Celebrating Nneka Chidoka’s Legacy: Empowering Women and Breaking Poverty Cycles
As the world mourns the loss of Nneka Chidoka, a former primary school teacher and advocate for women’s empowerment, her children continue to honor her legacy through the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program. The program, established in her memory, has recently empowered ten female small business owners with N100,000 grants, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support women and promote early cancer diagnosis.
The gesture was made to celebrate Chidoka’s 76th posthumous birthday, a day that would have marked her milestone age. Osita Chidoka, her first son and a former minister of Aviation, announced the grants, calling on female entrepreneurs running small businesses with a team of 2 to 5 staff, operating from their homes or small shops, and with a daily turnover of less than N100,000 to signify interest.
The response was overwhelming, with over 50 women sharing their stories. Ten women were selected and awarded N100,000 each to grow their businesses, with one of the recipients, Nkechi Eze, a small-scale fashion designer, expressing her gratitude, saying, "This support is a dream come true for me. It’s not just about the money; it’s about knowing someone believes in me and my business."
The Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program has made significant strides in cancer awareness, screening, advocacy, and intervention. Over 2,000 women have been screened for cancer, with more than 60 women receiving free surgeries. The program has also provided treatment for over 1,000 persons with various ailments, including distributing corrective eyeglasses to improve vision.
In addition to its primary focus on cancer awareness, the program also supports the educational development of young people. During her memorial service, the program paid school fees for over 500 students in Obosi, ensuring that young people in her community could continue their schooling with less burden on their parents. This initiative reflects Chidoka’s lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.
"The program is more than just a charity. It reflects our mother’s core values – a belief in the strength of community, the importance of education, and the need for accessible healthcare," said Mr. Chidoka.
The outreach program’s efforts have been remarkable, and its legacy continues to inspire and empower women and young people in her community. As a testament to her boundless strength and compassion, Chidoka’s children will continue to honor her memory through the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program, breaking poverty cycles and promoting education, healthcare, and community development.
