In a significant act of seasonal charity, the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural organization in Cross River State, Hon. Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, has distributed food items worth millions of naira to more than one thousand residents of Calabar.
A Gesture Rooted in Personal Thanksgiving
The distribution event took place on December 23, 2025, at the former De-Choice Fast Food premises in Calabar. Beneficiaries, who received bags of rice and other essential condiments, were drawn from Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas. The outreach notably cut across ethnic lines, extending to Igbo indigenes from the five southeastern states, as well as the Hausa and Yoruba communities residing in the city.
Chief Egwuonwu, who is also the Chairman and CEO of AC Peterson Electronic Company Limited, revealed that his philanthropy was driven by a profound desire to give back to God. He shared a poignant story of his humble beginnings and a recent health scare that shaped his commitment.
"When I was about 10 years old, my father's house was the headquarters of poverty in my community," he recalled. "But God changed the narrative." He detailed a serious illness about two years prior that baffled medical experts despite his resources to seek help globally.
"In the midst of that battle, I made a vow to God," Egwuonwu explained. "I said, 'God, if I remain alive and regain my health, I will feed 1000 people, build a church from the foundation to completion, and donate five cows as a thanksgiving offering.'" He stated that he fulfilled the cow donation pledge last year and was now fulfilling the promise to feed a thousand people, even expanding it to 2,500 beneficiaries.
Commendations for Inclusive Philanthropy and Peaceful Coexistence
The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Non-Indigene Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, praised the event as embodying the true spirit of Christmas sharing. He commended Egwuonwu for complementing the state government's people-oriented initiatives and for ensuring the palliatives benefited a diverse mix of residents, including Cross Riverians, Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, and Akwa Ibomites.
"Peterson may not be the richest, but he is copying the right spirit," Maduekwe noted, urging others to emulate the gesture. He encouraged beneficiaries to further share the items with their neighbours.
Chief Egwuonwu also expressed deep appreciation to the people and government of Cross River State. "We no longer feel like strangers here," he said, acknowledging the peaceful and conducive business environment for non-indigenes. He added that under his leadership, no cases of harassment against Igbo persons have been reported, pointing to positive changes in the state.
Family Support and Community Gratitude
The philanthropist's wife, Mrs. Charity Chukwuemeka, an indigene of Cross River State, framed the outreach as a tangible thanksgiving for her husband's survival. "You cannot take money to heaven to thank God; it is by touching human lives that you show gratitude," she asserted, calling on Nigerians to embrace peace and generosity despite national challenges.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Geraldine Madueke from the Owelle Court Community, described Chief Egwuonwu as a man of impeccable character, especially in almsgiving. She thanked him for remembering Calabar residents and offered prayers for God's blessings upon him and his family.
Chief Egwuonwu further disclosed that he has been conducting a similar charitable exercise in his home village for the past nine years, with the current year's edition scheduled for December 24. He concluded with prayers for Governor Bassey Otu, his wife, and other top government officials, cementing his message of hope and communal prosperity.
