Otti Touches Another Life: Abia Govt Gifts Ohafia Widow Two-Bedroom Bungalow
The Abia State Government has handed over a newly constructed two-bedroom bungalow to a widow, Mrs. Grace Kalu, at Amaekpu in Ohafia Local Government Area, as part of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration’s efforts to improve the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable citizens across the state.
The building, constructed through the Abia State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection with the support of the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Kalu Mba Nwoke (Etiokwe), was officially commissioned and handed over to the beneficiary during a ceremony at Ndi Nnachi Compound, Amaekpu, on Friday.
Performing the handover on behalf of the state government, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described the intervention as a demonstration of the Otti administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that government policies directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
Emetu warned relatives and other unauthorised persons against attempting to take possession of or interfere with the property, stressing that the house was built specifically for Mrs. Kalu and her children.
He said the government would not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who attempted to dispossess the widow of the property or undermine her right to live peacefully in the house.
The Deputy Governor commended residents of Amoba Section, Amaekpu, for turning out in large numbers despite the rain to witness the event, describing their presence as an indication of their support for the administration of Governor Otti.
He urged the people to continue supporting and praying for the Governor, assuring them that the state government would sustain the implementation of programmes and policies aimed at improving the welfare and standard of living of the people.
Emetu also encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards when registration and collection opportunities become available, stressing the importance of participating in the democratic process and exercising their civic responsibilities.
He further urged the people to continue supporting the Labour Party, noting that its symbol represents a family.
Earlier, Hon. Chief Kalu Mba Nwoke explained that he approached Governor Otti after identifying the plight of Mrs. Kalu, a widow in need of decent accommodation, and requested government assistance through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection.
According to him, Governor Otti promptly approved the request and ensured that funds were released for the construction of the bungalow.
Nwoke expressed appreciation to the Governor for responding positively to the request, describing the project as an intervention that would provide the widow and her children with a safe and decent home.
He reiterated that the building was constructed specifically for Mrs. Grace Kalu and her children and should not be taken over by relatives or any other persons.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix Blessing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Elder Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu, said the intervention reflected the ministry’s mandate to support vulnerable and less-privileged members of society.
She commended Governor Otti for what she described as his compassion and commitment to improving the welfare of citizens in need, adding that the ministry would continue to implement interventions designed to reduce poverty and provide support for vulnerable persons across the state.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged citizens to make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards in sustaining democratic governance and good leadership in the state.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, thanked Governor Otti for his continued support for the people of Ohafia, particularly his willingness to provide resources to address pressing needs in the community.
He called on the people to continue supporting the state government and the Labour Party.
Also speaking, the Regent Ezieogo of Amaekpu Community, Ezieogo Engr. Chief Awa Nwankwo, expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government and Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke for providing the widow and her children with a safe and comfortable home.
Nwankwo assured the government of the continued support of Amaekpu Community for Governor Otti and his administration.
The beneficiary, Mrs. Grace Kalu, who spoke on behalf of herself and her children, expressed gratitude to God and the Abia State Government for the intervention.
She thanked Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu and Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke for helping to transform what she described as a difficult period of homelessness into joy through the provision of a permanent and decent home for her family.
She prayed for God’s continued blessings, wisdom and success for Governor Otti and all those who contributed to the realisation of the project.
The ceremony was attended by the former Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Hon. Engr. John Eke; Ohafia LGA councillors led by the Leader, Rt. Hon. Anyim A. Anyim; Labour Party faithful, clergy, traditional and community leaders, as well as other residents of Amaekpu and well-wishers
