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Tag: Anambra

  • Obiano approves Hepatitis screening for Anambra people

    Obiano approves Hepatitis screening for Anambra people

    Gov. Willie Obiano has approved Hepatitis screening for an estimated 6.18 million Anambra population, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Josephat Akabuike, said on Friday.

    Akabuike said this during a news briefing to mark the 2017 World Hepatitis Day in Awka.

    He said that the screening was already included in the state health insurance scheme and was billed to commence before the end of this fiscal year.

    According to him, the screening will be done at all government health facilities across the state.

    “Hepatitis is more deadly than HIV/AIDS; therefore; I urge all Anambra residents to regularly embark on medical screening, to ascertain their health status.

    “Early detection helps in the cure of the disease.”

    He said that the theme of the 2017 World Hepatitis Day which is “Eliminating Hepatitis’’, was apt with the current focus on how to eliminate the disease.

    “Statistics show that more than 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B and the figure is more likely to increase due to the lack of awareness and enlightenment.

    “A recent study conducted at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka, on some pregnant women, revealed that more than 8.3 per cent of those screened had both Hepatitis B and HIV.”

    The commissioner said that the Nigeria Medical Association had appealed to the government to declare an emergency on the treatment of Hepatitis.

    He noted that some types of Hepatitis were asymptomatic, making routine screening imperative for early the detection of the disease.

    The commissioner advised the people to jettison the notion that any person yellowish eyes already had hepatitis, adding that such a position was erroneous in medical science.

    Akabuike, therefore, appealed to the media to step up enlightenment and education of the masses, saying that it would help people to understand the disease and take the necessary precautions.

    World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is celebrated on July 28 every year to raise awareness of the global burden of viral Hepatitis with a view to combating the disease.

  • Mob kills policeman over death of woman, two children

    Mob kills policeman over death of woman, two children

    A mob on Thursday attacked and killed a policeman over the death of a woman and two children on Owerri Road, Onitsha, Anambra.

    Eyewitnesses said that the incident occurred at 3.30p.m. when the policeman attempted to forcibly stop an articulated vehicle loaded with sand along the road.

    According to the eyewitnesses, the driver lost control causing the fatal accident.

    “A tipper driver who was carrying sharp sand tried to meander his way past the policemen at the checkpoint but in the attempt to escape ran into the woman and children.

    “I wouldn’t know exactly why the tipper driver was stopped but immediately the accident happened, the policemen around the area made effort to leave the scene but were attacked by the mob,” a witness said.

    The witness said that the victims were standing by the roadside to board a vehicle to their destination when they met their untimely death.

    Another witness said that the mob spontaneously chased the policemen and beat up two of them, while the others escaped with their guns.

    The news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the factory along the  road, where the policemen were on special duty, was  set ablaze by the mob.

    The incident later forced police from Okpoko Police Station in Onitsha to carry out a mass arrest of persons along the busy road.

    Reacting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Nkeiru Nwode, expressed dismay over the development, saying the youths should have reported the matter to the police.

    “It was just an accident. Three people died on the spot and their remains have been deposited in the mortuary.

    “The scene of the accident has also been barricaded and the police are in control of the situation,” she said.

    Nwode said the police were against unlawful assembly and would not relent in  efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.

  • APGA can’t retain power in Anambra, says Madukaife

    APGA can’t retain power in Anambra, says Madukaife

    Okelo Madukaife is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, he speaks on the preparations for the November 18 governorship election.

    How prepared is the APC for the governorship election?

    When you say other parties are moving, and All Progressive Congress (APC) not moving it is laughable. When you talk of politics of Anambra, there are only two parties, one is All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the other to replace them, that is APC. When you talk of other parties, my mind goes to APGA. The movement you see in APGA is the movement of panic. They have lost all grounds in the field and every movement now to recover will be natural. Come to think of it, you cannot throw a man into the river without a struggle, so it is natural for APGA.

    On the part of APC, we are quietly engaging every one which will be engaged for victory in November. We are creating camaraderie and partnership among our 13 governorship aspirants. We are engaging the system within the law on the issues of democratic governance under the Local Government Areas.

    We are reaching out to the controlling public in the state for victory and for obvious reason, I will not give details. The noise you hear in the air from APGA is all fury, but no wage.

