By Regina Igwebuike
It was joy overflowing at #1 Arinze Anyadiegwu Street, Adabebe Village, Amawbia, as the Ralph Arinze Anyadiegwu Foundation (RAAF) once again brought smiles and hope to the faces of the less privileged through its annual Christmas outreach.
In line with its heartfelt motto, “Feed My Sheep” (John 21:15–17), the foundation delivered both spiritual nourishment and material support to indigents from Amawbia and surrounding communities. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, gratitude, and the unmistakable spirit of love that defines the season.
The Founder, Raphael Arinze Anyadiegwu, speaking with humility and passion, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to touching lives.
“This is our 15th year of doing this. Since 2010, I have carried out this outreach consistently and solely through personal sacrifice and commitment. No government, agency, or individual has funded or supported this project. It’s purely out of love for humanity,” he said.
The foundation caters to widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, the homeless, struggling students, youths, and vulnerable families, offering them a reason to celebrate despite life’s challenges.
Items distributed included: 50kg & 25kg bags of rice, High-quality clothes (wrappers), tomatoes, salt, Cash gifts/envelopes for youth, students and children.
The event was not just about giving, it was a celebration of compassion, resilience, and community spirit. Attendees sang, prayed, danced, and shared testimonies of how the foundation has impacted their lives over the years.
RAAF continues to stand as a beacon of hope, reminding the world that one man’s genuine love can uplift an entire community.
Mrs Josephine Anaekwe, one of the beneficiaries advised all to be honest, upright, and God-fearing in all that they do.
“I am the woman whom the market building at Ekeoyibo Amawbia fell on, and I stand here today by the grace of God. My message to Arinze is simple. He is truly blessed by God. I believe that through my survival, God is using me as a testimony to prove the innocence and goodness of this man.
“I plead with everyone here: trust in God. There is absolutely nothing He cannot do. Let us have faith, stand for the truth, and support those who do good, like Arinze.”
Mrs. Ebele Onuorah, another grateful beneficiary, poured heartfelt encomiums on the benefactor, saying: “My prayer is that God will abundantly bless him and his entire family. May He continue to uplift him, grant him long life, good health, and the strength to keep reaching out to those in need. What he’s doing is rare and deeply appreciated”.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Tochukwu Ezeh of Nsukka Diocese, who officiated the Holy Mass at the outreach, shared a touching testimony during an interview. He said that he once lived in Arinze Anyadiegwu’s home during his apostolic work as a seminarian in 2023.
“This is my first time back here since my ordination, and it’s heartwarming to see the love and generosity flowing through this family. They are lovely, and today reaffirms that they are still willing to help others, which is one of God’s greatest commandments: to love and care for the needy.”
Fr. Ezeh described Arinze as a man of deep compassion, noting how he treated him like family during his stay.
“Arinze showed me genuine love and brotherhood. He’s someone who consistently puts others first and lives out the values of selflessness and charity.”
He offered prayers for continued blessings, praying God to give Arinze the grace to do even more in the coming years. What Arinze is doing today will echo in eternity.”
The benefactor’s mother, Lady Florence Anyadiegwu, expressed deep gratitude to God for the success of the outreach and the life of her son, Raphael Arinze Anyadiegwu.
“I thank God in the highest for the gift of life. May all He created give Him praise,” she said with joy. Overwhelmed with emotion, she added, “I’m as happy as a child today. This event’s success fills my heart with joy. If my husband were alive to witness this, it would have made the moment even more special.”
She prayed for more grace and prosperity upon her son and his foundation, acknowledging that the success of the entire outreach was not by human strength but by divine intervention.
“All glory belongs to God. He alone made today possible, and to Him be all the praise. Amen.”
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
