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Tag: Anambra

  • Suspected kidnappers’ den demolished in Anambra

    Suspected kidnappers’ den demolished in Anambra

    Anambra State government demolished yesterday two buildings belonging to suspected kidnappers at Okija in Ihiala Local Government and Uruagu in Nnewi North Local Government.

    The buildings were allegedly used for kidnap by the suspected abductors.

    Governor Willie Obiano has since assumption of office demolished nine buildings suspected to be used for kidnapping.

    He vowed to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminals and inaugurated “Operation Mkpochapu”.

    A source said Police Commissioner Usman Gwary and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Chikodi Anara, led the demolishing team to Okija and Nnewi.

    At Umuatuegwu, Uhuobo village in Okija, the team pulled down a storey building and a bungalow belonging to the late Chief Pius Osuchukwu,  which was allegedly used by two of his sons to keep abducted victims.

    The source said one of them called “Akwaa” is still at large, while his elder brother is now in police net.

    The Nation learnt that the two suspects are the sons of the deceased’s first wife, Mrs. Rosaline Osuchukwu, who is also late.

    Her funeral will hold tomorrow.

    Gwary alleged that the gang kept kidnapped victims, including the Access Bank manager and cashier, in the buildings.

    “Others kept in the buildings included the manager of Julius Berger Plc, who was on holiday, a member of the House of Assembly, Dr. Emeka Aniebonam, the manager of CCC Construction Company, among others.”

    Gwary and Anara hailed the officer in charge of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), James Nwafor, for his efforts in fishing out criminals.

    The police commissioner said the gang used the building to make over N200million from the victim.

    At Uruagu Nnewi, he said the demolished bungalow belonged to a kidnap suspect, Jude Okeke, who was killed in gun battle with the police last year.

    Gwary said the deceased was one of the suspected kidnappers, who trained other notorious abductors in the state.

    He said the building was used to keep kidnapped victims, including the Chairman of Emeka Offor Foundation, Sir Tony Obi, the Chairman of Nnewi Parts Dealers called Iroko, the former chairman of Nnewi North Local Government, Mr. Ernest Obiora, among others.

  • Revenue collectors, tricycle operators clash in Awka

    Three persons were injured during a fight between suspected fake revenue collectors and members of the tricycle owners and operators in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The incident, which occurred at the weekend, took place at Ogbugbankwa on Zik Avenue in Awka.

    Two of the victims, who were allegedly attacked with a machete by the revenue collectors, Chikamso Egbunonu and Ifeanyi, have been hospitalised.

    The chairman of the tricycle operators in the Southeast, Ikejina Ijeokwukwe, briefing reporters yesterday, implored Police Commissioner Usman Gwary and the Director of the Department of State Service, Alex Okeiyi, to intervene.

    He alleged that  Johnson Anago carried out the attack, using the names of Jude Agumadu and Jimmy Okonkwo as his sponsors.

    A source, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, said one of the receipts being paid for by the tricycle operators was issued in alliance with the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA).

    When our correspondent called the Managing Director of ASWAMA, Mrs. Njideka Ofoedu, on the phone, she confirmed that the company was in collaboration to collect what she called the N50 sanitation toll levy.

  • Succour for police officers’ widows in Anambra

    Succour for police officers’ widows in Anambra

    There was enough relief materials meant for their well-being. Naturally, the mood of the recipients should be aglow. However, the environment was quiet as a grave yard.

    Instead of being happy for the gesture they were to receive, the wives of the police men, who died in active service in Awka, Anambra State were weeping profusely.

    The event was the show of goodwill to the widows of the police men who lost their lives while serving their fatherland by the wife of Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mrs. Asabe Gwary.

    Mrs. Gwary, who could not also control her emotions, said “only God knows why anything happens.”

    Some of the widows came with their children, while some of them who lost their husbands recently, wore all white to the event.

    The event took place at the Awka Area Command premises where items like wrappers, bags of beans, bags of rice and cartons of tomatoes, among others were distributed to them.

    Most of them who could not cry, especially those their husbands died long ago, wore long faces and intermittently, put up smiles on their faces.

    The gesture by Mrs. Gwary was done under the auspices of Police Officer’s Wives Association (POWA) in the state.

    Few of the beneficiaries who spoke with The Nation expressed happiness that such a thing was happening to them after a long wait.

