The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his friends and associates have donated ₦100 million to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mgbuogba Parish, Port Harcourt, in honour of the late traditional ruler of Rumuokwuta, Sir Edward Chinda, the Eze Nyemenum I.
Wike announced the donation during the funeral service of the 85-year-old monarch, held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the church in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The donation is intended to support the church’s annual harvest thanksgiving, which the late monarch had eagerly anticipated attending before his death.
Speaking at the service, Wike described Sir Chinda as a humble, easy-going and dependable family man whose contributions to the welfare of his extended family went beyond ordinary family obligations.
The minister, who disclosed that his relationship with the deceased was through marriage to his aunt, said the late monarch was deeply involved in the affairs of his extended family and maintained a youthful disposition that belied his age.
“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 also recalled his political association with the late monarch during his campaign for the chairmanship of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, noting that Sir Chinda had remained supportive of him.
Wike further disclosed that he had spoken with the traditional ruler during his illness and had remained optimistic about his recovery until he received news of his death.
Explaining the reason for the donation, the former Rivers State governor said the late monarch had looked forward to participating in the church’s annual harvest thanksgiving, particularly to ensure that his church group emerged first.
According to him, the ₦100 million contribution was a way of fulfilling that wish and honouring the deceased’s commitment to the church.
“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 ₦100 million,” he announced.
Wike also expressed admiration for the growth of the parish, observing that its capacity had expanded more than 20-fold since his last visit over two decades ago.
Earlier, in a sermon titled “Life Is Short Compared to Eternity”, the Supervisor and Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Gideon Genka, reminded the congregation of the fragility and unpredictability of human existence.
He urged Christians to live purposeful lives with eternity in view, stressing that earthly life must eventually come to an end, irrespective of how long an individual lives.
The cleric also commended Wike for his peace-building efforts in Rivers State and his concern for the welfare of his followers, describing him as a good leader.
Genka paid tribute to the late Sir Chinda, describing him as a distinguished traditional ruler, committed servant of God and man of peace whose humility, wisdom and dedication to the development of Rumuokwuta and humanity would remain enduring legacies.
The funeral service attracted family members, traditional rulers, clergymen, political associates and other dignitaries who gathered to pay their final respects to the departed monarch.
The donation and tributes formed part of the activities marking the final farewell to the traditional ruler, whose influence within his family, church and Rumuokwuta community was acknowledged by speakers at the service.
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