By Regina Igwebuike
Retired Air Commodore Ify Udoka Menuba, has celebrated the 2025 New Yam Festival and his wife Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba’s birthday anniversary at their Amawbia country home on September 29.
Princess Udoka-Menuba, Founder and CEO of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International, is known for her philanthropic work and dedication to community development. She is the sister of Igwe Maximus Oliobi, the Owelle of Nimo Kingdom.
During the traditional breaking of the kolanut, Nze Mike Nnamah offered heartfelt prayers for peace in Amawbia town, Anambra State, and Nigeria as a whole. He wished the celebrants long life, prosperity, and continued blessings.
Nze Nnamah noted that the New Yam Festival, an important cultural event in Igbo tradition, marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time for thanksgiving to gods and ancestors for a bountiful harvest.
Felicitating with the family, Engr. NzubeChukwu Menuba, said that he is honored to celebrate the New Yam Festival and Princess Dr. Jessie Udoka-Menuba’s birthday. “As a member of the Menuba family, with Ochiagha Global being my paternal uncle, I’m proud to join in the festivities. I wish Princess Jessie a life filled with longevity, prosperity, good health, and divine blessings”. The New Yam Festival is a cherished cultural tradition, symbolizing gratitude to the Almighty for the harvest and acknowledging God’s sovereignty over all accomplishments.
Barr. Michael Okoye, South East coordinator of Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation, celebrated Princess life and works, highlighting her widespread recognition for selfless service.
“The Princess’s philanthropy spans Nigeria and globally, touching lives through initiatives like sponsoring football tournaments to promote youth unity and development. Guided by her philosophy, “It is good to be good,” she has garnered over 92 global awards, including Mother Theresa of the 21st Century and NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the 21st Century.
Barr. Okoye praised her lasting impact, wishing her many more years of healthy celebrations and acknowledging her indelible mark on society.
Hon. Chief Ndubuisi Victor Nwokoye joined in celebrating Nze Udoka-Menuba’s New Yam Festival and Dr. Jessie’s birthday, wishing them long life, good health, and increased prosperity. He prayed for divine blessings and flourishing fortunes not only for the celebrants but also for the journalists and all present, asking God to bless and prosper their endeavors.
Chief Mrs. Gladys Edi who attended the celebration, praised the Princess as a renowned philanthropist. She wished the couple well, praying for the Princess’s long life in good health and for her husband’s continued prosperity. She also expressed gratitude for their contributions to Amawbia.
She further praised the birthday celebrant, Princess Udoka-Menuba, as a remarkable philanthropist with a heart of gold, expressing admiration for the Princess’s impactful work, saying, “What God is doing through her is unimaginable.” Mrs. Edi prayed for God’s continued blessings in the Princess’s new age, wishing her long life, good health, prosperity, divine protection, and fulfillment of God’s purpose in her life.
Mrs. Nonye Nwonu congratulated Princess Udoka-Menuba, hailing her as a philanthropist without equal and a blessing to humanity. She described the Princess as “one in a million,” sharing her personal experience of benefiting from her foundation as a young widow. Mrs. Nwonu prayed that the Princess would continue to reap the rewards of her kindness, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Also during the interview, Miss Chidiebele Igwebuike described the Princess as a trailblazer, amiable, indefatigable and ever ready to lend support. She prayed for the Princess’s continued good health, divine wisdom, and resources to sustain her impactful work, wishing her more years of fruitful service.
Other guests who felicitated with the family expressed gratitude for the sumptuous meals and drinks served, wishing the Udoka-Menubas God’s continued blessings, protection, and favor.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
