Onicha-Igboeze: CEO Tastia Restaurant, Kester, Four Others Empower Kinsmen With Over ₦14m In Abuja

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki

The Chief Executive Officer of Tastia Restaurant, Bakery and Café Worldwide, Mr. Kester Agwu Nwogo, alongside four other philanthropists, has disbursed a total of ₦14.5 million to members of the Onicha Igboeze Town Union (OITU), Abuja Branch, as part of efforts to promote economic self-reliance among their kinsmen.

The empowerment exercise took place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during the union’s end-of-year meeting held at the Mini Stadium, Area 3 Junction, Garki, Abuja, and attracted a large turnout of members and dignitaries.

Speaking shortly after the event, the Public Relations Officer of OITU, Elder Sunday Okute, disclosed that Chief Kester had, in 2024, single-handedly empowered five members with ₦1 million each, noting that the beneficiaries are presently excelling in their various ventures.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Kester—who is widely regarded as the highest private-sector employer of labour from Onicha extraction—said the gesture was driven by the need to alleviate the suffering of his people and reduce dependency. “I am not doing this for people to give me glory; all glory belongs to God. I am not the richest person in Onicha, but there is a need to encourage one another. If we fail to do so, we will continue to bear the burden of other people’s worries,” he said.

He further explained that with over 1,500 staff under his employment, he understands the financial pressures many families face, including school fees and house rent, stressing that empowerment remains the most sustainable solution. “The best way to stop constant requests and distress calls is to empower people so they can take care of themselves and their families,” Chief Kester added. He commended the beneficiaries of his previous empowerment programme for judiciously utilizing the funds and urged other well-meaning individuals to support the less privileged within their capacities to reduce hardship in Onicha clan.

Also speaking, the Chairman of OITU, Abuja Branch, and Chief Executive Officer of Achieje Foundation, Hon. Nnanna Chita, described Chief Kester as an embodiment of generosity whose interventions have transformed many lives. He also praised members of the union for their unity and cooperation. Further investigations revealed that Chief Kester’s ₦10 million contribution was complemented by other philanthropists, including Hon. Nnanna Chita, who donated ₦2 million; the Vice Chairman of the union and Director of Franco Fancy Ltd, Elder Francis Ndubuisi Agbafor, who contributed ₦1 million; and the Director of Fexco Global Entertainment Ltd, Mr. Festus Okorie Nwani, who also donated ₦1 million. Similarly, the General Overseer of God’s Spring Assembly, Rev. Stanley John Ogbonna, donated ₦500,000. The event was graced by notable personalities, including Professor Monday Igwe and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbonnaya Nwota, among others.