Yuletide:Philanthropist, Okpete Empowers Widows, Vulnerable Persons with Rice, Cash, Others

A Lagos-based businessman and philanthropist, High Chief. Boniface Okpete, has put smiles on the faces of widows and other vulnerable persons in Ebonyi State with the distribution of over 350 bags of rice, cash gifts, and other relief items at Alibaruhu village, Ndiebor Ishieke community, Ebonyi Local Government Area.

High Chief Okpete, a native of the community, said the annual outreach was designed to support the less privileged and uplift the downtrodden in society, particularly during the Christmas season when many families struggle to meet basic needs. He explained that this year’s exercise also served as a mark of appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his people-oriented style of governance and commitment to touching lives across the state.

According to him, giving remains a pathway to God’s favour and progress in life and business, stressing that philanthropy should not be seen as the exclusive preserve of politicians alone. High Chief Okpete urged youths to remain focused and diligent in pursuing their chosen careers, noting that success is achievable in diverse fields beyond politics. He advised them not to be discouraged by temporary business or life challenges, but to remain steadfast and resilient.

He further called on Ebonyians to emulate Governor Nwifuru’s leadership example by investing in human capacity development and supporting the administration’s peaceful agenda to ensure sustained growth and development in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Village Head of Alibaruhu, Mr. Nwoba Sunday, described Mr. Okpete as a selfless and consistent giver who is deeply committed to the growth and wellbeing of his village and the larger community. He urged other well-to-do individuals to emulate his spirit of generosity. The Village Youth Leader, Mr. Ekuma Solomon, hailed the philanthropist as “God-sent,” noting that his continuous interventions have promoted peace, unity, and development within the community. He offered prayers for greater success in Okpete’s business endeavours.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Stakeholders in Alibaruhu Ndiebor Ishieke community, Mr. Joseph Mbam, said the empowerment of the downtrodden during the Christmas season had become an enduring tradition of the Okpete family. He disclosed that many families had benefited from the donor’s free housing projects, business settlements, and other empowerment initiatives, and called on other businessmen from the Izzi clan to follow his example.

Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Elizabeth Nweze and Mrs. Sabina, expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Okpete, describing him as “a husband to widows and a father to orphans.” They said the gesture would make their Christmas celebration memorable and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him. saintakpomiemieblogspot.com reports that the event featured the distribution of wrappers, bags of rice, cash empowerment running into millions of naira for selected youths, and the presentation of a live cow to the people of Alibaruhu Ndiebor Ishieke community.