A journey of dedication: The story of Eden Chinenye Jessica

Born on the 7th of February, 1988, in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State, Edeh Chinenye Jessica grew up with a quiet but determined resolve — to grow, to give, and to support humanity in every way she could. Her early years in Onitsha laid the foundation for her academic journey, beginning at Santa Maria Primary School, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 2001.

Fuelled by curiosity and a love for learning, she continued her education at St. Cyprian Special Science School, Nsukka, earning her West African Senior School Certificate (WAEC) in 2007. It was there her interest in the growing world of technology began to take root — a passion that would shape the next phase of her journey. In pursuit of excellence and technical knowledge, Chinenye enrolled at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, where she studied Computer Science. She first bagged an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in 2012 and, driven by a desire to deepen her competence, she returned to complete her Higher National Diploma (HND) in 2015. Along the way, she supplemented her classroom knowledge with practical skills, earning a certificate in Computer Applications from Mecxon Computer School the same year.
Her industrial training at Alo Aluminum Company (2012–2013) gave her firsthand experience in applying IT knowledge in a real-world setting. But Chinenye’s heart longed for more than just technical mastery — she yearned to serve.

This inner passion led her to the development sector. In 2015, she joined Happy Home Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Enugu, where she served with dedication. Her work revolved around supporting vulnerable groups, coordinating programs, and delivering hope to many. During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year from 2016 to 2017, she was posted to Succour and Development Service Initiative, continuing her humanitarian efforts with focus and compassion.
Following NYSC, Chinenye returned to Happy Home Foundation, where she worked until 2019 — years marked by growth, service, and the strengthening of her commitment to people-centered work.
Then came a new season.

In 2019, she stepped into entrepreneurship, founding Victoria’s Kitchen, a food business inspired by her mother’s legacy and her own culinary passion.

What began as a small initiative soon blossomed into a platform not only for nourishment but also for empowerment, as she blended her business skills, integrity, and warmth to serve others in new ways.

Chinenye’s journey is one of consistent learning and meaningful impact — from the computer labs of IMT to the mission fields of NGOs, and now to the kitchens where food meets purpose. Through every step, her story reflects not just experience, but character, vision, and a heart that continues to work hard towards supporting the human person.

An Unexpected Stirring
It was a quiet, uneventful afternoon in 2019. The sun was overhead, casting its usual brilliance on a regular workday. Nothing hinted that something life-defining was about to happen — until exactly 12 noon, when a strange sensation stirred the heart of a young Nigerian woman, named Chinenye Edeh, who sat quietly at her desk.
She couldn’t explain it at first. It was a deep restlessness, like an inner tug — persistent, urgent, and inexplicable. It wasn’t anxiety or fatigue. It was as though something — or Someone — was calling her out of the ordinary.
Just a few feet away from where she sat was a tiny image of the Blessed Virgin Mary — a symbolic keepsake that had become part of her modest work environment. Though she was unsure what to make of the nudge, she obeyed it.

Rising from her seat, she walked over and knelt before the image, whispering:
“I’m not worshiping this image o… but I believe it reminds us of Mary in heaven who intercedes for us.”
With that clarified, she poured out her heart — simple, direct, and honest:

“What can I do to save more and raise money to pursue my Master’s program?”
She waited. There was silence. No sign. No sudden spark. But just a few moments later, as she sat in quiet reflection, she heard a voice.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t coming from the room. But it was clear. The word repeated itself three times:

“Akara… Akara… Akara.”
Startled, she opened her eyes and looked around. Was someone talking to her? But she was alone. No phone ringing, no background noise, no external whisper. The voice was inward, yet real — a kind of divine communication she had never experienced.
Still unsure, she responded aloud, “If this is from my mother, let it be confirmed. But if this is from heaven, please give me the grace to obey and succeed.”
Chinenye Edeh had just received a heavenly assignment. It didn’t come in the form of a vision of angels or a booming thunder from the clouds. It came as a gentle, persistent whisper to sell akara — the humble bean cake beloved by many Nigerians.

