From Our Correspondent
It was a celebration galore in Agulu as Mr. Peter Obi’s wife, Mrs. Margaret Peter-Obi, empowered 300 women from the town, with 15 women selected from each of the 20 villages in Agulu.
While distributing cheques of ₦100,000 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 this 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 these 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. He said, “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. Peter Obi for the town involving vehicles, Kekes and motorcycles also thanked Mrs. Obi for her gesture. He noted how the Obis have consistently supported the people of Agulu, even during their late mother’s time. He further highlighted that over 70% of what the Obis do for the community, such as providing scholarships for indigent students over the past 40 years, is done privately.
The Woman Leader, Mrs. Magaret Ejike, thanked Her Excellency, Mrs. Magaret Peter-Obi, and her husband, His Excellency, 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 immense gratitude, stating that the financial support had “literally resurrected” some people. She added, “After depleting our trading capital during the Christmas season, this timely gesture will save many businesses from collapse.”
