Anambra: Christ the King College Old Boys Empower Members with N6.6M
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The Christ the King College Old Boys Association (CKCOBA), Class of 1998, has empowered five of its members with a total of ₦6.6 million to either start new businesses or support existing ones.
Each beneficiary received a cheque of ₦1.33 million.
Speaking at the event held on the premises of Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Anambra State, the association’s president, Mr. Anietonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, said that the group initially aimed to raise ₦10 million but had to work with the ₦6.6 million eventually realized.
He noted that one of the recipients had suffered a major loss, including the destruction of his shop in Lagos and an accident involving his vehicle, leading to significant financial setbacks. Another recipient, according to Ajulufo, faced serious health challenges that depleted his business capital.
“We organized this empowerment fundraising for five of our classmates. Since 2015, when we formally regrouped, we have carried out such initiatives every year,”
“What makes this year unique is that we selected five beneficiaries,the highest number we’ve supported in a single year. Previously, we supported two or three members annually.”Ajulufo said.
Ajulufo outlined the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries, stating, “Once someone identifies as a member and presents a verifiable need, we review their contributions in terms of talent, treasure, and time. That’s what determines eligibility.”
He added, “If you haven’t given money, that’s understandable,everyone’s financial situation is different. But you can still serve in leadership or committee roles. Some members haven’t missed any of our events in the past ten years, while others who live in Onitsha have never attended. These actions influence our decisions.”
In his opening remarks, Ajulufo advised the beneficiaries to invest wisely in ventures with high returns, such as foodstuff businesses, rather than waiting for large capital to start big.
“There are small-scale businesses that can multiply this money beyond imagination in a year. Look inward, identify opportunities, find a good location, and everything will fall into place,” he said.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to involve their wives, many of whom are excellent business managers.
Acknowledging that some past beneficiaries mismanaged their funds due to poor planning, Ajulufo announced that a business advisory committee had been established to guide the new recipients.
“The committee will ensure they understand their chosen businesses and invest wisely so the funds can grow,” “We pray they use the money judiciously and fulfill the intentions of those who contributed.”he explained.
Ajulufo emphasized that the core objective of the association is to promote the welfare and financial stability of its members. He said the empowerment event was intentionally held at CKC, their alma mater, to inspire unity and visibility.
“We also reach out to prisons and orphanages. We believe in giving back to society,” he added.
He commended members of the CKC ’98 set for their unwavering support and prayed that God replenishes the sources of all who donated to uplift their peers.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Maxwell Ngige, expressed gratitude to the association and praised Ajulufo for his leadership.
He pledged to invest the money in his existing business, noting that the support would significantly improve his standard of living.
Rev. Fr. Jude Nwora, a member of the association and a priest with the Onitsha Archdiocesan Tribunal, urged the beneficiaries to put the funds to productive use.
“Our collective intention is to lift our members out of poverty,” he said.
Speaking on the Church’s role in supporting the vulnerable, Fr. Nwora stated, “The Church is a mother to both the rich and the poor. The Catholic Church, particularly in the Onitsha Archdiocese under Archbishop Valerian Okeke, is committed to empowering youth through meaningful, purpose-driven education.”
