Jubilation in Anambra as FG distributes bags of rice, gas cylinders, others to less privileged
Awesome Ekene
Minister of Women Affairs, Barr (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye on Wednesday reassured people of Anambra State of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to their welfare and security.
She, however, urged the people to exercise patience with him to enable him clear the rots he met on assumption.
The minister spoke at the Ndi Ichie Hall, Umudioka Village, Awka in Awka South local government area of the state during distribution of palliatives released to the State by Tinubu-led Administration.
The palliatives included 5,000 10kg bags of rice, over 500 bags of fertilizers, 500 PoS machines and 300 pcs of gas cylinders donated by Chief Executive Officer, Smart Gas, Yinka Okpeke.
Kennedy-Ohanenye however assured that the era of divertion of palliatives were over, reason she decided to be physically present to ensure the items got to the targeted beneficiaries.
She said: “My appointment was divinely orchestrated. I didn’t contest nor paid for it. I have offered myself to serve my people with all my heart. If they’re satisfied.
“Mr President who found me worthy has insisted that the poor must have a breathe of fresh air. After October 15, we’ll be lunching our Integrity Ambassador and Brigade with the backing of the army.
“I’ve also been empowered with mobile court to fight bad eggs in the society to ensure those things that were earlier done wrong were done right.
“If you feel you can be part of this fight but don’t have the money, you can join the Brigade while the wealthy will be funding it through the Ambassador.”
The minister promised further incentives in the coming days, including cash loans, agricultural inputs, among others.
“You’ll be getting text messages, requesting for your BVN. Don’t be afraid to supply same as nobody will defraud you. Students and graduates are also captured, but must produce evidence.
She added: “I decided to be physically present to ensure these items from Mr President is adequately distributed. The era of diversion is over. I monitored the entire process, all to ensure that nobody was cheated. Everything is transparent.
“Those who are absent and those with red caps are not qualified for these palliatives. We must learn to do things right.
“Just manage whatever you have. We appreciate the hardship you’re passing through but I assure that it won’t be long. Be patient with the President because he met rot and it will take a while to clear the mess.”
The donor of the gas cylinders, Okpeke said her decision to partner with the Women Affairs Ministry was informed by hardship women were being subjected to, saying the gesture would go a long way in cushioning the sufferings.
“We want to see how we can help our women who are homemakers so they don’t suffer going inside the bush looking for firewood.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo praised the Minister for her efforts targeted at improving the lots of women and children in the state.
“Today, we’re here to welcome the working Minister to Anambra. You’re representing us well and we’re proud of you. We the women will continue to support you,” he said.
State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Basil Ejidike thanked President Tinubu for the choice of Anambra daughter as minister.
“Umudioka you’re very lucky to have produced a minister who has not only been standing on truth and justice, but doesn’t discriminate. If she’s not doing well, we the party members wouldn’t have been here. She’s made a difference in the Ministry,” he added.
