Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and his friends and associates have donated N100 million to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mgbuogba Parish, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in honour of the late traditional ruler, Sir Edward Chinda, Eze Nyemenum I of Rumuokwuta.
Wike announced the donation on Saturday during the funeral service of the monarch who died at the age of 85, describing him as a humble, dependable and accommodating family man whose commitment to his extended family went beyond ordinary family obligations.
The minister, who was related to the deceased through marriage to his aunt, said Chinda played significant roles in the affairs of the family and maintained an energetic disposition that made it difficult to believe he was already in his eighties.
“There are in-laws, and there are in-laws. When he was alive, there was nothing that affected my family that he would not play a role in.
“In fact, I was surprised when I read that he was 85 years old because you would not know he was up to that age. He was very humble and easy-going,” Wike said.
He recalled his longstanding relationship with the late monarch, including their political association during his bid for the chairmanship of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Wike also disclosed that he had spoken with Chinda while he was ill and had remained hopeful of his recovery until he received news of his death.
Explaining the reason for the N100 million donation, the minister said it was partly to fulfil the late monarch’s wish to participate in the church’s annual harvest thanksgiving and ensure that his group emerged first.
“On behalf of all of us, our friends, and associates who came here today, and in fulfilment of the harvest the traditional ruler could not participate in so that his group would take first and make him happy, we will support the church with N100 million,” he announced.
Wike also expressed satisfaction with the growth of the parish, observing that the church had expanded to more than 20 times the capacity he remembered during his last visit over two decades ago.
Earlier in his sermon, titled “Life is Short Compared to Eternity”, the Supervisor and Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Gideon Genka, urged Christians to live with eternity in view, reminding the congregation that earthly life was temporary, regardless of how long an individual lived.
Genka commended Wike for his peace-building efforts in Rivers State and his concern for people working with him, describing the minister as a good leader who looked out for his followers.
He described the late Chinda as a distinguished traditional ruler, committed servant of God and advocate of peace, whose humility, wisdom and dedication to the development of Rumuokwuta and humanity would remain part of his enduring legacy.
The funeral service attracted family members, traditional rulers, clergy, political associates and other dignitaries, who gathered at the parish to pay their last respects to the late monarch.