From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The new traditional ruler of Edem-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government, Enugu State, Igwe Samuel Asadu, is planning something novel. His free food bank would soon be up and running.
He said in Nsukka on August 11, 2022, after receiving certificate of recognition: “I’m constructing a multi-million naira food bank where members of my community especially those who cannot afford a square meal will come and have free meal on daily basis. Plans are on to complete the building in coming months and the project will take off immediately. My plan is that the public kitchen will continue to run as long as I am alive.
“I noticed that we have a lot of poor people here. Most of them are farmers who struggle on daily basis to put food on the table. I felt that God has blessed my family and I. With my family’s support, I decided to put up the food bank as a way of giving back to the society.
“Our target is that food will be served to anybody who is hungry in the community, At least 100 plates of food will be available per square. Natives are entitled to two square meals everyday.
“It is a legacy that I want to leave. I have lived in a country where food is not a problem. But down here, I found out that some old people don’t have people taking care of them.
“Throughout my stay in the United States of America, all the money I made there is from sick people. I am a nurse and I run a business of healthcare. I know what it means to take good care of others. That is the reason my interest is always on health care.”
The monarch was recently elected unopposed by the community. Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Egumgbe, presented him the certificate: “The holy books said when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice.
“That is exactly what the atmosphere is like in my community right now. We are grateful to the governor for his approval and my recognition as the traditional ruler of this ancient community.”
Igwe Asadu pledged to build on the existing protocol, peace and love in the community: “My reign will witness lots of good things for the benefit and development of my people and community.
“I will work in consonance with the members of the town union to ensure that the community is secured. We will reach out to sons and daughters of Edem-Ani community abroad to make them think home and see how they can contribute their quota in the development of the area.”
An indigene of the area, Patrick Ugwu, reacted: “It was because of his love and his philanthropic gestures to the community that the people unanimously elected him as their traditional ruler.
“This is a man who lives and works in faraway America, but he has so much love for the community. He built and equipped a modern hospital for the community, which people access free of charge.
“He sunk many boreholes in the community and built houses for some widows. He equipped the community neighbourhood watch operational vehicles, motorcycles and other security gadgets. He also empowered many members of the community among others.”
Onyemaechi Ezema, also known as ‘MC Wakete’ said: “Igwe Asadu is a blessing to our community and that is why he’s enjoying the support of everybody, his reign will no doubt transform our community to a small London because he’s a man who derives joy in doing something that will benefit others for free. I have personally benefited a lot from him.”