By Alex Enebeli
Nollywood actress, Rachel Okonkwo, on Sunday, distributed food items to 500 widows and provided free medical care to more than 5,000 patientsin Nsukka, Enugu.
Okonkwo popularly known as “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka” made the donation as part of actvities to mark the 8th edition of her annual “Nkoli Mega Carnival Season,” held at the Nsukka Central Stadium.
Okonkwo said during the event, that the carnival was inspired by her personal experience of poverty and desire to support vulnerable people in the society.
“I came from nothing, didn’t have any legacy to leverage on and do not have any rich uncle or aunt.
“My father died when I was 13 years old, as I understand, what it means not to have my next meal or have school fees,” she said.
The actress said she understood how not to seek for help because there was none in his clan, lineage or family to seek for such.
“I therefore know what people in my shoes are going through and that made me to start this initiative.
“The programme which usually holds on Easter Sunday, was suspended in 2023 because of rising cost of goods and services.
“The 2026 edition is holding presently after I felt compelled to revive the initiative,” she said.
She urged young people not to allow their backgrounds determine their future because with resilience, focus and determination, they would succeed,
“The 2026 edition is overwhelming because it is the first time the carnival featured a medical outreach.
“Our partnership with Franklin Junior Foundation enabled the programme reach thousands of people with free healthcare.
Mr David Ofogba, Director of Programmes at the US-based Franklin Junior Foundation, said it partnered with Okonkwo to provide free healthcare to residents of Nsukka.
“The foundation also provided wheelchairs, walking aids, medications, among others to beneficiaries and has treated more than 5,000 patients since the outreach’s commencement.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Enugu, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, commended Okonkwo for using her platform to give back to the society.
Madueke described the actress as a “worthy daughter and ambassador of Enugu”, noting that her initiative was worthy of emulation.
Mrs Ngozika Ugwu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the medical assistance and prayed God to bless and reward the actress for her generosity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the food items include: 500 bags of 10kg rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, cartons of indomie, school bags, children’s clothing among others. (NAN)
Edited by Chukwuemeka Opara/Maureen Atuonwu