    One of them who spoke to The Nation but did not want her name in print said, such items had been coming to them but those at the helm had been keeping them for their households until Mrs. Gwary came.

    But, for Mrs. Joy Alloysius, who lost the husband about five years ago, commended the wife of the police commissioner for remembering the widows of the police men.

    She said that it was the first time there were being recommended by the association and commended Mrs. Gwary for being what she called a through mother.

    Also, Mrs. Jane Ogbonna, said “this our mummy’s gesture has shown us that individuals are different in this world, we have children and since our husbands died, we have been living from hand to mouth.”

    “I was surprised when I was told that our CP’s wife wanted to see us, initially, I thought whether I have offended anybody to deserve any form of punishment until I summoned courage to come.”

    “This is too much and I have no mouth to thank the wife of our commissioner, all I have to tell her is that she will never encounter any form of problem.”

    “For her to still remember that there are some people like us who are suffering some where, means that human milk flows in her veins and she will not leave to regret her action,“ she said.

    Speaking with The Nation, “Mrs. Asabe Gwary, who was accompanied on the journey by the wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, in charge of operations, Mrs. Nkiraharami Yakadi, said the action has not concluded.

    According to her, “they should see their plight as not the worst, God giveth and God taketh, as far as we are in this command, they will never lack.”

    She said the fact that they lost their husbands while serving the country was not the end of their lives and that of their children.

    “Some of them have their young families to take care of, while some had lost their husbands long ago, but as far as God continues to give us life, they will not have much to regret.”

    “Yes, it is sad to lose one’s loved one, but only God knows why such things happened when they did, but my assurance to the widows is that God will not forsake them,” she said.

    Furthermore, Mrs. Gwary said it was done to tell the widows that all hopes were not lost despite the fact that their husbands were no longer alive.

    The Nation gathered that some of the widows lost their husbands either in the hands of kidnappers, armed robbers or hired assassins in the state in their cause of crime fighting.

  • Anambra rallies at culture feast

    Anambra rallies at culture feast

    The conferment of a chieftaincy title on a former commissioner in Anambra State, Dubem Obaze, was all it took to pool the state’s leaders and traditional rulers together and bring out the best of their traditions, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    The event will endure in the memory not merely because Anambra State leaders were honoured with titles. It would be rather because it was at the investiture that the very best of the state’s culture and traditions was in bold relief.

    Monarchs honoured former governor of the state, Peter Obi with a traditional title. So was Dubem Obaze, who was Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state.

    But it was an event where culture and tradition came to fore with Ndigbo turning up in full traditional gear.

    Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani led other dignitaries to Umuodu, Ochuche in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State to honour Chief Dubem Obaze.

    Others who witnessed the installation of the title of “Ifeakachi”(nothing is bigger than God) on Dubem Obaze by the traditional rulers in Anambra North, led by the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, were the former governor of the state, Chief Peter Obi.

    Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke represented  Governor Willie Obiano, who had, before then, travelled out of the country with the state lawmakers.

    Business mogul, Sir Emeka Offor was the chairman on the occasion, while Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio deployed crowd to Ochuche to grace the chieftaincy installation, led by Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umana.

    Cultural displays from all the seven local government areas in Anambra North Senatorial zone were on hand to entertain their guests.

    Guests sat glued to their seats with smiles and clappings, when the biggest masquerades in the state in every local government area called “Ijele” mesmerised the audience.

    Obi Achebe of Onitsha Kingdom, who led other traditional rulers in the zone,  told the crowd that such honour was being given to Obaze because of what he described as his sterling qualities and contributions to the development of the state.

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh also lavished praises on the recipient.

    He said that Obaze should see the honour as a motivation to continue to do more for the overall good of the state and its people.

    Former Governor, Peter Obi said Obaze had never been found wanting in any job given to him both in the state and outside, describing the recipient as a strong willed individual.

    The traditional ruler of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, Igwe Rowland Odegbo, who is the chairman of Anambra North Traditional Rulers’ Council, said Obaze had rejected the offer three times before now.

    His Royal Majesties, Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi and Igwe Peter Ezenwa of Okpoko, told The Nation that they lacked words to describe Obaze because of his contributions to the development of Anambra State.

    The member, representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Hon. Uche Ekwunife said Obaze’s influence and humility would not be rivaled.

