NO fewer than 80 women from Mmakwum Village, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, have received various palliatives from the wife of the traditional prime minister of Obosi, Chief Mrs Irene Anibogwu.
The items worth millions of naira shared to the women included bags of rice, cartons of tin tomatoes, different drinks, biscuits.
Also at the event, the first batch of indigent widows were empowered with N50, 000 each, assuring that the second batch would soon receive their financial empowerment.
The benefactor, Irene Anibogwu, disclosed that the empowerment was a support to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Anibogwu said that the COVID-19 pandemic was a reality and appealed to the women to observe the precautionary measures put in place by the government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC )
“ We can only stop the virus from spreading widely to homes and killing our loved ones when we observe the directives, wearing of face shield and face mask, washing hands with soap and water, maintaining social distancing,” she said .
She urged the women not to feel downcast because of the harsh economic situation in the country but to put to use every little income to business ventures and reassured them that God will always be with them.
Iyom further urged them to remain steadfast and pray fervently, especially now the country is facing serious challenges.
On her part, the President of the Women Wing of the Mmakwum Union Meeting, Edith Chiemenam, commended the gesture of the wife of the traditional prime minister for remembering the women at a time the economy was down.
“Odibeze Nwaanyi obioma, I do not know how to express my happiness and your wonderful love towards the women. May God continue to bless, sustain and protect you and your family,” she said
Mrs Chiemenam, who said that the gesture of the wife of Iyasele Obosi would make the women of the village to sleep on their beds without nightmares, called on other wealthy women in the community to emulate the gesture of Anibogwu and serve humanity with their wealth.
“I call on the people whom God has blessed to remember the widows and vulnerable women at this time of hardship.”
One of the beneficiary and widow, Mrs. Carol Orakwute, said that she had wiped tears from her face and promised to put the money in petty trade.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Precious Onunkwo said that she was not expecting cash at this time but that God has used Anibogwu to make her go back to her petty trading.
“I stopped business since the COVID- 19 pandemic but with this financial support, I am starting a new life. God bless her and family,” she said
Other beneficiaries who spoke, Mrs Hope Okafor , Mrs Faustina Ojukwu; Mrs Antonia Okpuno, commended the kind gesture and prayed for good health to their benefactor.
Speaking equally, a co-wife to Iyom, Mrs Ifeoma Anibogwu commended Iyom for her kind gesture and urged the women to be of good behavior and take seriously the responsibility of home rearing.
Mrs Patricia Egbunam , 86,who is the oldest member among the women, urged the women that benefitted from the cash empowerment to put to good use their money to care for their families.
