By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
The Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun/ Ijedodo community of Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state; Eze Ambassador Chika Nwokedi recently celebrated his birthday with Ndigbo Buru’Otu Association of Nigeria, a socio-cultural organisation, whose members were also August offsprings.
The climax of the low key birthday celebration was the presentation of a brand-new car to Eze (Amb.) Dr. Chika Nwokedi (Okpoko I of Obodoukwu), for his exceptional, outstanding humanitarian gesture over the years to whosever crosses his path for assistance regardless of tongue, tribe or colour .
The get-together was filled with who is who among traditional rulers, security chiefs, business leaders, religious figures, community stakeholders, and members of the association from different parts of the country.
The over 25 Igbo stakeholders who presented the car gift to Eze Chika Nwokedi described the gift as a token of appreciation for his unwavering dedication to supporting widows, vulnerable children, and less privileged members of society.
Aside car gift, the celebrant was also showerd with varieties worth of birthday gift including family size of a refrigerator
Speaking at the event, the Grand Mayor of the Ndigbo Buru’Otu Association of Nigeria, Obi Tochukwu, described Eze Nwokedi as “a man of the people” whose passion for humanity has continued to attract admiration from all walks of life.
According to him, the large turnout at the celebration was a reflection of the love and respect people have for the celebrant.
“I wish him long life, good health and God’s continuous blessings. Eze Okpoko is a good man who has consistently impacted lives. His generosity over the years speaks for itself, and today you can see the evidence in the number of people gathered to celebrate him,” he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police Obiora Okonkwo, who described himself as a member of the association and a close associate of the celebrant, congratulated Eze Nwokedi on attaining another year.
He prayed for God’s continued protection, good health, and fulfilment of all his aspirations, noting that the celebrant enjoys cordial relationships with officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across the country because of his humility and accommodating nature.
The wife of the celebrant, Pastor Ambassador Dr. Tessy Chika Nwokedi (Queen Ugoeze Adakaada I), described her husband as a compassionate, selfless man whose greatest joy is putting smiles on people’s faces
Ugoeze said her husband often gives to people even when it means making personal sacrifices.
“My husband is a philanthropist, a loving husband and a man with a genuine heart for humanity. Even when he has little, he still gives. My prayer is that God continues to bless him with more resources so that he can continue touching lives,”
‘ Lolo’ as fondly called concluded that celebrating members born every month is a standing tradition of the association, adding that the August edition usually attracts greater attention because the Association’s founder and President is one of the celebrants.
Businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Cartier Wine and Hillux Paints Nigeria Limited, High Chief Sunny Akpoyibo, who said he had known Eze Nwokedi for over two decades, described him as one of the most generous individuals he had ever met.
According to him, Eze Nwokedi never hesitates to assist anyone in need, regardless of his personal circumstances.
“If Eze has his last one thousand naira and someone genuinely needs food, he can give out that money without hesitation. He believes that when you give, God answers your prayers.”
He recalled that the philanthropist had distributed more than 230 bags of rice alongside clothing and cash empowerment to widows and vulnerable persons across Lagos, irrespective of tribe.
Akpoyibo disclosed that Eze Nwokedi’s lifestyle of giving had inspired him to embark on similar humanitarian projects within the Urhobo community in Lagos.
Representatives of a tyre importation company, Victor Benjamin and Mr. Kelvin Lee, also attended the celebration.
They described Eze Nwokedi as not only a valued business partner but also a dependable friend and brother whose support has remained invaluable over the years.
The company presented him with a large refrigerator in appreciation of the cordial relationship they have built over time.
“We wish him long life, prosperity and God’s continued blessings. He has always been there whenever we needed him and we pray he celebrates many more years in good health,” Victor Benjamin said.
In his emotional response, Eze Nwokedi expressed profound gratitude to members of the association and his numerous well-wishers for the overwhelming show of love.
He admitted that receiving a vehicle came as a complete surprise.
“When you are doing good, people are watching you. I never expected this gift. More than 25 people came together to buy this vehicle for me. Honestly, I would rather spend money helping widows than buying expensive cars, but they insisted that I deserve it. I am deeply touched.”
He said the numerous gifts he received confirmed that people appreciate genuine acts of kindness.
The philanthropist reiterated that his greatest desire is not personal wealth but having enough resources to continue helping the needy.
“I pray that God blesses me more so that I can touch more lives. My happiness comes from helping widows, feeding the hungry, paying hospital bills, empowering people and putting smiles on faces.”
According to him, his humanitarian activities are personally funded and not sponsored by any government or organisation.
He revealed that he regularly distributes food items, including rice, noodles and clothing, while also assisting families with medical bills, school fees and business support.
He further disclosed that he had recently financed an ₦8.5 million borehole project to provide free water for residents in a community experiencing water shortages.
He noted that the facility, alongside another free water project at his residence, remains accessible to everyone without charge.
Speaking on the importance of generosity, Eze Nwokedi urged Nigerians, especially those blessed with resources, to emulate the culture of giving.
He said true success should be measured by the number of lives positively impacted rather than the amount of wealth accumulated.
“If you want your children to succeed, help other people’s children. Whatever you do in life, whether good or bad, people are watching. We came into this world with nothing and we shall leave with nothing. What matters is the lives we touch.”
He added that several individuals who had witnessed his philanthropic activities had also begun empowering others within their communities, describing such developments as the greatest reward for his efforts.
Also paying tribute, Vera Jonas described Eze Nwokedi as a mentor whose humility and compassion distinguish him from many leaders.
She noted that he consistently places the needs of others above his own and prayed for God’s continued strength and protection over his life.
The event also featured the celebration of other members born in August, including Vincent Emmanuel Onyedikachi (Holy Temple Youth Leader, Ijegun/Ijedodo), Chinedu Ebrim Anara (Ndi Oma), Chinevuzor Chibuzo (Iron Money), Eziada Chioma Dike, Lolo Chizoba Okoli (Chizzy Awesome, Adaigbo Di Ora Nma), Chief Chibueze Obi Ozoego, Prince Blessed Peter, Okoye Richard Chukwunonso (Ochendu Na Ozubulu), Onyekachi Okonkwo, and MC Chukwuemeka Martins (The Celebrity MC).
The celebration ended with goodwill messages, prayers, presentation of gifts and renewed calls on privileged Nigerians to embrace philanthropy as a way of promoting unity, compassion and sustainable community development.
Eze Chika Nwokedi whose life style has been giving still doles out gifts to all attendees, journalists who were on ground to cover the event also left the venue with bags of raw rice, semovita to mentioned but few.
