles or material possessions but by the number of lives transformed.
For many in attendance, the presentation of a brand-new car to Eze Chika Nwokedi was not merely a birthday gift; it was a heartfelt appreciation for a man whose life has become a symbol of generosity, compassion and unwavering service to humanity.
