Popular Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obinma, on Saturday distributed bags of rice and monthly stipends to over 300 elderly persons in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The beneficiaries, mostly aged 70 and above, also receive a monthly salary from the Cleric, popularly known as Ebube Muonso.
Speaking to journalists after the distribution, Obinma, Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, said the gesture has become routine and is driven by his passion for the elderly.
“I came here today to see the aged and elderly in my community. It has been a routine visit. I cherish old age so much, both my brother priests and lay faithful,” he said.
“All of them, including the priests, are under my monthly salary. I also share foodstuffs to them from time to time. Today, over 300 of them from this community alone are going home with a bag of rice.”
Obinma disclosed plans to visit hospitals next week to settle medical bills totaling N50 million. “For almost four years we’ve been doing this consistently, and it will continue in my lifetime. You can see the smiles radiating in their faces. That’s what gives me joy,” he added.
He urged young people to respect elders to enjoy longevity. “If you want to live long, you must revere the elders. If you want to reach their age, you must respect them, by being kind to them so they can pour their blessings on you.”
“Even though I’m a priest, they’ll pray for me which they’ve always done daily. That’s why I don’t lack. How the money comes I can’t explain. It’s just a testament to the saying, ‘givers never lack,’” Obinma said.
The cleric noted that after the hospital visits, he would observe a period of prayer and fasting. “After the hospital visits, I’ll go to the desert to stay with my God without food. We expect miracles thereafter because we’re serving a miracle-working God.”
The event ended with special prayers by the beneficiaries for the priest, who also blessed them in return.
