It was all joy yesterday at Okpuno, Nnewichi, Nnewi as the Member representing Nnewi North Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor handed over a newly built three bedroom apartment to three childless widows in an event attended by Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, who incidentally commissioned the project alongside Igwe Nnewi, Igwe Kennth Orizu (III).
The house, a 3-bedroom bungalow, has a sitting room with a set cushion chairs, side stools and centre table. It also has a flat-screen LED TV and GOtv with one-year full subscription and also a well-decorated curtain. Each of the three rooms is furnished with a wardrobe, bed, mattress, beddings and curtains. The kitchen which is also furnished, the toilet and bath are all in line with every sense of modernity is to ensure that these women have the needed relaxation they require.
The women who were married to the same husband who is now late, had no children.
Speaking on what motivated him to embark on the project, Hon. Nonso Okafor disclosed that earlier this year, he was told the heart-melting story of three (3) childless ageing widows who were living in terrible conditions in a dilapidated mud house in Okpuno, Nnewichi, Nnewi.
Okafor recalled that each time it rained, they suffer severe cold as major parts of the zinc covering the thatched house were leaking, coupled with the fact that some parts of the mud house were already caving in, posing a death trap to them as it could collapse at any time.
“Disturbed by their plight, I visited these women; I was moved to pity when I noticed that the oldest who was in her seventies or eighties was blind and sick. Their dilapidated mud house is not so different from living outside as it was riddled with gaping holes which cannot prevent cold, mosquitoes, or worst-case scenario snake attacks.
“It was heartbreaking that these women in their age who deserve to be tended like babies live in penury in a house that cannot guarantee good sleep.
“In furtherance to my vow to better the welfare of my constituents, I decided to build a modern house for the three (3) widows, a house that will not only give them basic shelter but also a sense of belonging.
“Women of their age live in houses built by their children but since they were unfortunate to have any, I decided to be a son to them. And what sons do for their mother, I promised to do for them.
“By the grace of God, I started the building project in the month of March and today being 22nd May, 2020, to the glory of God, the house is commissioned and handed over for use of these widows”, he explained.
While acknowledging that the house may not be all that those women require in their life, he however believed that the house would not only put smiles on their faces but would also strengthen their life and increase their life span.
“To the good people of Nnewi North Constituency, thank you so much for your continued support and prayers”, he said.
Dignitaries at the commissioning and handing over of the house to the beneficiaries included; Hon. Barr. Uzoma Eli, Member representing Onitsha South 1 and Hon. Akaegbobi Johnbosco, member representing Nnewi South 2, Royal Fathers led by Igwe Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. K. O. N. Orizu (III), Obi Uruagu Nnewi, Obi Afam Charles Obi (Ogidi IV) and Obi Nnewichi, Obi George A. Onyekaba (Obidiugwu) who was represented at the event.
Others included; Rt. Hon. Chukwudi Orizu, Hon. Amala Anazodo, Ogbuefi Melie Onyejepu, Sir. Ugochukwu Udemezue, Arc. Paul Ileka, Hon. Chike Agwuncha, Ven. Ekene Iroanusi.
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