Umulewe Autonomous Community in Ideato South Local Government of Imo State, was agog as majority of the indigenes from all the villages that make up the community trooped out to partake. and witness massive distribution of food items by the Onochiri Obi of Umulewe Autonomous Community, Mr Benigrus Junior Okwudili Duru.
The event described as the mother of all distribution of food items and empowerment took place at Palace of Late Eze Benigrus Duru, which also doubles as the residence of the Onochiri Obi of Umulewe Autonomous Community.
The atmosphere was filled with happiness as the Onochiri Obi of Umulewe who is also the first son of Late Eze Benigrus Duru, celebrated 2022 Christmas for his people with sumptuous meal and empowerment materials.
Speaking during the program; the Youth Leader of Umulewe Autonomous Community, Comrade Ugochukwu Emelu, described Mr Okwudili Duru as a divine gift to the Community.
His words; today we are gathered at Obi Ukwu Umulewe, the Palace of Late Eze Benigrus Duru where his son Benigrus Junior and the real hair apparent to the Kingship Throne of Umulewe celebrated Christmas for his people, he is philanthropy personified”
We are happy that he called us to celebrate Christmas for us, it is in his behavioral mannerism to celebrate yulitide with his people, puting smiles on the faces of his people has been his lifestyle.
We appreciate his empowerment programs for the youths, women and elderly ones, which he does every year to help ameliorate challenges many poor people are facing in the community,
His words; “recently he carried life touching empowerment program for over 30 elderly people, women and youths were also empowered. He is a leader with human heart always touched by the plights of his people. He has been consistent in empowering his people,we pray God to reward him abundantly”
He has also rendered financial assistance to those with medical needs that require finances for surgery and medical treatment
Filled with joy that Onochiri Obi, Okwudili Duru, gave the youths a cow for Christmas celebration, the youth leader Comrade Emelu, said “we accepted the cow he gave us to celebrate christmas with gladness of heart.
Comrade Emelu who noted that no youth from Umulewe has been identified with any crime committed in Ideato Nation also urged them to maintain their decent and honest lifestyle.
Speaking further he cautioned the youths to always stand for the truth and promote peace unity, justice and fairness no matted whose ox is gored.
He condemned intimidation of the poor by the rich and strong, stating that it is wrong to take what belongs to another man because you are stronger than him.
The Umulewe Youth Leader, seized the opportunity to pray God to bless Onochiri Obi more abundantly
Adding his voice; Hon. Ajogu, Magnus, Gburugburu of Umulewe from Odoekiti Umudiefi, said; “We are at the palace of Onlchiri Obi Benigrus Okwudili Duru, the first son of late Eze Benigrus Duru, to witness the killing of the cow he gave the youths for Christmas celebration and other empowerment items he carried out for the betterment of his people
Hon. Ajogu, said’ “Onochiri Obi Okwudili Duru is a man with a good heart, posterity will not forget his good works in a hurry”
The mother of Onochiri Obi, Ugoeze Clementina Duru has this to say; “my prayer is that God will bless my son abundantly for his milk of human kindness, eyes of evil people will not see him, I pray that God will raise more philanthropists like him so that there will be more good hands to impact in the lives of our people.
Younger brother of Onochiri Obi, Prince Chimezie Duru said God will surely reward him for his good works, saying; “there is reward for every work be it good or evil,my prayer is that God will reward and protect Onochiri Obi.
He admonished the youths to respect their fathers, stating that fatherhood position represents a lot in a family.
In the views of Mr Alphonsus Echefu, Onochiri Obi is a leader who loves his people, God is pleased with what he does by helping the poor, our prayer for him is long life, divine protection and God’s abundant blessings.
Observers and admirers present during the event described him as the only Onochiri Obi who empowers women, youths and elders in his palace at the righ time.
High points of the event was; mouth watering refreshment and cash donations to the women wing, youth wing and men wing of the community, after they were entertained with a sumptuous meal. There was also cultural dance to entertain the people.
Onochiri Obi of Umulewe Autonomous Community who resides outside the shores of Nigeria was ably represented at the program by his younger brother, Prince Chibueze Duru and his sister Princess Felicity Duru.