By Jude Michael
Three hundred women in Agulu in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State recently received a life line as Mrs Margaret Obi, wife of the former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the last General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, empowered 15 of them selected from each of the 20 villages in Agulu with N100, 000 each.
While distributing cheques to each recipient, Mrs. Obi, who expressed hope that the beneficiaries were truly those in need, described the initiative as her modest way of identifying with the people and assuring them of her solidarity during what she described as a critical period in the nation’s history, marked by extreme poverty.
She urged the recipients to add the money to their capital for petty trading, assuring them that with hard work and faith in God, they would overcome the hard times.
Speaking during the event, Barr. Emily Enemuoh, the Chairperson, Udoka Micro Finance Bank, who, with Barr. Olive Obi, accompanied Mrs. Obi, expressed her delight in being part of the occasion. She advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely and carry out their businesses with honesty, assuring them of better days ahead.
The President-General of the town, Mr. Oliver Afamefuna, praised the Obis for their continued commitment to the people of Agulu, noting that, ‘Although the Obis are national and international figures, they have never stopped identifying with their community, especially during trying times.’
The Onowu of the town and former President-General, Chief Paulinus Anagboso, who recalled the massive empowerment initiatives by Mr. Obi for the town, involving vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, also thanked Mrs. Obi for her gesture. He noted how the Obis had consistently supported the people of Agulu, even during their late mother’s time. He further stated that over 70% of what the Obis did for the community, such as providing scholarships for indigent students over the past 40 years, was done privately.
The Women’s Leader, Mrs. Margaret Ejike, thanked Mrs Obi and her husband for their kind gestures and urged the women to make effective use of the money.
One of the beneficiaries from Obe Village, Mrs. Ann Agwubike, expressed gratitude, stating that the financial support had literally resurrected some people.
‘After depleting our trading capital during the Christmas season, this timely gesture will save many businesses from collapse,’ she stated.
