There was palpable excitement across parts of Enugu metropolis on Tuesday as a faith-based organization, Living By Design (LBD) Nation, also known as ACE Foundation, Enugu District, embarked on a life-changing outreach to indigent residents, schoolchildren, and street hawkers — giving food, educational materials, and startup capital to the needy.
The humanitarian exercise, tagged Zion Reach Out Mission (ZROM), saw members of the group sharing cooked meals with street dwellers, distributing school bags, books, sandals, and water bottles to pupils of New Haven Primary School, Enugu, and offering cash support to children hawking in the streets.
Speaking to journalists during the outreach, Leader (Dr.) Ifenna Aralu, Mayor of Living By Design Nation, Enugu District, explained the philosophy behind the initiative.
“LBD is a community of successful entrepreneurs, peak professionals, and iconic leaders from all walks of life across nations and continents of the globe,” Aralu said.
He added that the group’s core motivation is spiritual, rooted in love and service to humanity.
“We love the Lord and strive to live by His standard, seeking to influence and colour our environment through the prism of His love,” he stated, describing LBD as the brainchild of the Founders, Dr. Chiefo and Pastor Chinwe Ejiofobiri — fondly called MAP and MAPRESS respectively.
According to him, the day’s activities were part of the group’s ongoing Zion Reach Out Mission, which aims to extend God’s love in practical ways.
“Today, we are gathering here because of our Zion Reach Out Mission. We are doing street feeding — we are cooking in the streets and actually feeding people around the vicinity.
“Next, we are visiting a school. We will be distributing some school bags, books, school sandals, and water bottles to lucky indigent pupils in primary schools. Today, we are visiting one primary school which is New Haven Primary School, Enugu.
“We are also distributing some amount of money to lucky indigent children hawking in the streets. We are giving them capital, funds to boost their businesses. We believe by doing so, we are able to fulfil God’s purpose concerning the Zion Reach Out Mission as instituted.”
On whether the outreach would be extended to rural communities, Dr. Aralu emphasized that the need for compassion exists everywhere.
“According to Jesus, the poor will always be amongst you, so whether in the urban or rural areas, you will find indigent people. For rural areas, there are people reaching out to them,” he noted.
“We are really excited for this event because we are carrying out God’s command. Our blessing is not coming from any man but from God,” he added with gratitude.
Also speaking, Leader Tina Obi, Chairperson of ZROM, Enugu District, reiterated that the outreach was part of the vision and mandate entrusted to their founders.
“The Zion Reach Out Mission is to reach out to indigent people around us,” she said. “This is a vision and a mandate God has given to MAP, and it is being carried out this month in different states of Nigeria and outside Nigeria where we have our districts.”
Obi explained that ZROM expresses one of LBD’s guiding principles.
“This is one of the expressions of the seven pillars of wisdom which form the foundation of LBD. We call it ‘Citizenship.’ Expressing this pillar of wisdom is the way we make impact in the lives of citizens around us, especially the less-privileged.
“On 19th of the month was the birthday of Pastor Chinwe Ejiofobiri (Mapress). In celebration, she gave to support this mission. Charity is one thing she is known for.”
She further described how members of the group draw strength and unity from regular virtual fellowship.
“We normally have our programme by 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. We gather together virtually (on Zoom) to pray and to fellowship. It has really made a lot of impact in the lives of different men and women of all walks of life. In LBD, we call ourselves leaders as we are aware that God has called us to lead in every sphere of life we find ourselves.”
Other members, including Loveth Chinaza Eze-Jedlove (Personal Assistant to the Mayor), Obypromise Uchime (Prayer Coordinator, LBD Enugu District), and Sarahbeth Ifeanyi (MD, House of Sarah Event & Catering Services), also spoke passionately, affirming their commitment to spreading love and hope across Enugu.
At New Haven Primary School, the atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as pupils received their gifts.
The Head Teacher of School 11, Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, expressed deep appreciation.
“I felt overwhelmed the day they came and said that they were coming to present gifts,” she said emotionally.
“The first boy, Ifeanyi Onah, that received the gift is in Primary 5. He is living with somebody; even to pay the little amount we are paying in school is very difficult for him. I am glad he was picked to change his bag, sandals and was given free books too. The Living By Design Nation people are God’s sent.”
One of the beneficiaries, Master Ifeanyi Onah, could hardly hide his joy after receiving the gifts.
“I am happy for the gift. I thank them. God will reward them abundantly,” he said with a wide smile.
For many of the children and street hawkers touched by the gesture, the day will be remembered not only for the material gifts but for the love, kindness, and hope it brought — a reminder that humanity thrives when compassion takes the lead.