    Are you saying you are not afraid of PDP or the proposed Mega party?

    If you bring anybody who still indentifies with PDP, he himself will not rate the party as a contender. PDP is suffocated and as we talk, APC has swallowed one part completely and it is keeping its communication line open for the other faction.

    On mega party you mentioned. The only place we hear of it are online, newspapers, social media etc. The moment we move from internet from these organs and begins to connect with the people, they will not go anywhere.

    Remember the fight is between APC and APGA. I know the existence of UPP, PPA and others, they will align with the two parties when the time comes.

    Every other person in the state is waiting for the crisis that might erupt in APC after its primaries in the state, do you not envisage such?

    The APC is an organized, focused and disciplined political party and we have a pedigree when it comes to internal democracy. So, anybody that ascribes  crisis to the primary is not referring to the APC.

    Crisis is not what most people report as crisis particularly the media for the simple reason that politics is a game of conflict. So by setting up a primary process, the party has deliberately set up a clash of interest between tendencies. But side by side, the party also knows how to blend all the forces together. Since 2014 when the ACN conducted its primaries in Abuja, smoothly, we have held about five governorship primaries and none of them has produced a losing aspirant that left the party and none of them has led to an electoral loss. Yet, it does not mean that there were not claims and objections after the primaries and that is why it is a game of conflict.

    If you add the presidential primary to these five governorship primaries, you will see that the APC is virtually perfecting the act of producing of its candidates through free and fair primaries. Before the presidential primaries in 2014, I was asked a similar question in Lagos of which my answer was what I have given now.

    For the primaries, we do not have any fear whatsoever. If you take for instance the latest primaries in Ondo, which so many opposition members tried to raise issue from, you will find out that because there were very strong stakes, a lot of open arguments came up after the primaries and at the end of the day, the party used its internal mechanism to resolve the issues and the final analysis, Ondo became the first governorship election in southern Nigeria that did not go to court.

    Does the APC have the wherewithal to battle Governor Willie Obiano of APGA?

    Our party is yet to hold any primaries likewise any other party, we are not talking of the person to face Obiano, because he is not yet a candidate, we are talking of bringing out somebody we know that can dust any other candidate produced by APGA.

    However, should APGA take the risk of Obiano for the election, we are confident that the worst of the 13 of the aspirants will defeat Obiano convincingly, because he is a none-performing governor who has no good story to tell to deserve a second term.

    Obiano promised to govern Anambra with four pillars, the first of it is oil and gas where he promised that the state will be a part and parcel of OMPADEC bringing benefits to Anambra state, but he has failed. He promised that under his watch, Anambra will raise its profile by attracting investments and industries, again he has failed and to make matters worse, he has continued to lie that the state has attracted investments worth 4 billion dollars to the state.

  • Anambra poll: Does Obiano deserve second term?

    Anambra poll: Does Obiano deserve second term?

    The crisis in the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has remained unsolved, despite the intervention of the judiciary.

    The order of Mandamus which handed the party to senator Martins Agbaso from Imo State has really compounded the issues.

    But, the embattled National Chairman of the party, Dr. Victor Ike Oye, still parades himself as the authentic chairman.

    Recently, the National Executive Council (NEC), led by former Minister of Information and Communications, Labaran Maku visited Anambra state.

    The NEC emphatically declared that the party does not recognise Agbaso as its National Chairman, describing him as a ‘stranger’ in the party.

    It said Oye was elected by the party alongside his executives, adding that APGA would not recognise anybody coming to impose himself on the party through the back door.

    The confusion has affected the popularity of the party in Anambra state, barely four months away from the November 18, governorship election.

    Besides, certain questions are being thrown up among observers; will Governor Willie Obiano retain the ticket of the party?

    Has he really done well to deserve a second term in Anambra, despite pressures from opposition?

    What is the fate of Dr. Elo Aforka, one-time special Adviser to the governor, who has thrown his hat to the ring for the governorship ticket of the party?

    Is Obiano in the camp of Agbaso or Oye or he romances both? Is the governor actually making moves to join another party, ahead of the election?

    The thinking in the state is that Obiano deserves a second term, having done well since he took over from former governor Peter Obi.

