P.M.EXPRESS reports that the empowerment programme took place in his Palace in Ijegun, Lagos and was witnessed by dignitaries including the two Presidents of Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Ude and Chief Sunday Eze, the Bishop of Rhema Church, Rev Annie Okonkwo, the second in Command of Odua People’s Congress, High Chief Wahab Isiaka, High Chief Sunny Akpaoyibo, members of Eze Nwokedi’s cabinet among others.
The event was the fourth in this year and many widows were given cash gifts and food items such as rice, yams, spagetti, noodles, wristwatches, wrappers among others.
Before Eze Nwokedi started giving out the gifts to the recipients, he explained that for him, giving to the less privileged in the society is an obligation and passion, which is part of a covenant with God that he will continue to do till death.
He explained that he started the act of charity years ago before he became a king and will continue especially at this period the Nigerian economy has worsened and feeding by the downtrodden, less-privileged and some class of widows in the society has become excruciatingly challenging.
Eze Nwokedi noted that he was aware of the difficulties faced by the widows in finding food for themselves and their families and that was why he empowered them within and outside his domain.
Eze Chika Nwokedi, who is also the founder and President of Igboburuotu Social Club of Nigeria, stated that the latest phase of empowerment was the fourth in series since he was crowned Eze of the two communities of Ijegun and Ijedodo of Lagos.
He explained that it was part of the N60million Empowerment Project and he has since commenced the project with the blessing of about 45 widows in the first and second and plans vocational training for about 400 women and girls, which has started with engaging of the first set of beneficiaries.
“We want to train about 400 people on how to make cake, shawarma, hair dressing and many other things. And after that, we will empower those that don’t have money. The widows received cash gifts with rice, beans, noodles, yam and the recipients were brought by people without any discrimination of tribe and religion.”
He stated that it is part of God’s work because God is the husband of the widow, and the king is always there, because whenever they have challenges they will go and meet the king to assist them.
“This one is the biggest after my coronation. I have earlier blessed 15 widows, then 30 widows before this ones, who are over 70. I know that with God all things are possible. Some of my friends are helping with cash and food items because they trust me and know what I can do” Eze Nwokedi stated.
The climax of the event was the giving of awards of recognition to some prominent people, who have contributed to the welfare of the less privileged people in the society.