    She stated that it was a good thing that the people had come together to give honour to who it is due, adding that she wished him success in his future endeavours.

    Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, told The Nation that the recognition by the monarchs on Obaze, had affirmed his tested and trusted leadership qualities, which, according to him, true believers of progress and development in Anambra North currently yearn for.

    Before now, the chieftaincy recipient had served as chairman, state and local government joint account, chairman, park management committee, member, Anambra State Elders’ Forum and member, MDG Implementation Committee, among others.

    Furthermore, it was said that he was instrumental to the construction of 178 new primary school blocks through Private, Public Partnership (PPP) programme and also, oversaw the construction of more than 100 primary healthcare centres across the three senatorial zones in the state.

    Chairman on the occasion, Sir Emeka Offor, described Obaze as a dogged fighter, who is always ready to serve his people which have distinguished him from others.

    However, The Nation gathered that Obaze is nursing the ambition of representing Anambra North senatorial zone at the Senate in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    It would be recalled that few weeks ago, former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah was equally given a chieftaincy title by the traditional rulers of Ogbaru and not Anambra North which attracted a large crowd and not prominent personalities in the state.

    The only heavy weight that attended her chieftaincy installation was the chairman of the event, senator Ben Ndi Obi and perhaps, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu.

    All the political bigwigs penciled down to grace the event including Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Peter Obi among others were absent.

    Again, it was gathered that the people of the area had chosen the APGA strongman to replace Senator Maggery Okadigbo of the People’s Democratic Party in 2015.

     

  • Computers for 13 Anambra schools

    Computers for 13 Anambra schools

    No fewer than 13 secondary schools in Anambra State have been equipped with computer sets. A group, Anambra Family Association of Memphis (AFAM) provided the computers. Their teachers and pupils were happy and danced in appreciation of the group’s efforts. The state Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha was all smiles.

    The 13 beneficiaries were Mater Amabilis Secondary School Umuoji in Idemili South Local Government Area, Abbot Boys Secondary School and Abbot Girls both in Ihiala council. Others were Government Technical College (GTC), Merchant of Light, Oba, Our Lady’s Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkpor, Nteje Girls Secondary School, Nri Boys Secondary School and Agulu Boys Secondary School. Also among them were Nnewi High School, Saint John of God Secondary School, Awka, Obosi Community Secondary School and Oraifite Boys Secondary School.

    The donation of the 25 computers was made at the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) headquarters in Awka.

    Speaking with the Nation, one of the students, Miss Stella Maris Obichigha expressed happiness that good things are coming to the education sector in the state to help the students in their academic work. The 14-year-old assured that the facilities would boost their skills in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

    The leader of the group, Dr Peter Azogini told the Nation that the gesture was a practical demonstration of their support for the education of Children in (ICT) and computer literacy. This, according to Azogini would enable them compete favourably with their counterparts throughout Nigeria and world over.

    He expressed his happiness in what he called the all round development witnessed in the state, adding that Education had received tremendous improvement and infrastructure.

    Azogini further told the Nation that the group was planning other bigger things to help the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano in getting it right in the state.

    The Chairman of (PPSSC) Lady Joy Ulasi commended (AFAM) for remembering the school children in the state. She told the Nation that the computers would assist the state government in (ICT) training in different schools in the state.

    Anambra State commissioner for Education Prof Omenugha told the Nation that the donation by (AFAM) is an indicative of their commitment to the advancement of Education in their home state.

    Omenugha said: “This is a good example of Private Public Partnership whereby people contribute their quota instead of leaving government to do everything”.

    The association has taken the lead among those contributing to the uplift of education in the state”.

    However, she has a word for the principals of the benefitting schools “make sure that these computers are put into proper use”.

    Omenugha further told the Nation that by 2015, the students would face external examinations that would be computer-based.

  • Anambra community cries out

    Residents of Umunze community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to the Inspector- General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano over the alleged insecurity and kidnapping ravaging their area.

    The community, under the aegis of Umunze Stakeholders for Peace and Development (USPAD), said the town was peaceful until 2007/2008 when it experienced kidnapping and armed robbery.

    The president of USPAD, Mr. Angus Nkah, said three commercial banks were attacked, as robbers operated in the day and at night.

