Nollywood actress Rachel Okonkwo has revived her annual Carnival in Nsukka, Enugu State, supporting 500 widows with food items and providing free medical care to more than 5,000 patients.
Nollywood actress and philanthropist Rachel Okonkwo, popularly known as “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka,” has revived her annual Mega Carnival with a major humanitarian outreach that supported 500 widows and provided free medical care to more than 5,000 patients in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The eighth edition of the Nkoli Mega Carnival Season was held at the Nsukka Central Stadium on Sunday, August 30, 2026, combining entertainment with food distribution, healthcare and support for vulnerable members of society. The initiative marks the return of the carnival after a suspension linked to rising costs.
Okonkwo distributed food items to 500 widows, while a medical outreach organised in partnership with the US-based Franklin Junior Foundation provided free healthcare services to thousands of residents.
The actress said the initiative was inspired by her personal experience of poverty and hardship while growing up.
“I came from nothing. I didn’t have any legacy to leverage on, and I didn’t have any rich uncle or aunt,” she said.
Okonkwo recalled losing her father at the age of 13, saying the experience gave her a deep understanding of the struggles faced by people living without financial security.
She said her background motivated her to establish the initiative to provide hope and practical support for people facing similar circumstances.
“I therefore know what people in my shoes are going through, and that made me start this initiative,” she said.
The Mega Carnival with Nkoli Nwa Nsukka has grown over the years into a community-focused outreach programme combining entertainment, empowerment and humanitarian assistance.
Okonkwo has previously said she started the initiative in 2015 to create opportunities and provide support for young people, children, widows and other vulnerable groups.
She explained that the programme, traditionally associated with Easter celebrations, was suspended in 2023 because of the rising cost of goods and services but was revived in 2026.
The actress urged young people not to allow their backgrounds or difficult circumstances to determine their future, stressing that resilience, focus and determination could help them overcome challenges.
Okonkwo described the 2026 edition as particularly significant because it was the first time the Carnival featured a large-scale medical outreach.
“Our partnership with Franklin Junior Foundation enabled the programme to reach thousands of people with free healthcare,” she said.
The Director of Programmes at the Franklin Junior Foundation, Mr David Ofogba, said the organisation partnered with Okonkwo to provide free healthcare services to residents of Nsukka.
He said the foundation also distributed wheelchairs, walking aids and medications to beneficiaries, adding that more than 5,000 patients had received medical attention since the outreach commenced.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, commended Okonkwo for using her platform and influence to support vulnerable members of society.
Madueke described the actress as a worthy daughter and ambassador of Enugu State and said her humanitarian initiative was worthy of emulation.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ngozika Ugwu, expressed gratitude for the medical assistance and prayed for continued blessings for the actress.
Items distributed to the 500 widows included 500 bags of 10kg rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, cartons of noodles, school bags and children’s clothing, among other relief materials.
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