By Foster Akpore
OROGUN— In a vibrant display of philanthropy and grassroots leadership, the family of Adjerese Oghene-Meshach Anuku, an APC leader and respected figure in Orogun Kingdom, empowered over 500 women at the Adjerese Women Empowerment Programme for Orogun Ward One, held on Saturday, 26th April, 2025.
The programme opened with a solemn prayer by Evangelist Ogbajini Ogbajini, who committed the event to God’s hands. He prayed for God’s blessings, good health, and greater strength for Adjerese, praising his selfless spirit in bringing joy to the community despite not being the wealthiest or smartest. Evangelist Ogbajini also prayed for the children of the beneficiaries to emulate Adjerese’s good deeds and called on God to frustrate any evil plots against him.
Speaking during the event, which took place at The Seat of Adjerese in Orogun Main Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Anuku reaffirmed that giving back to his community is a core part of his life’s philosophy, not driven by political considerations.
“My way of life has always been to give back to the society where I grew up. So, nothing actually motivated me in particular, other than the desire to give back,” Anuku said. “It is simply my time to give back to the community, and I do so from time to time.”
In a show of gratitude, Anuku specially thanked his wife, Dr. Mrs. Anuku, for being a dependable pillar of support in his life and philanthropic journey. He also expressed profound appreciation to the beneficiaries for their unwavering support to the Obarisi of Urhobo Land, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJI, and urged them to continue their steadfast support for him and for Obarisi, whose leadership, according to Anuku, has greatly impacted the Urhobo nation.
Anuku warmly welcomed recent defectors from the PDP into the APC family, emphasizing the need for unity and continued prayers for the success of the party and its leaders.
The political mood at the event was further energized as Chief Pius Ovbije (POC) declared it a new dawn for the APC in Delta State. He praised the resilience of old APC members, noting that their steadfastness had been rewarded as the PDP “abandoned their house” and sought refuge in the APC. Chief POC urged everyone to embrace the opportunity, assuring them that the APC represents hope, progress, and a future they can proudly believe in.
While distributing financial empowerment packages worth millions of naira to the beneficiaries, Anuku advised the women to put the funds to good use, stressing that the empowerment initiative was designed to improve their standard of living.
“Even if it might seem like a token, I advise them to grow it and build a better living from it,” he said.
Despite his political affiliations, Anuku was quick to clarify that his philanthropic gestures are not politically motivated.
“When I give, I do so as a leader and as a human being, not because I am an APC leader or of any other political affiliation. My giving is simply my nature,” he emphasized.
The event attracted an array of political and community leaders, including Hon. Matthew Omonade, Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, Chief Ken Enwefah, Dr. Mrs. Anuku, Chief Andrew Oviri, Hon. Felix Ogbajini, Hon. Eliot Odiushovwi, Hon. Ebu Joe, Friday Adugbo, Ochuko Ugeh, Magistrate Esade, Hon. Ben Kaine, Captain Newman Akpore, Foster Akpore, Mrs. Edith Osawota, Alex Onemu, Emmanuel Apinoko, Ovoke Oteri, Chief Okpowe, Mrs. Edeki, Onome Oruese, Reuben Imonisa, Bishop Osogba, Monday Okotie, Innocent Iyede, and Ejime Oriavwote, among others.
Commending Anuku’s generosity, Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade, Member representing Ughelli North Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, said:
“At a time when many find it difficult to extend love, Adjerese reached out to our mothers from his own personal resources. Our prayer is that Almighty God will continue to bless him and enlarge his coast.”
Similarly, Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, President-General of Orogun Kingdom, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support received, while calling for continuous prayers for blessings and protection upon Adjerese and his family.
For the hundreds of women who benefited, it was a season of smiles and gratitude, as they hailed Adjerese for putting food on their tables this Easter and restoring hope in their households.
One of the beneficiaries, Peace Benedict Ubuara from Idjerhe-Orogun, Unit 10, said: “I am really privileged to be part of the over 500 persons who benefited from the Adjerese empowerment. A very big thanks to him. May God bless him, provide for him, and increase him in all aspects of life, in Jesus’ name. Thank you, Sir.”
The empowerment program is widely seen as a strong signal of Adjerese’s enduring commitment to community upliftment and a living testimony that leadership rooted in compassion remains a powerful force for transformation.