By Tobias Ekirika, Onitsha
The President General of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu as part of the activities to end the year in the market dolls out food items and cash worth over #5m naira to Indigent and less privileged in and outside the market as part of activities to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The event, held at the market’s prayer arena, began with a Holy Eucharistic celebration officiated by the Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart Parish, Fegge Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Sampson Ogbuebune.
In his homily, Fr. Sampson emphasized the significance of Christmas as a season of joy and togetherness. He highlighted the communal lifestyle of the Igbo people, urging them to use the period to reconnect with family, share meals, and enjoy the festive season.
He also encouraged individuals to visit their hometowns during Christmas, refrain from living isolated lives, and avoid suspecting their kinsmen of being diabolical. “Reach out to your kinsmen with passion. Stop hiding from them. Contribute to the development of your village and mingle with your relations. Christmas is a time of joy and happiness,” Fr. Sampson stated.
The clergy praised Chief Ochiogu and his team for remembering the poor and vulnerable during the festive season, particularly amidst the prevailing global economic challenges.
Distributing food items to struggling traders and those whose businesses had collapsed, Chief Ochiogu reminded attendees that God is the ultimate source of wealth and prosperity. He encouraged them not to regret their circumstances but to Seeks God Intervention
Speaking to journalists, Chief Ochiogu explained that the purpose of the distribution was to bring happiness to the less privileged and ensure they had something to celebrate with during Christmas.
Chief Bucknor Agu, the Assistant Secretary of the Market, disclosed that stakeholders, patrons, and well-wishers contributed funds and food items for the initiative, with Chief Ochiogu making the largest donation. He noted that the gesture aimed to uplift the poor and vulnerable while supporting Governor Charles Soludo’s administration in Anambra State.
Chief Agu commended Chief Ochiogu’s exemplary leadership, which he said had restored peace and unity in the market. He noted that Chief Ochiogu’s administration had successfully reconciled opposing factions and earned widespread support.
“Today, we held our end-of-year prayer and distributed food items worth over₦5 million to the poor and vulnerable. Additionally, our President-General, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, provided three extra 50kg heavy-duty fire extinguishers. This is in addition to the existing ones, which proved invaluable during a previous fuel tanker explosion,” Chief Agu said.
Food items distributed included yams, rice, tomatoes, onions, instant noodles, and groundnut oil, among others.
Chief Agu concluded by celebrating Chief Ochiogu’s dedication to the market’s welfare, describing him as a talented leader committed to peace and progress.