Ichakporoko Foundation Distributes Food, Cash To 200 Widows

The Ichakporoko Foundation distributed food items and cash grants to more than 200 indigent widows across Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday, as part of its 2025 charity outreach.

The outreach, tagged Ichakporoko Charity Fair 2025, was held on December 30 and drew beneficiaries from the 31 autonomous communities in the local government area. Each beneficiary received essential food items, including bags of rice, along with financial support to alleviate economic hardship during the festive period.

Traditional rulers from the autonomous communities, local government officials and political leaders attended the event.

Speaking on behalf of the family of the late Chief Michael Odo Abonyi, after whom the foundation is named, Dr Godwin Abonyi said the initiative reflected the humanitarian values of his late father, who was known for his concern for the poor and vulnerable. Abonyi, a former chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, said the family would continue to support initiatives that uplift disadvantaged members of society.

Chairman of the Ichakporoko Foundation, Major General Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), said the charity fair was part of the foundation’s contribution to community development and social welfare.

He noted that the intervention was designed to mitigate the effects of economic challenges faced by widows and other vulnerable groups.

The Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chairman of the Udenu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Mathew Agbo of Obollo Nkwo, commended the foundation for its consistent humanitarian service. Igwe Romanus Odoh of Umuezejor gave a similar commendation during the vote of thanks.

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to India, Major General Chris Eze (rtd), praised the foundation for sustaining the legacy of selfless service that inspired its creation, expressing willingness to participate in future editions of the programme.

The Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Akachukwu Eze Aka, was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Chika Aroh, who described the initiative as a vital partnership between private organisations and the government at the grassroots. He said the outreach went beyond food distribution to restoring dignity and inclusion for widows in the community. Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help them provide for their families during the New Year celebrations.

The event also featured a motivational session on community development and political awareness delivered by Mr Celestine Odo of ActionAid Nigeria and Mr Igwebuike Abonyi, Chairman of the Obollo Development Association.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to sustained support for vulnerable groups across the local government area.