By Regina Igwebuike :
The Founder of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International and a multi-award winning Philanthropist, Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba (nee Oliobi), had celebrated two years anniversary in memory of her late son, Atty/Barr. Akeem Joseph, launched the Royal Golden Boys (RGBs) appreciated some persons and empowered indigents too.
Late Barr. Akeem was born on Nov. 12, 1986 and died on Sept. 1, 2022.
The event, which took place at the Amawbia Town Hall on Aug. 31, 2024 was gracefully attended by all walks of life, including the Member Representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly under Labour Party (LP), Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, Head of the Crime Unit, Awka, Mrs Adedeji, Hausa community in Amawbia, Crown Prince College of Bishops Int’l, Sickle cell group and Umuada Nimo married into Amawbia.
Late Barr. Akeem’s mother, Princess Udoka-Menuba is the only sister of Igwe Maximus Ikechukwu Oliobi (Ezechinyelu1), Owelle Nimo Community in Njikoka LGA and is married to Rtd Air Commodore Ify Udoka-Menuba from Oguluwa kindred, Adabebe village, Amawbia, Anambra State.
Prof. Orogbu extolled the Princess for touching lives in diversified ways without barrier, praying for the continuous repose of Akeem’s soul.
She also thanked Amawbia women married from other communities “Ugosimba” for standing behind their own, explaining that she loved them all and what they are doing in Amawbia, emphasizing that no woman will be discriminated, praying that the community will be liberated with their collective efforts to build Amawbia of their dream.
The Prof. while thanking the menfolk for their support, promised that in due time, they will reap the result of what they have been doing in Abuja.
Unveiling the Royal Golden Boys, the group President, Michael U Okoye, said that the founder, late Barr. Akeem Joseph, an astute legal practitioner in the United States of America, during his life time after a meticulous consideration of how to give back to humanity and save the human race from intimidation, oppression came up with the idea of floating the RGBs.
Barr. Okoye said that the idea behind the group is to form the League of Male Gender with no age restriction, poised to give to humanity, uphold the neighborhood principle and serve as watchdogs to government and public office holders for them act within the tenet of their portfolio.
“This non rivalry, nonprofit organization has global outreach in the Caribbean, North America and South America. History is being made today as the Royal Golden Boys is being launched in Amawbia, the first of its kind in Africa.
“This inauguration undoubtedly is a partial fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations of late Barr. Akeem whom if not for the ill-fated death that came calling in life early, would have been here as he had made provisions to relocate from United States of America to Nigeria for the sole purpose of floating this Noble Association, fighting for the right of the downtrodden and alleviating the plights of the less privileged.”
According to him, it is interesting to note that the founder chose the word ‘Boys’ so as to inculcate the virtue of humility in members who are expected to live by the code at all times. He prayed that they will tenaciously uphold the objectives of RGBs, impact on the lives of the people and continue to build bridges.
Speaking on appreciation and empowerment, Barr. Okoye, who is also member Board of Trustees and Southeast Coordinator, Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation Int’l explained that the Princess, who is passionate about the son, used the event also to empower some individuals and made cash gifts to those who have been with her through thick and thin, thanking God that the memorial was a huge success.
Nze Ifeanyichukwu Okoye said that late Akeem was the brain behind Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International and Royal Golden Boys, noting that he was a born philanthropist.
“He was a man with outstanding qualities, very altruistic to giving back to the society in ways that mattered.
“His death was unique as he knew he would die shortly and wrote his Will before his demise; a human activist.”
In an interview shortly after the event, Nze Okoye acknowledged that the event was very successful and well organized, thanking God for the successful memorial of Akeem Joseph.
He also thanked the Principal, Princess Udoka-Menuba, describing her as a strong woman with character and heart of gold, noting that a lot of people were touched and empowered.
Archbishop Moses Chinedum Ezeh, presiding Archbishop Crown Prince College of Bishop Int’l in an interview said that the event was classic, a memorable day too.
“Infact, I felt for my big brother Akeem, though he was no more but I know he is in good faith in the hand of God Almighty.
“Today, the event has taught us so much in the history of man to learn how to be assisting one another, be productive and proactive in most things we are doing because our brother Akeem planned his life for his departure so I pray that everyone here should emulate him.
“For the Princess, she is a wonderful lady, the Lord is with her, championing this very cause and I know that the Lord will continue using her to unite Amawbia together under this platform. Infact, she has brought a revolution in Amawbia and everybody is thinking in the right perspective. The Lord will continue supporting her in this mission.”
Mrs Chinyere Nwufo, the immediate past President General’s wife noted that the event generated lots of entertainment, describing the Princess as a great woman without equal and a philanthropist per excellent.
The likes of Sarki Mamod Sani, Lady Rita Odumodu and other beneficiaries in their respective speeches thanked the Princess for her humanitarian aid in Amawbia and environ, noting that she has lifted many from dungeon, acknowleding that such gesture is unprecedented.
They also thanked the organizers of the event for making it a success.
Lecture on Empowering Nigerian Youths Through Understanding The Dangers Of Drug Abuse And Building Resilience For A Healthy Future by Dr Anyaorah, Words of admonition by Prof. Ifeoma Nnaemeka from Psychology Department, UNIZIK Awka and Raffle draw added glamour to the event.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