     

     

  • Anambra mounts good character campaign

    Anambra mounts good character campaign

    What can compare to good character?

    Mr Peter Obi, Anambra State immediate past governor, often answered nothing. So does his successor Willie Obiano who has been revving the engine of good character since he assumed office.

    That was what informed a huge gathering in the state, where participants were sensitised on the need for behavioural and attitudinal change during elections.

    Obi preached much on the issue and it has continued in the Obiano administration. The people are asked to change their attitude for the better, not only during elections but also for life.

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with Charity Ezeemo Trust, gathered virtually everybody in the state at Emmaus House in Awka to preach the gospel.

    The event brought stakeholders and celebrities together, all tackling the cankerworm of foul behaviour.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which is in the storm of the whole idea was around to deliver an earth-shaking lecture on the need to have what it described as voter education project in the state.

    The Director General of the NOA, Mike Omeri as well as traditional rulers led by the Obi of Awka, Gibson Nwosu were at the event.

    The pro-chancellor of Anambra State University (ANSU), Prof Elochukwu Amuchiazu was the chairman of the occasion which paraded the personnel from the Police, Prisons, Customs, State Security Service (SSS), the Navy and the Army, among others.

    Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, the Director General, Institute for National Transformation (INT), Dr Okey Ikechukwu, and the Youth Council of Nigeria registered their presence.

    Chief Obiano, who was absent due to national engagement did not leave his seat vacant as his Commissioner for Special Duties, Sir Nobert Obi read his address.

    The founder, Charity Ezeemo Trust, and governorship candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) during the November 16, 2013 election in the state, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo said getting it right in the country during election should be the paramount thing in the minds of people.

    All the 21 local government areas in the state including the 177 Presidents-General of every community were there.

    In his lecture, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, who had been constantly accused in the state of bias and favoritism, said the state has been suffering from electoral apathy.

    He acknowledged that elections had been flawed in the country since independence, admitting that INEC  had not always carried the electorate along, with its attendant consequences.

    Onukaogu said that there is need for a vibrant, sincere voter education in the country and prayed that God will help to bring it about.

    However, he said that the country showed glimpses of a better future for its citizens between 1960 and 1966 and asked why Nigeria abandoned such signs of hope and veered away from the right path.

    “We do not have a viable electoral process where Nigerians can elect their leaders, and if we do not vie [for] elections with sincerity and elect our leaders freely, good governance will continue to elude us”.

    Again, he said that religious aberration has been another factor which has hampered smooth electoral process in the land, adding that INEC is trying to change the tune today with the coming elections in some of the states.

    The professor of English advocated that people should carry the sermon to churches, markets, mosques, adding that the there must be a paradigm shift in the land.

    Ezeemo in his address, regretted that in most parts of Africa where democracy is being practiced, the people have yet to grasp the enormity of the power they have through the vote.

    He spoke about  “the power that can aid the people to institute governments and to change governments to demand high levels of accountability, morality and responsibility in the way and manner government is being run at the local, state and national levels.

    Further, he said before the country gets it right, vices like weak imposition of candidates by political parties, which tend to frustrate and weaken the electorate even before the election should be removed.

    “Outright bribery at polling stations, mutilation of results, deliberate late commencement of voting, fraudulent absence of result sheets and other sensitive materials by INEC all tend to short-change the voter and all its noble intentions” Ezeemo said.

    When all these were being reeled out, the audience could not help but to applaud with noise which made Ezeemo to tarry for some minutes with shame enveloping INEC officials.

    The traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, who finds it difficult to smile, but was thrilled by Ezeemo’s speech, forced a smile on his face but warned that trouble makers in the land should give peace a chance as the country approaches 2015 election.

    Following the insecurity in the land today, the Monarch said that those outside the country are not only laughing at the people but making mockery of the entire country.

    Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said it is appalling having about 300, 00 voters during elections, when the number of registered voters in the state totaled 1.7million.

    He said that the agency believed that in 2015, the turn out will be encouraging, adding that they will expect not less than 800,000 voters.

    Obiano, was represented by Nobert Obi, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, who commended the originator of the programme, Charity Ezeemo Trust for the initiative.

    He directed the local government area leaders to go back to their constituencies to educate, sensitise their people on the importance of voting during elections.

    This according to the governor will lead to voting out those who do not merit to be voted into power during elections.