    His prominent achievement, according to observers, is the sacking of the dreaded kidnappers and armed robbers in the state.

    Anambra state has become a major producer of rice and a major exporter of vegetables from large farms in the state.

    Despite the criticisms that had trailed three flyovers erected by the Obiano administration, they have changed the aesthetics of the capital city.

    The administration has lighted up the major roads and streets in the state, including the federal road between Amawbia and Amansea, among others.

    But, the APGA crisis giving the state government headaches on daily basis.

    The governor’s dream of getting the ticket to actualise his ambition of second term is still hanging in the balance.

    Though he is the board of trustees (BoT) chairman of the party, The Nation gathered that his relationship with the Agbaso-led executive is not cordial.

    The opposition parties want to capitalise on the crisis in APGA during the election, knowing that the party will have problem of harmonisation.

    None of the parties has scheduled its primary, which is supposed to hold before the end of August as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The only battle Obiano is facing is the number of appointments he has made from his Aguleri community.

    The appointments have not helped him in any way. rather, they have led to name calling, while the appointees have brought anguish to his administration.

    The appointees from Aguleri do things with impunity without the knowledge of the governor and they have shielded the governor from being seen by other people, thereby creating enemies for him.

    Some political big wigs in the state, who spoke with The Nation, described Obiano as a straight forward person, who is not cunning.    They see him as a large hearted leader; such commendations are even coming from opposition.

    Apart from some of the things done by the governor, a lot of roads are being constructed in communities in the state through the 20 million naira development funds given to them.

    The money has been increased to N40 million to each of the 177 communities that had finished the first phase of their projects.

    Though, some opposition platforms see it as campaign strategy by the APGA government ahead of November 18 governorship election, but it has lifted virtually all the communities in the state.

    Currently, APGA, Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), United People’s Party (UPP), All Progressive Congress (APC), Hope Democratic Party (HDP) are the parties making waves.

    Despite many rivers to cross by the party, the state government is not relenting in making sure that Obiano wins.

    The first lady Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano and her team had visited the communities sensitizing the people on the good projects of the government.

    For the Chairman of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Lolo Oby Kate Okafor, “the governor in the state has done well for the people, but he has to give chance for our party come November 18, 2017”.

    But the publicity secretary of the (APC), Okelo Madukeife, said Obiano has failed Anambra and therefore, should pack his bags and baggage from the Agu-Awka house.

    Aforka, while speaking with The Nation in Awka, claimed that Obiano has killed APGA structure at ward and local government levels.

    He alleged that few day ago that the governor summoned a meeting of immediate past local government chairmen, adding that his message was simple, that the people should work with him in his second term project.

    According to Aforka, “I want to clearly condemn the over bearing interference of the governor with local government funds and administration”

    He said he was optimistic that the APGA leadership, would enthrone good leadership and party politics once again come November 18 in Anambra.

    It is not going to be an easy ride for any of the political parties during the election. But, the waiting game continues till after the party’s primaries in next month.

     

  • APGA ‘ll retain power in Anambra, says Ochije

    APGA ‘ll retain power in Anambra, says Ochije

    Comrade Obi Ochije Modilim is a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra state. He spoke with NWANOSIKE ONU on the preparation of his party for the November 18 governorship election.

    How prepared is your party for the governorship election?

    When you talk of readiness on this November 18 election, I can tell you that governor Willie Obiano and our great party APGA is over 100 per cent ready for the election. Therefore, to answer your question, we are ready. But, what we will not do is to tell the people our strategies. APGA is a grass root, party and a mass movement. So, I laugh at people who say Obiano will not win his second term in Anambra. His victory is already granted through the people of the state, because of his good works and touching the lives of the needy. Already, he has implemented his four-point agenda in the state and he has entered into another phase.

    Are you not afraid of other parties like PDP, APC, PPA and UPP?

    APGA and its members cannot be afraid of anything because President Mohammadu Buhari is a man that does not want to dent his integrity. All we are asking for is fair play for every party during the election. From what has happened everywhere in the country, especially the recent Osun senatorial election, it seems the APC government is not interested in muzzling people, but ready to provide a level playing ground for every party and that is what democracy is all about. Therefore, there is no reason for APGA our great party to be afraid of anything because the votes will count.

