Nollywood Actress, Foundation Donate to Widows in Enugu

By Alex Enebeli

NSUKKA— Nollywood actress, Rachel Okonkwo, has donated food items to 500 widows and provided free medical care to more than 5,000 residents of Nsukka, Enugu State.

Okonkwo, popularly known as “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka”, made the donations on Sunday during the eighth edition of her annual Nkoli Mega Carnival Season, held at the Nsukka Central Stadium.

She said the initiative was inspired by her experience of poverty and desire to support vulnerable members of society.

“I came from nothing, didn’t have any legacy to leverage on and did not have any rich uncle or aunt.

“My father died when I was 13 years old. I understand what it means not to have my next meal or school fees,” she said.

Okonkwo said her inability to seek assistance from family members when growing up also influenced her decision to establish the initiative.

“I therefore know what people in my shoes are going through and that made me to start this initiative,” she said.

She said the programme, which usually held on Easter Sunday, was suspended in 2023 because of the rising cost of goods and services.

“The 2026 edition is holding presently after I felt compelled to revive the initiative,” she said.

Okonkwo urged young people not to allow their backgrounds to determine their future, saying resilience, focus and determination could help them succeed.

She said the 2026 edition was particularly significant because it featured a medical outreach for the first time.

“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 to reach thousands of people with free healthcare,” she said.

Mr David Ofogba, Director of Programmes, Franklin Junior Foundation, said the US-based foundation partnered with Okonkwo to provide free healthcare to residents of Nsukka.

Ofogba said the foundation also provided wheelchairs, walking aids and medications to beneficiaries, adding that more than 5,000 patients had so far received treatment since the commencement of the outreach.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Enugu State, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, commended Okonkwo for using her platform to support vulnerable people.

Madueke described the actress as a “worthy daughter and ambassador of Enugu”, saying the 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 Okonkwo for her generosity.

The food items distributed included 500 bags of 10kg rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, cartons of Indomie noodles, school bags and children’s clothing, among others.

The initiative formed part of activities marking the eighth edition of the annual carnival aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and promoting community welfare.