    The Director General of (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, represented by the Director of  the Agency in Delta State, Isaac Ezeji said the government is emphasing on Private, Public Partnership (PPP), adding that such an idea will lead the country somewhere.

    He said the event emphasized the power of one vote which he said is a potent solution or magic to the problem of governance, corruption and all forms of ills and indiscipline by political office holders.

    “It then behoves on us to imbibe the teachings of today’s event to enable us effect the required behavioural and attitudinal change” he said.

    Also, the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese in Nnewi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, who was one of the guest speakers during the event, equally, mesmerized the audience in his lecture.

  • Anambra varsity swears in union leader

    Anambra varsity swears in union leader

    Management of the Anambra State University (ANSU) in Uli, has sworn in Ifenna Onyenweze, a 300-Level Biochemistry student, as president of the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    The event took place at the varsity’s Senate Chamber.

    The inauguration was delayed due to a petition filed by one of the candidates that vied for the post, Aspire Ugochukwu, a 400-Level Chemical Engineering student, who challenged Ifenna’s victory.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Fidelis Okafor, urged the union leaders to be selfless and handle their various offices with responsibility.

    Ifenna promised to pursue transformation programmes, saying he had already ordered reduction of transport fare from Uli campus to Onitsha.

    Students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed joy, urging their leaders to work in students’ interest.

  • Anambra decongests roads

    Anambra decongests roads

    Nwanosike Onu

    Things are looking up in Anambra State. Governor Willie Obiano, taking off from where his predecessor Peter Obi left off, has mounted a campaign to rid the state of criminals, setting up a special task force to realise the objective. Now, his administration has turned its sights on the state’s congested roads, cluttered with all manner of disused and abandoned vehicles. Another task force has been set up for that purpose, and it has started yielding dividends.

    The battle began on May 12, and has been on with state Commissioner for Transport, Chuma Mbonu and the Permanent Secretary, Transport, ENC Ogbaji leading the charge.

    Also, members of the Anambra State Transport Agency (ASTA) with Emma Onwughalu as the Commander General have been on rampage impounding all damaged vehicles blocking the streets.

    The exercise has taken the groups to the capital city, Awka, the commercial cities of Nnewi and Onitsha and environs.

    The Agency is working in tandem with the military, the police, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other paramilitary agencies in the state.

    Not only that, the transport commissioner Chuma Mbonu, told the Nation in Awka that Anambra state must be clean before the 100 days in office of Obiano this June.

    Besides the transport ministry, other ministries such as environment and local government have also come together to fight the war.

    Already, designated parks had been provided to alleviate the hardship the situation could create.

    Also, dumping sites for confiscated vehicles had been created appropriately in designated areas in the state, while provisions had been made where people will park their vehicles.

    Mbonu warned that defaulters of this directive would have themselves to blame, adding that owners of accidental vehicles should remove them within the stipulated time or have them removed by the task force at an unpleasant cost to the owner.

    According to Mbonu, “note that in line with the programme of activities of the task force, the decongestion exercise has taken off in earnest and we are not joking about it”.

    However the commissioner commended the people of the state for their cooperation so far in the exercise.

    But one problem has been hampering the movement of the task force and that is lack of vehicles from the Government.

    Therefore, the ministry requested for additional two vehicles to be attached to the task force.

    The task force has equally requested for identification tags to be provided to them to differentiate them from others.

    The Awka Commander of the (FRSC}, Hygenius Omeje has warned the operators of the agency that the exercise must be prosecuted with decorum.

    He said  that any impounded vehicle that stays for six months without the owner claiming it, the Task Force would not have any other option than to go to court.

    “Our high ways are not parking yards, we are going to place further notifications after those sensitisations and already, we have notified transport owners in the state”.

    For E.N.C. Ogbaji, the permanent secretary in the ministry told the Nation that the exercise is not to witch hunt anybody or group but to keep in line with the direction of Obiano’s administration of making Anambra the cleanest state in the land.

    Furthermore, to show his seriousness in sanitizing the state in some areas, Obiano said on Thursday that his administration would soon strengthen, existing laws to guide unhealthy environmental practices in the state.

    He said this during the world environmental day in Awka which had the theme “Small Island developing state”.

