By Uzo Ugwunze
It was Jubilation yesterday as Chi-Brown International Foundation empowered over 200 widows with food items and clothes worth millions of naira at Awkaetiti, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Speaking during the event at her residence Awkaetiti, the Founder of the Non Governmental Organization, Ugosimba Chioma Brown Okafor said that she was only passionate about fulfilling the vision God gave to her for close to a decade now which is to put smiles on the faces of less privileged widows.
“These women called widows are wives of the Lord. Some of them are less privileged and that is why we are here out of charity to put smiles on their faces, extending a helping hand as we celebrate the new year.
“Remember in the Bible, Book of James 1 vs 27 says that when you give to the widows, you are lending unto God. This is the heartbeat of God and I am very happy and privileged to be part of this vision.
“This is the 9th year we have been giving out succour to widows every 2nd of January. God gave me this vision and I have been running with it but recently God specifically told ‘Women of Grace’ a fellowship I belong to as a mentor to carry on the same commission and vision of reaching out to empower widows. We started giving charity offering during every of our fellowship gatherings which we set aside for this yearly project”.
“Some people have riches but they don’t give while some people have the heart to give but don’t have. I encourage individuals, clubs, associations to come together, pull their resources no matter how much or little to help the downtrodden. Be an extension of God’s hand to touch lives and put smiles on the faces of people who cannot give back to you”, said Ugosimba Okafor.
She further thanked profusely the Executives and entire members of Women of Grace for their regular but voluntary charity offerings and personal donations saying that without them the vision may not be actualized.
Earlier during the annual Chi-Brown International Foundation Thanksgiving service at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Awkaetiti, Rev Fr. Paul Ihebighi advised people to emulate Ugosimba Chioma Brown Okafor by giving succour to the needy around them saying that one does not have to be the richest before developing the heart, character or virtue of being a blessing to one’s society.
According to a Guest Minister Mrs Christy Udensi, I have been a widow for the past 23 years and It has not been easy if not for God helping us. So for someone to spend millions of naira to buy bags of rice, clothes like lace and abada, noodles, tomato paste, salt etc to distribute to widows in this stringent economy with biting hunger and hardship, the person deserves to be encouraged and emulated.
The duo of Mrs Uche Okafor and Mrs Kate Ibeke, beneficiaries of the lagesse in their seperate speeches eulogized Ugosimba Okafor praying God to bless and progress her vision.