Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano on March 30, 2016 fulfilled her promise to a late widow, Late Mrs. Chidili Igboamalu with the Commissioning and handover of a 2-bedroom bungalow at Isioye Village Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Another indigent widow, Mrs. Nneuwa Nwajideofor was rewarded with a house same day at Enugwu Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Areas as well as Mrs. Maureen Ekesiobi in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area. Other beneficiaries were Mrs. Chinyeaka Okeke in Amichi, Nnewi South, and Mrs. Margaret Anoyou of Amorka, Ihiala Local Government Area.
This according her was in continuation of CAFÉ Housing for Indigent Widows project, a programme of her NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ).
The Umunya beneficiary, Late Mrs. Chidili Igboamalu was reportedly excited and full of praises to God when the Wife of the Governor came to her rescue in October 2015 but suddenly passed on in December last year shortly before she was billed to receive the keys and move into her new home. However, the governor’s wife still kept her word by handing over keys to the completed house to daughter of the deceased, Miss blessing Igboamalu who sang praises with overflowing tears of joy for promise fulfilled to the admiration of all and commendations for Mrs. Obiano for the charitable act by neighbours.
The wife of the governor lamented the death of the beneficiary whom she regretted she never me but was shocked to hear that she passed-on. She recalled her resolve to complete the project and hand it over to one of the daughters and her sense of accomplishment that the handover was taking place. Mrs. Obiano told Umunya people that CAFÉ is determined to support the efforts of the governor by empowering women and youths with a view to reducing unemployment.Explaining the unique idea of building a house and a borehole, Mrs. Obiano said that whereas the beneficiary widow takes possession of the house, she is able to access water from the borehole but the water source is extended to serve members of the community. According to the Governor’s wife, a women leader is charged with the task of managing and maintaining each borehole for a period of two after which the management is transferred to another woman thus serving as a source of empowerment. So far about ten boreholes have been built and commissioned alongside the houses while more are still under construction across the state.
Said she: “When I came here the first time over two years ago during the election campaign, I crossed-over with canoe and rode on bike but today I am glad that we came by road because our Governor has fulfilled his election promise to the people. I also made observations then about your condition of living that is why we are assisting with a house for the widow and borehole for the community.”
Mrs. Obiano urged the people not to relent in their support for the governor since more development will be channeled to the community in the future. She also called on the women to show interest in what is happening especially in her office where they can register to be trained in various skills after which they will be empowered with materials to practice the trade. hem in the remotest part of the State.
In his thank you message, the traditional ruler, Mkpunando Otu Aguleri, Igwe Alex Edoziuno, thanked Governor Obiano for constructing a bridge and the road that will link the community with the rest of the state. He equally commended the governor’s wife for supporting the governor by taking care of women and the less privileged, and assured that they will be firm in their support of the governor and his government.
In another rare display of compassion Mrs. Obiano commissioned a 2-bedroom bungalow built for Mr. & Mrs. Nwoye Ekesiobi at Ifite Village, Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area. Before the intervention of the governor’s wife through CAFE, the couple lived under a leaky mud house with thatched roofing with six young children none of whom could attend school because the man had grown frail and unable to fend for their upkeep. Thankfully today, apart from handing over keys to the beautiful house to them, the governor’s wife promised that CAFÉ will take care of funding the education of the children.
Handing over the keys to the Amichi house to a very emotional Mrs. Chinyeaka Okeke who shed tears of joy, the wife of the Governor told the crowd gathered that CAFÉ Housing for Indigent widows’ project is not influenced or done on the basis of political party affiliation or close associates. According to Mrs. Obiano, “I am meeting the beneficiary for the first time today just to hand over the keys to her house so that she can live better with her children. The house is free and there are no strings attached.”
In her reaction, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Barrister Rita Maduagwu, said “I am so thrilled that this is happening in my Constituency, Nnewi South. I haven’t seen a Governor’s who seeks out indigent widows to build house for them without even knowing who they are. Mrs Obiano is a blessing to her husband and Anambra State. She is Osodieme in action and deeds, and I pray for God to continue to protect and guide them.”
Also at Umuokpara Village, Amorka, Ihiala Local Government Area, Mrs. Obiano told the community that she came to ensure that the widow and her children finally had a befitting house to live in. Hear her: “We came to Amorka to display the love we have for our state and people. It is a thing of joy that our Governor who recently marked two years in office is being compared with others who have spent longer time in office. It is a confirmation that he is doing a good job. I believe that when God elevates you, He expects you to touch lives whether you are in Government or not.”
On her part the beneficiary, Mrs. Margaret Anoyou, was full of thanks and praises as she received the keys to her new home. An equally astonished neighbor, Mr. Edmund Okeke could not hold back his surprise. Hear him: “I came here to observe and confirm that this is indeed true. I am transfixed in awe at such a stroke of good fortune for a woman who had lost all hope only to be approached with such a gift with no strings attached. This governor’s wife is God sent.” He concluded.
CAFÉ Housing for Indigent widows is a programme conceived by the wife of the governor to assist indigent widows in Anambra State who do not have a decent roof over their heads. The projects are strategically spread across the three Senatorial Zones of the state with beneficiaries selected on the basis of those adjudged to be most in need in their communities. So far, ten houses have been built by Mrs. Obiano for widows across Anambra state and many more are under construction.