Popular philanthropist and Presiding Bishop of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop (Dr) Emeka Michael Nwamkpa on Thursday, 4th January 2024, hosted the 18th edition of his annual empowerment program for widows and youths in Abia State, along with his wife, Rev. Dr. (Mrs) Faith Nwamkpa.
The program, which has been running consistently for 18 years under the aegis of Bishop Emeka Nwamkpa Foundation, was originally initiated as ‘Widows Must Smile Ceremony’ but has been expanded in recent years to include youths, physically challenged persons and other vulnerable persons in society.
Speaking during the 18th edition held at his residence, Umuokpara Village, Ntigha Umukalu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State, Bishop Nwamkpa who was the Abia State governorship candidate of Accord Party in the 2023 general elections, said that the program is a fulfilment of his covenant with God and has nothing to do with politics.
According to him, “Bishop Emeka Nwamkpa Foundation initiated this program 18 years ago and has sustained it over the years to the glory of God almighty. It is in fulfilment of my sacred covenant with God who has graciously blessed me to bless others and put smiles on the faces of His children. It is not political and will never be politicized because the work of God is superior to politics.”
Speaking further, Bishop Nwamkpa said that “Most of those who have benefited from the Foundation over the years were not personally known to me prior to their nomination as beneficiaries. As you can see, we have people here from across Abia State, not only from Ntigha or Isiala Ngwa North LGA, and not selected based on political considerations. Anyone whom God has blessed exceptionally should, as a matter of obligation, endeavour to lift others because we can only grow and develop our society by helping others to grow, in line with Scriptural instructions.”
The event featured distribution several bags of rice to widows from the 17 LGAs in Abia State, payment of school fees of more than 20 undergraduates, distribution of grinding machines, sewing machines and hair dryers to operators of hair dressing salons. A woman who picked up a lost purse containing the sum of N1, 500 (one thousand, five hundred naira) and returned it to the Bishop was also rewarded with a grinding machine by the Foundation and the sum N10,000 (ten thousand naira) by one of the guests at the event.
Considered as highpoint of the event was the presentation of a new Toyota Sienna space wagon to renowned broadcast journalist, Dr. Stanley Nduagu, who had volunteered his services in support of the Bishop’s humanitarian objectives for a few months. Amidst cheers and applause, Bishop Nwamkpa, while presenting the car gift, remarked that “Dr. Nduagu has proven to me that in a world where trust and honesty have become very scarce, we still have honest and trustworthy persons.” He said that many persons left him immediately after the elections last year but Dr. Nduagu has remained committed and consistent in projecting the activities of the Foundation.
Prominent religious leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders, entrepreneurs, university lecturers and media executives were among prominent personalities who graced the event. His Royal Majesty, Eze Joe Okechukwu Atulobi, Abala Ji Odo 1 of Osusu Abala Autonomous Community and Chairman, Isiala Ngwa North Council of Traditional Rulers, was the Royal Father of the Day.
Bishop Nwamkpa also used the event to wish Abians a happy new year and pray that 2024 would be a year of greater grace for everyone.
