Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor and Founder, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO), Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has handed over a total of 26, 3 bedrooms bungalows to 26 less privileged widows in the 13 local Government area of the State as part of her commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
Commissioning and handing over the keys to the widows in the State, Mrs. Nwifuru described the project as part of her mission to wipe away the tears of widows and ensure they live with dignity.
“Every widow deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. A roof over one’s head is not a luxury; it is a necessity. These homes are a reminder that widows are not forgotten, they are part of our family, our community, and our future,”.
“It is important to note that this life-changing gesture was made possible through our pet project, BERWO Foundation and I want to assure our widows that we will continue to champion their cause across the state.
“The Widows’ Housing Project is an ambition born out of our desire to elongate the lives of our widows and assure them that the demise of their husband should not be an end to their joy and happiness. Our ambition and goal of constructing a total number of 26 bungalows, 2 in each of the 13 Local Government Areas of the State has been actualized and we are glad to hand over the keys to them.
“Widows often bear the brunt of economic and social challenges. Access to safe housing is not a privilege but a basic right that every woman deserves, especially those who continue to raise families against all odds.
Receiving their House Keys, Mrs. Nwankwoeke Ekoyo and Mrs. Ophoke Cecilia Ogbinya of Ndiegu Azu Echara in Ikwo LGA and Amegu Onicha commended Mrs. Nwifuru for providing them a roof over their heads adding that she has given them stability, safety, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Mrs. Ekoyo and Mrs. Ogbinya revealed that for years, they have lived in makeshift shelters, enduring the harsh realities of widowhood and the uncertainty of unsafe housing adding that “today, that story has changed.
“With tears of joy in our eyes and gratitude in our hearts, we have stepped into our new homes. This is a symbol of love, dignity, and hope bestowed on us by Mrs. Nwifuru.
“Who will ever have believed that I, will today live in a house of this nature. I have gone through the agony of sleeping in a flooded room with all the health challenges I am exposed to. If this is how government is run, Nigeria is becoming a better place. Mrs. Ekoyo says.
Other beneficiaries, Mrs Onueyim Elizabeth and Mrs Elom Mbam Ogodo called on the members of the National Assembly in the State and other spirited individuals to emulate the good gestures of the Wife of the Governor.
The Commissioner for Housing, Hon Francis Ori also commended, Mrs. Nwifuru for her tireless advocacy and people-centered interventions.
He described the initiative as a legacy project that is changing lives at the grassroots and setting Ebonyi State as a model for compassionate governance.
“The Project is one of the programmes of BERWO Foundation, targeted at addressing the housing needs of indigent widows. Through this project, several widows have already benefited, with more homes scheduled for completion in the coming months.
Other Community leaders and women groups present at the commissioning said the initiative is a beacon of compassionate leadership. They noted that the Wife of the Governor is not just building houses but rebuilding lives.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State chapter has denied plans to sponsor a protest against the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the state.
The State government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity,Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, alleged that the opposition is planning to stage a protest under the tag; ‘Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop’ in the state.
However, the APC while reacting to the accusation through its state publicity secretary,Uche Aguoru, reminded the Otti led administration that it has the duty of maintaining law and order in the state.
The APC said; “However, given the Abia State Government’s well-established reputation for propaganda, misinformation, and calculated public deception, it is both reasonable and necessary to question the intent behind this claim.
“There is a strong possibility that this narrative is a deliberate ploy to divert public attention from the mounting concerns over governance failures, financial opacity, and the apparent mismanagement of public resources under the current administration.
“In recent months, citizens of Abia State have become increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the management of state finances.
“Available records shows that over one trillion naira has accrued to the state with little to no corresponding improvement in infrastructure or the welfare of the people. These concerns remain largely unanswered, fueling public distrust and deepening suspicion of systemic mismanagement and possible financial impropriety.”
The APC stated that it is not aware of any planned protest,as it has never been known for orchestrating protests in the state.
“The APC is a responsible and law-abiding political party that does not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the security and wellbeing of citizens.
“Our party, both within Abia State and nationally, is not known for orchestrating protests or encouraging civil unrest. On the contrary, our track record reflects a commitment to lawful engagement, constructive opposition, and responsible political conduct. It is instructive, however, that those attempting to attribute such actions to the opposition belong to a political tradition that has, on multiple occasions, resorted to protests and confrontational tactics, accompanied by violence and disregard for rule of law.
“Given this context, it is not far fetched to consider that the present alarm raised by the Abia State Government may itself be part of a staged narrative designed to manufacture a crisis, shift blame to the opposition, and ultimately distract from legitimate public scrutiny over governance issues.”
The party called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties to ensure that the peace and security of citizens are not compromised.
“Any credible intelligence regarding threats to public order should be acted upon decisively. However, it is equally important to guard against the misuse of state apparatus in advancing politically motivated narratives or suppressing legitimate opposition.”
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!