Sunday, January 12, 2025, was a memorable day in Enugwu Ukwu as Akweke Dr. Francis Chidozie Okoye (popularly known as Oyi Umunri) commemorated the 20th memorial of his late father, Chief Patrick Sunday Nkemdilim-Okoye (Ezekwesili Enugwu Ukwu Na Umunri).
The event, which began with a thanksgiving service, honored the life and legacy of Chief Okoye, who passed away on December 18, 2004, at the age of 56. Born in March 1948, Chief Okoye was remembered as a community leader whose impact continues to inspire his family and the community.
In a remarkable gesture to immortalize his father’s legacy, Dr. Okoye unveiled The Ezekwesili Okoye Foundation. The foundation, established in honor of Chief Patrick Okoye, aims to support rural women and youth through annual empowerment initiatives.
As part of the foundation’s first outreach, 16 rural women at Nkwo Market, Enugwu Ukwu, were each presented with ₦30,000 in cash to kickstart or expand their small-scale businesses.
This initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Okoye expressed gratitude to everyone who joined in the celebration and shared his vision for the foundation. “This is just the beginning of a legacy of giving back to society. My father was a man of the people, and through this foundation, we aim to carry forward his values of generosity and community development,” he said.
The event was well-attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, who praised the initiative and lauded Dr. Okoye’s commitment to uplifting lives in honor of his father’s memory.
The beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support, describing it as a life-changing gesture.
As the Ezekwesili Okoye Foundation begins its journey, it promises to create lasting impacts on the lives of rural women and youth in the community.
May the soul of Chief Patrick Sunday Nkemdilim-Okoye continue to rest in peace.
