Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Sir Dr Linus Nto Mbah (LINTO), has once again demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy and social inclusion by organising a Christmas outreach for less-privileged individuals across Abia State.
The annual Yuletide event, held at the palace of the Eze Udo, Ata Igbo-ukwu Umuzomgbo-Ihechiowa, in Arochukwu Local Government Area, attracted beneficiaries drawn from the 17 local government areas of the State.
Items distributed included bags of rice, salt, clothing materials, wheelchairs, white canes, stretchers and cash, among others.
Beneficiaries comprised the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JNAPWD) in Abia State, 500 selected physically challenged persons, widows, indigent persons from Ihechiowa Clan, as well as representatives of special homes across the State.
Speaking at the event, Eze Mbah said the initiative had become a personal annual commitment aimed at giving persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups a sense of belonging.
According to the royal father, inclusion and dignity were central to the outreach.
“Every year I give palliatives to people living with disabilities. That’s what I do every time. It’s purely my own business.
“By inviting them, they will feel a sense of belonging. They feel like the human beings they are. I feel that they are all completely good to me, despite their challenges. I want to celebrate with them.
“We want to give them that sense of belonging, that they also belong to us. They cannot be neglected”, Eze Mbah stated.
Eze Mbah also used the occasion to commend Governor Alex Otti for infrastructural projects in the area, particularly the Abam–Arochukwu Road and the iconic Omenuko Bridge, which he said had eased movement for residents and returnees during the festive period.
“Governor Alex Otti is really working very hard. He has constructed the iconic Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Arochukwu Road.
If you go to Aba now, at night, you can’t recognise it again. It’s shining everywhere, street lights everywhere.
“I pray God to give him long life and good health, grace and strength to continue his good job in Abia”, he said.
The traditional ruler further called on Governments at all levels to adopt inclusive policies for persons with disabilities.
“The Government, both at the Federal and Local levels, should give these individuals a sense of belonging. We ask the Government to please give them jobs. We should give them work, take care of their families”, he urged
Chairman of the occasion and Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Dr Chibuike Ezearu, commended Eze Mbah for his consistent support for widows, indigent persons and the physically challenged, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abia State Chapter, Mr Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu, expressed profound gratitude to the royal father.
He noted that Eze Mbah had hosted them during the previous Christmas and had again repeated the gesture, describing him as a man with uncommon love for the less privileged.
The event which attracted several dignitaries, including Ambassador Chris Nwanoro, traditional rulers and their spouses, chiefs and people of Ihechiowa, also featured cultural dances, music performances and the presentation of a special award to Eze Linus Nto Mbah by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abia State Chapter.
