- You remind us that wealth finds its highest value when it becomes a channel of transformation. — Amb. San Obi
By Ebube Jude Yeolawa
Ukwu-Nzu was abuzz with excitement and admiration as Chief (Engr.) Kelvin Uche Okolie, the Onwa N’etili Ora of Ukwu-Nzu, demonstrated an unprecedented level of philanthropy to his community.
In what has been described as an extraordinary act of generosity, Chief Okolie made a monumental announcement, pledging N20 million towards church development. He allocated N10 million each to Bethel Anglican Church and the Redeemed Christian Church of God, both located in Ukwu-Nzu. Additionally, he donated N10 million each to seven individuals with aspirations to pursue opportunities abroad, fulfilling a pledge he made during his chieftaincy investiture.
“I made a promise on the day I was bestowed with this title to sponsor seven youths to travel abroad,” Chief Okolie shared. “The goal is for them to experience better lives, return home, and hopefully contribute to the development of our community.”
This announcement came just two hours after Chief Okolie’s donation of over N25 million for youth empowerment, where 50 young people received N500,000 each as business support.
Ambassador Prince San Obi, a renowned community leader, praised the philanthropic gesture, calling it transformational. “Ukwu-Nzu has never experienced such generosity,” he said. “This is a welcome development and one that will undoubtedly change the future of this community.”
Amb. Obi continued, “Throughout the history of our beloved Ukwu-Nzu, there comes a time when the heart of a man beats so loudly with compassion that the entire land feels its rhythm. Today, with profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate Chief Kelvin Uche Okolie-Akiah, whose deeds speak louder than any title. His generosity has rewritten the story of community empowerment, and his heart for humanity mirrors the very nature of God.”
He further remarked, “Chief Okolie, you have proven that true greatness is not found in possessions but in purpose; not in wealth accumulated, but in lives transformed. Your benevolence — from empowering 50 Ukwu-Nzu residents with ₦500,000 each, to your ₦10,000,000 donation to the Anglican Church, another ₦10,000,000 to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the ₦70,000,000 sponsorship fund for seven individuals to travel abroad — these are not mere gifts; they are legacies of love, seeds of hope, and living proof of the transformative power of giving.”
“You have reminded us that wealth reaches its highest value when it is used to bring about change. Through your selfless acts, you’ve restored faith in leadership, inspired confidence in the younger generation, and shown that the true strength of a community lies not in the noise of its people, but in the actions of its noble sons and daughters.”
“Your name, Onwanetilora, meaning ‘the light that shines for others to see,’ is not just a title — it is a prophecy fulfilled. You have become a beacon of hope and a model of selfless service for generations yet unborn.”
In a separate comment, Mr. Chuka June expressed deep appreciation for Chief Okolie’s extraordinary generosity. “Donating such a large sum is no small feat,” he said. “It shows a heart that truly cares about the growth and well-being of the people. I am deeply grateful for the positive impact this will have on the community.”
Enunwa Japhet also commended the gesture, saying, “We have never witnessed anything like this in our community. No politically exposed individual has ever undertaken such a level of philanthropy. The execution of this project can only be attributed to divine providence. May God bless you abundantly for this rare act of kindness.”
Impeccable Newton, deeply moved by the generosity, described Chief Okolie as “an angel in human form.” He said, “This philanthropy has left me gasping for breath, with tears of gratitude streaming down my face. This is the kind of legacy we will pass on to our ancestors when our time comes.”
“This is a declaration of war against negativity. A new Ukwu-Nzu is possible with a shift in attitude and by embracing the philosophy that charity begins at home.”