    Anambra election is an election everybody including the international country is ready to monitor. A lot of investors all over the world are ready to flood the state for the election. My advice to the people of Anambra is that we should show the world that this state is a peaceful place and a very important state in Igbo land.

    But, what about the crisis in your party over the national leadership? does it not bother you?

    I think the crisis could be equated to a family problem that could be settled any moment. It does not give us any concern because we know the people are capable of settling it any moment from now. Our great leader and board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, which is the governor has already started the peace talks and very soon, the issues will be a thing of the past. Dr. Victor Oye is a great man and within his short period as the National Chairman of APGA, he has transformed the party but we have to wait for the court to settle the matter soon. This will bring everybody together to make way for the re-election of Chief Willie Obiano.

    Do you believe Obiano has done enough in the state like Obi to deserve re-election?

    Remember they are all APGA and that continuity is always there. There is no need comparing the two because the governments are all APGA.  Obi did well in the state and he is still being hailed in the party today, but I believe Obiano has surpassed the records set in the state by our former Governor which had lacked in Anambra state before Sen. Chris Ngige came on board.

    With Markafi coming on board, following the Supreme Court judgment, don’t you think the equation has changed concerning the election?

    I don’t think so. Let me explain, PDP is another party but first, let me congratulate them for rising from the dead. It will only give room for a stronger opposition not only in the state but also at the federal level. But let me assure you that APGA is not afraid and will never fear any other party in Anambra state because the party belongs to Ndi Anambra and also seen as a party for Ndigbo. PDP has no say here again, the party had danced naked in the market and therefore, it will take them some time to recover. For APC? It will take some time for them to be on ground and as for other parties you earlier mentioned, they are all floating in the air as far as Anambra state is concerned. The only thing people know now in this state is that election is between APGA, APC and PDP.

  • Anambra to commence rice export in 2018

    Anambra to commence rice export in 2018

    The Acting Programme Manager of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Anambra, Mr Jude Nwankwo says plans are underway to commence export of rice from the state in 2018.

    Nwankwo disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka.

    “By the grace of God, Anambra will commence rice export after our harvest this year’’, he said.

    He assured that the state will produce more than 500,000  tonnes of rice in the 2017 harvest year based on projections from the field.

    He said that the figure would be 300, 000 higher than what was recorded in 2016.

    “In 2016, we projected 180, 000 metric tonnes of rice, but we surpassed it by 20, 000. In 2017 our target is to produce 500, 000 metric tonness of rice, but the information from the field indicates that the figure will even go higher again’’, he said.

    He said that more rice farmers were being supported by government to cultivate rice in Orumba North, Ayame­lum, Awka North, Anam­bra East and Anambra West Local Government Areas and other communities across the state.

    “We distributed hybrid FERO 44 rice, maize, cassava and yam to farmers, in addition to huge support the state gave to vegetable farmers who already are exporting pumpkin and bitter leaf to markets in America and Europe.

    NAN reports that many communities in Anambra such as Owusi, Omasi, Omor, Ifite-Og­wari, Enugu-Abo, Ufuma and Umuekete-Aguleri, among other communi­ties have enormous potentials for commercial rice farming.

    Nwankwo said a more cheering development in the state was that more youths especially graduates are now showing serious interest and passion in farming due to evident prospect in commercial agricultural ventures.

    “ In Anambra now, the involvement of youths in agriculture is affecting rural/urban migration. Hardly do I spend up to one hour in my office without receiving youths coming to ascertain how they can establish one agricultural venture or another.

    “The state currently has more than 2, 000 registered Farmers Cooperative Societies and many jobs and wealth are being created in the sector in the state’’, he said.

    The Anambra ADP boss noted that the state is practicing e-agriculture which enables information on agricultural activities to be easily generated and transmitted to the state agricultural data unit.

    On Meteorological Agency (NiMet) prediction that Anambra will be among states to record flooding which  may lead to poor  harvest, Nwankwo allay the fears insisting that it would not affect plants in the area.

    “We already have the records of communities with high risk for flooding; our agricultural extension officers guided farmers from such locations to strictly adhere to agricultural calendar.

