Nollywood actress, Rachael Okonkwo, on Sunday distributed food items to 500 widows and provided free medical care to more than 5,000 patients in Nsukka, Enugu State.
Okonkwo, popularly known as “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka,” made the donations as part of activities marking the eighth edition of her annual “Nkoli Mega Carnival Season” held at the Nsukka Central Stadium.
She said the initiative was inspired by her personal experience of poverty and her desire to support vulnerable people in society.
“I came from nothing, didn’t have any legacy to leverage on and do not have any rich uncle or aunt.
“My father died when I was 13 years old, so I understand what it means not to have my next meal or school fees,” she said.
The actress said her experience of growing up without anyone to turn to for assistance motivated her to start the initiative.
“I therefore know what people in my shoes are going through and that made me start this initiative.
“The programme, which usually holds on Easter Sunday, was suspended in 2023 because of the rising cost of goods and services.
“The 2026 edition is holding presently after I felt compelled to revive the initiative,” she said.
Okonkwo urged young people not to allow their backgrounds to determine their future, saying resilience, focus and determination could help them succeed.
She said the 2026 edition was particularly significant because it was the first time the carnival featured a medical outreach.
“Our partnership with Franklin Junior Foundation enabled the programme to reach thousands of people with free healthcare,” she said.
Mr David Ofogba, Director of Programmes at the US-based Franklin Junior Foundation, said the organisation partnered with Okonkwo to provide free healthcare to residents of Nsukka.
He said the foundation also provided wheelchairs, walking aids and medications to beneficiaries, adding that more than 5,000 patients had been treated since the outreach commenced.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Enugu, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, commended Okonkwo for using her platform to give back to society.
Madueke described the actress as a “worthy daughter and ambassador of Enugu,” noting that her initiative was worthy of emulation.
Mrs Ngozika Ugwu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the medical assistance and prayed that God would bless and reward the actress for her generosity.
The food items distributed included 500 bags of 10kg rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, cartons of Indomie noodles, school bags and children’s clothing, among others.
