The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his friends and associates donated N100 million on Saturday for the annual harvest thanksgiving programme at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The donation was made during the funeral service for the late Eze Nyemenum I of Rumuokwuta, Edward Chinda, held at the church’s Mgbuogba Parish in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Speaking during the funeral service, Mr Wike recalled that the late Mr Chinda, who died at 85, had hoped to participate in the harvest thanksgiving programme to ensure his church group emerged first, but his death cut short the wish.

“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 N100 million,” Mr Wike announced.

The minister also stated that he had close ties with the late monarch through marriage to his aunt. He said Mr Chinda remained actively involved in family affairs and maintained a youthful disposition despite his age.

Mr Wike stated, “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.”

The former governor also stated that he spoke with Mr Chinda during his illness and was hopeful that he would recover, until news of his passing broke.