    “And so farmers in these places like Ogbaru and FADAMA communities would have harvested their crops before the flooding will occur this time’’, Nwankwo noted.

  • Police arrest 100 suspected robbers, others in Anambra

     

    The Anambra State Police Command yesterday paraded 100 suspected criminals for alleged robbery, child trafficking and cultism.

    Following increased criminal activities across the state, Police Commissioner Garba Baba Umar warned vehicle owners to stop covering their number plates and avoid using sirens.

    The police said the suspects were arrested at Nnewi, Awada in Onitsha, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area as well as Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area.

    Some of the items recovered from them included charms, AK-47 rifles, locally-made pistols, machetes, axes, live cartridges, pump action guns and six rounds of 9mm live ammunitions.

    Parading the suspects at the state police headquarters in Amawbia, Umar assured the residents that the command would protect them and their property from criminals.

    The police chief said the suspects were being investigated, adding that they will be prosecuted.

    On the child trafficking syndicate, Umar said following an intelligence report, Pastor Raymond Igboanusi (60), from Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area, was arrested.

    He was reportedly arrested with Angela Igboanusi (42), Obinigwe Josephine (56), from Obu-Agu village in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, and Jacob Onwuegwu (62), of the same address.

    Umar said the suspects allegedly conspired and trafficked Ifeanyi Odili (10) for N300,000.

    Also, at Nnewi, Oluchi Emeobi (24), of Nnewi-Ichi, allegedly conspired with her friend, Nchedochi Richard (26), and sold her two-month-old baby to a woman, popularly called “First Lady”.

    The buyer was said to be on the run while the police have intensified efforts to apprehend her.

    Umar said: “To conceal her dastardly act, the suspect reported at the police station under false pretence that she left her baby under the custody of yet-to-be-ascertained woman, who absconded with the baby.

    “Exhibits recovered from the principal suspect include N250,000 cash, one motorcycle the suspect allegedly bought with part of the money realised from the sale of her baby.”

    Some of the robbery suspects, the police chief said, had been on the command’s wanted list for some time.

    He added that one of the suspects was shot in the leg during a shootout with members of the state Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at Onitsha.

    Umar said the command also arrested Okagbue Afoma (41) in whose shop a boy was killed by suspected cult members.

    The police chief said the suspect had been giving the command information that would lead to the arrest of her “accomplices”.

    He said the command arrested over 40 suspected cultists in various parts of the state within a short period.

    Umar assured the residents that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

     

  • Anambra worries over 600 active erosion sites

    THE Anambra State government is worried by the number of active erosion sites in the state now put at 600. The state’s Commissioner for the Environment, Romanus Ejikeme in Awka yesterday said that there are 950 geo-referenced erosion sites in the state. He, however, said that the state government was carrying out intervention works in ten sites within the limits of its resources. “We have more than 600 active erosion sites and this is not exhaustive because we have written to about 181 communities to update us with the number of erosion sites in their neighbourhoods,” he said.

    “The governor has approved palliative works in not less than 10 of these sites; these sites include Agwu-Achi, Nkwele-Ezunaka, Akpaka, Ebenebe, Oranto-Ukpo, Ring Road at Ukpo bypass, Nnewi-Ichi, Utuh and Iheakuba-Amichi. “The one at Ekwueme Square road is massive and beyond what the state can handle because it will cost hundreds of millions of naira.” Ejikeme decried the slow pace of intervention by the Nigerian Erosion Watershed and Management Project in the state, even after the state government had paid its counterpart funds in full. He said that bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering approval for the commencement of civil works at the sites were not good, in the light of the urgency of the situation.

    Ejikeme asked the World Bank to quickly start rehabilitation works at the approved sites and save the residents of the affected areas from untold hardship. “We cannot wait for NEWMAP because of the bureaucratic bottlenecks affecting its processes. “So, government is putting palliative measures in place with regard to the erosion on Ekwueme Square road so as to ensure that it does not cut the road. “There are about 15 erosion sites on which NEWMAP is intervening but Agulu, Oko and Nanka erosion sites are not among these sites. “It has not been easy, there is so much bureaucracy in getting these jobs done; it is not solely in our hands to execute these jobs and the World Bank has a principal role to play. “But the Anambra State Government has paid its counterpart fund in full with regard to that project,” he said.