When the Unusual Becomes a Calling
The idea sounded ridiculous at first. Spiritual? Selling akara? Really?
Not only did she not know how to fry akara, she wasn’t even sure where to start. She had studied and worked hard.

Akara frying was not a part of her vision board. Besides, what would her family say? Resigning from a formal job — just to fry bean cakes? That would be scandalous, perhaps even humiliating.
Still, she needed clarity. So, instead of turning to her relatives who might dismiss her decision, she reached out to someone she trusted — a medical doctor and spiritual friend. The friend listened carefully, then encouraged her to speak to a priest.

The priest was amused but perceptive. With a light chuckle, he said:
“Get ready, because people will start calling you Nwanyi Akara (Akara Woman).”
He continued with interest, and after hearing her share the spiritual impressions she had received, he added a striking prophetic note:
“If you do this akara business, it will take you to heaven.”
That phrase hit her like thunder.

Not a business opportunity. Not a survival tactic. But a divine route to eternity.
“That statement gripped my soul,” she recalled later.
Could akara truly be her path to purpose? Could such a simple, everyday snack become the foundation for something extraordinary?

The Long Walk to Obedience
Even with clarity, obedience didn’t come easy.

Chinenye gave her employer a two-month notice of resignation. But internally, she battled doubts, fears, and emotional resistance. It didn’t take two months — it took nearly seven months before she finally left her job.

The next big hurdle was location. Where would she even start selling?
Providentially, a friendly security man who also rode a keke (tricycle) part-time offered some help. He suggested two locations.

The first location was ideal on paper. It had structure, visibility, and was near a public space. But it came with conditions — including the need to submit a written proposal and compete for shared space. It felt overly formal and political. She declined.

The second location had high foot traffic and market potential. But another woman was already selling akara there. Competition? Rivalry? These fears swirled in her mind. Would it be unethical to operate nearby?
Still, she gave it a shot. But after just a few days, another question stirred her spirit — this time from within:
“Are you supposed to be here?”
That question unsettled her. She realized she was not at peace. Something felt off.
“I didn’t like the environment,” she later admitted. That same evening, she returned home and told her younger sister, “I’m not going back there.”
But her family wasn’t so understanding.
“You resigned from a job just for this business! Why stop now?” one sibling asked, visibly frustrated. She felt alone. She was trying to follow a divine whisper, but it seemed to cost her relationships, stability, and self-esteem. Still, Chenenye chose obedience over people’s opinions. She wasn’t looking for applause — just alignment with heaven.

Toward the Quiet Park of Purpose
In that season of confusion and discouragement, she remembered a certain woman of faith whom she admired.

Seeking wisdom and direction, she went to her. After prayer and reflection, the woman directed her to visit a quiet public park — one that most people had forgotten.
“When I arrived, I saw only a taxi parked somewhere and a few birds flying overhead,” she recalled.
There was no noise, no crowd, no chaos — just peace.

That peace spoke volumes. Something about the serenity of the place whispered to her:
This is it. A kind-hearted security man approached her and offered to connect her with the landlord of the park. Expecting an elderly man, she was surprised to find that the landlord was a young, kind gentleman. Chenenye explained her humble request — just a small space to begin an akara business. To her amazement, the young landlord said:
“Go ahead. Use the space.” No rent. No conditions. No stress. And just like that, the vision she received at exactly 12 noon one quiet day began to find physical expression.
Victoria Kitchen was born. From divine whisper to street-side stand — this wasn’t just a business.
It was a calling, a mission, and a miracle in motion.

Find Victoria Kitchen at Location 36 Nza street Independence Layout, Enugu

For orders or enquiries,

Follow on Instagram: victorias_homemadefood

Motto: “Memorable and healthy food in a plate and sip”

Leave A Comment