The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside his friends and associates, has donated N100 million to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mgbuogba Parish, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, towards its annual harvest thanksgiving programme.
The donation was announced on Saturday during the funeral service of the late Eze Nyemenum I of Rumuokwuta, Edward Chinda, who died at the age of 85. The service was held at the church in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Wike explained that the donation was made in honour of the late traditional ruler, who had looked forward to participating in the church’s annual harvest thanksgiving but died before the programme.
According to the minister, the late monarch was particularly committed to ensuring that his church group emerged first during the harvest celebration.
Wike said the financial support was a way of fulfilling Chinda’s wish and bringing happiness to his memory.
He stated, “On behalf of all of us, our friends, and associates who came here today, and in fulfilment of the harvest the traditional ruler could not participate in so that his group would take first and make him happy, we will support the church with N100 million.”
The FCT minister also disclosed that he shared a close family relationship with the deceased, who was married to his aunt.
He described Chinda as a humble, easy-going and family-oriented individual who remained actively involved in family affairs despite his advanced age.
Wike expressed surprise upon learning that the late traditional ruler was 85, noting that his youthful appearance and disposition made it difficult to believe he was that old.
“There are in-laws, and there are in-laws. When he was alive, there was nothing that affected my family that he would not play a role in.
“In fact, I was surprised when I read that he was 85 years old because you would not know he was up to that age. He was very humble and easy-going,” he said.
The minister further recalled speaking with Chinda during his illness, expressing optimism that he would recover. However, he said he was saddened by the news of the monarch’s death.