  • Psycho-Emotional test: FRSC to partner public health institutions in Anambra

    Psycho-Emotional test: FRSC to partner public health institutions in Anambra

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra Command, says it will partner public health institutions for the implementation of its psychological and emotional test policy.

    Mr Sunday Ajayi, the Sector Commander in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Awka that discussions were under way with the state government for effective synergy, to ensure the success of the policy.

    NAN reports that the new policy came into effect on July 1.

    Ajayi said that the Anambra command, which has six units across the state, would work with the nearest government hospitals in each of the units as examination points.

    He said it was imperative for motorists to prepare their minds before setting out on journeys and avoid being arrested for such behaviours that could endanger their lives and those of others.

    “We don’t have any alternative than to follow suit; the instruction has been passed and the modus operandi released; we have put our strategy in place.

    “We are working with public health institutions in the state so that when arrest is made, we move them to these hospitals for examination.

    “We have taken note of the spread of government hospitals in the state; the arrangement will work with the nearest health facility in each of the units of the command.

    “This effort is good because it will serve as a reminder to road users that they must prepare their minds for any journey.

    “Some of the irrational behaviour motorists exhibit on the roads is a pointer to the fact that they do not think ahead of their journeys.”

    Ajayi said some of the offences that could attract the medical examination included route violation, overloading, speeding and use of phone while driving.

    On the activities of the command in the last six months, the sector commander said there was significant reduction in the number of crashes and fatalities but did not provide statistics.

    He said that public enlightenment, advocacy, stakeholders’ engagement and enforcement were intense during the period, adding that they were substantially responsible for the successes.

    “I want to say that the first two quarters of the year have been very eventful; we have been active and visible on the high ways in line with the 2017 strategic goals of the Corps.

    “So, looking back, you will agree with me that it has been a successful year. To the glory of God we have had a reduction in the type of crashes that result in deaths like we had in the corresponding period last year.

    “It means that our aim of reducing fatality by 25 per cent and crash by 15 per cent is being achieved.

    “Other sister agencies have been collaborative in our enforcement and the media has helped in our awareness campaigns.

    “Also, fleet operators, driving schools, educational institutions and churches helped our operations,” Ajayi said.

  • Relief for widows in Anambra

    Relief for widows in Anambra

    Relief came the way of widows in Anambra State. They got relief items at Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. Some of the items were rice, beans, cash and tomatoes, among others.

    The event was organised by the coordinator and founder of Widows Association in the state, Mrs. Hope Nwandu. Former National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Sir Victor Umeh, and the chairman of GUO group of companies, Chief Sir Goody Okeke sponsored it. The state government was represented by Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Assistant on Political Matters, Dr Vero Okechukwu.

    It was gathered that the association helps over 10,000 widows in the state every year.

    Those who attended this year’s edition were widows from Dunukofia, Anaocha, Idemili South and Awka South Local Government Areas.

    Umeh, who was represented by his campaign Director General Chief Emeka Udoeme, and Dr Vero Okechukwu urged the widows to have faith in God.

    The duo told them that God had always been a husband to the widows and would never allow bad to triumph against them.

    The founder of the association, Mrs. Hope Nwandu, told The Nation that she would not stop supporting them, since they were in the same boat.

    She however, warned them to be weary of politicians that only use them during elections and dump them after, adding that the God of widows would continue to watch over them.

    One of the youngest widows in Anambra, who simply identified herself as Mrs. Onyinye I, told The Nation that it was not easy to become a widow at just 21 years.

    Onyinye, who hawks snacks at Nimo market in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, recently removed her white mourning dress, said God had been taken care of her since the husband died six months ago. She hails from Ukpor Nnewi south council area.

    She commended the widow’s coordinator for her initiative, while praying God to protect her for the widows.

    Another widows, Mrs. Theresa Okoye from Aguluzigbo, Mrs. Augustina Nwakelu from Dunukofia and Mrs. Franca Mbudinma from Oraukwu communities, told The Nation that it had not been easy for them coping with the children.

    They declared that they would continue being grateful to Nwandu for helping the helpless in the society despite her own condition in life, and prayed God to replenish the pockets of those who gave them the food items.