Arochukwu, Nigeria—
Hon. Mary Ikoku, founder of the Mary Ikoku Foundation, celebrated her birthday this weekend with a series of events in her ancestral home, Arochukwu.
The festivities aimed to honour and engage with the local community, particularly the grassroots, disabled, widows, and the poor.
The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving service at Winners Chapel, Arochukwu, followed by a birthday reception at her residence. Ikoku expressed her gratitude and joy, stating, “I went to Aro to celebrate with the grassroots. Celebrated with members of the Mary Ikoku Foundation, the disabled, widows, and the poor and vulnerable.”
The event featured various acts of appreciation and entertainment. Members of the foundation presented Mrs. Ikoku with a traditional gift of ‘akwa jooji’. The youth wing, known as Mary’s Angels, performed a special birthday song, while Madam Iheme (Cassette Nwanyi) delighted attendees with a traditional praise rendition known as Nkui.
Heartfelt tributes from the less privileged, the blind, and the disabled highlighted Mrs. Ikoku’s unwavering support and care.
The Aka Ajaja women, a group of female farmers from the foundation, presented vegetables from their farm to Mrs. Ikoku. The coordinator of the foundation and leader of the Aka Ajaja Women Farmers praised Ikoku’s vision for the farm, which has empowered many grassroots women to become self-sufficient.
Mrs. Ikoku extended gifts to guests, including rice, beans, and wrappers, for the widows, the less privileged, and those living with disabilities.
Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, speaking on behalf of the grassroots women, lauded Mrs. Ikoku as “the embodiment of a true matriarch,” and praised her guidance and support. Dame Nnennaya Ogumike, Secretary of the Mary Ikoku Foundation, emphasized Mrs. Ikoku’s selflessness and transformative impact on the community.
Chinyere Nweke, representing the less privileged, thanked Mrs. Ikoku for her unwavering generosity, while Mazi Sam Okoroafor and Ms. Chinonso Nwosu from the disabled community expressed gratitude for her advocacy and support. Mrs. Nkechi Nwosu, speaking for vulnerable members, and Ogechi Okeke, also praised Mrs. Ikoku’s kindness and compassion.
Mrs. Ikoku’s mother, Mrs. Ugwuezi Priscillia Okereke shared anecdotes of her daughter’s lifelong generosity and dedication to helping others. She recalled instances of young Mary’s acts of kindness and her continuous efforts to support the community.
In closing, Mrs. Ikoku called for donations and support for the Mary Ikoku Foundation, thanking all who joined in the celebration.