    Obaino said the state was being confronted with deforestation, bush burning, indiscriminate waste disposal, blocking of flood channels pollution and excavation.

    According to the state commissioner for Environment, Evarest Uba “we are planning to introduce into the state government’s statues community service for defaulters who cannot pay fine or those we do not want to send to jail”.

    Prof. Frank Ezeonu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, said “Nigeria was yet to embrace the entire spectrum of waste management”.

  • Succour for the needy in Anambra

    Succour for the needy in Anambra

    Most of them are aged and weak, others poor and lonely. An organisation, Amazing Grace Foundation, has lifted them out of their despair.

    The beneficiaries hail from various communities in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. Their benefactor is Mrs Ifeyinwa Obegolu, a lawyer and founder of Amazing Grace.

    What did she give to the needy women? They got bags of rice, beans, tomatoes, clothing and toiletries, among others.

    What inspired her? Obegolu told the Nation that she felt obliged to reach out to the old women and widows because they are often long neglected and abandoned.

    Most of the women are aged over 70 years, others widows.

    The communities whose indigent ones shared the foundation’s goodies are Obeledu, Adazi-Ani and Adazi Nnukwu, among others.

    The foundation which began in 2012 has reached out to people in Oyo, Abuja, Osun, Anambra; it has branches in 18 local government areas in the country.

    The foundation also takes care of victims of family violence and the physically challenged, and is funded by embassies, individuals and corporate organisations.

    Also, the foundation has 1,850 persons in the communities in Anambra but according to its founder, those people could not be accommodated in the first phase of the outreach; only 250 old people have been reached this time, while the second phase will take off come anytime soon.

    Ninety-three-year-old Maryann Obiachusi told the Nation that it was the first time she was benefitting from such gesture.

    The foundation also has a committee in each of the communities, that determines those who need help.

    Obegolu said she studied how to take care of the aged in the United States of America, adding that in Nigeria, old people are not taken care of the way it happens overseas.

    The aged, widows and the less privileged who gathered at Obeledu to receive some of the items were prayed for by the parish priest of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in the area, Fr. Ephraim Udoye and Anthony Mbonu.

    Not only that the people were given items including foods, the Nigeria Bar Association in Anaocha Local Government Area, led by Mr Chris Adimora, a lawyer, pledged to render free legal service to them.

    The NBA branch also gave financial assistance to the people to compliment the efforts of the foundation.

    Again, the chairman of the local government Area, Ikeobi Ejiofor, told the people that the Council Area under his leadership provides walking aids for the Amazing Grace Foundation.

    He also said that the council will equally give support to the foundation, adding that Obegolu had been known for doing such a thing for a long time, not only in the area but throughout the country.

    Mrs. Rebecca Onwuegbusi, a  71-year-old bed-ridden woman, prayed  that only God will reward the founder of the foundation.

    For 88-year-old Regina Onyeme, who sat on the chair dancing and praising God for the gesture, told the Nation that the foundation has brought peace in their communities.

    Some of the beneficiaries have one ailment or the other, and some  were ferried to the ground where the gifts were shared by their relatives.

    Seventy-eight-year-old Jude Amaduche, who found it difficult to speak because of the joy, said that he would talk another day on the issue.

    They celebrated not only with the items by the foundation, they were equally hosted by Rev. Sister Marian Patrick Nwankwo with a gigantic cake.

    Speaking with the Nation Mrs. Obegolu said that when the initiative came to her, she took it to the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who refused to listen to her.

    Instead, she was chased out of the government House by the military men, this according to her, made her to take the battle to God.

    The work of the foundation Obegolu said had been speaking for itself since it began two years ago while it took off in Anambra  in 2013.

    She said that the foundation takes care of women being maltreated by hoodlums, while it has call centres all over the place for contacts.

    According to her, “I began this outreach because Nigeria has not done anything for the old people or taken care of them but abroad, the government will put them in a home and be caring for them and this exactly what to do in Nigeria” Obegolu said.

    The foundation, the Nation gathered has six medical Doctors that take care of the old persons in Abuja and the same thing has been planned for the ones in Anambra and other states.

    “It is founded in convenant with God and man which means anybody who short changes the sick, the aged, widows and the needy must surely get his or her repercussion”.

    The foundation, she said preaches forgiveness, adding that every medical treatment for the people are free including the dispensation of drugs.