Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to 10,000 households across the council area as part of his administration’s Christmas welfare package and poverty reduction drive.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Anike said the initiative was inspired by the leadership philosophy of the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, whom he described as intentional and people-oriented in governance, with a strong focus on reducing poverty in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to him, the local government’s welfare interventions were designed to complement the state government’s efforts at improving the living standards of the people at the grassroots.
“Our motivation is drawn from the leadership style of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who has consistently placed the welfare of the common people first”, Anike said. “He is deliberately reducing poverty in Enugu State, and we at the local level are following the same principle.”
He recalled some of the social intervention programmes already implemented by his administration, noting that the rice distribution was a continuation of deliberate pro-poor policies.
“You are aware of our 5,000 universal health coverage scheme. You are also aware of our distribution of 10,000 wrappers to 10,000 women. Today, we are flagging off the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to 10,000 households across Enugu East Local Government Area”, he stated.
Anike explained that the beneficiaries were identified through women cooperative societies within the council, adding that over 400 cooperative groups are currently undergoing various capacity-building and empowerment trainings facilitated by the local government.
“This programme was made easy by our structured engagement with women cooperatives across the council. These groups, numbering about 400, are undergoing training programmes, and through them we were able to identify households that are already benefiting from our poverty reduction initiatives”, he said.
He further disclosed that the Office of the Wife of the Council Chairman has been playing a complementary role by organizing and mobilizing women for skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes.
The council chairman also commended Governor Mbah for strengthening local government administration through deliberate policies and infrastructural investments at the grassroots.
“Governor Peter Mbah has been intentional about empowering local governments. He allows 100 per cent of our statutory allocations to reach us, and this has enabled councils to execute meaningful projects’, Anike said. “Projects such as smart green schools, Type 2 health centres and rural road construction are visible testimonies. We are simply following in his footsteps in delivering good governance to our people”.
Also speaking at the event, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, described the development strides in the state as consistent with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said prioritises aggressive grassroots development and poverty reduction.
“What we are seeing here aligns with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on taking development to the grassroots and lifting people out of poverty”, Nwoye said. “I urge the people to continue to support the APC and work towards the return of the party to government at all levels in the forthcoming elections.”
He further charged residents to ensure that their voter cards are intact and to actively participate in the electoral process.
In separate reactions, beneficiaries of the rice distribution expressed joy and appreciation, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, especially amid prevailing economic challenges.
One of the beneficiaries, a widow, Mrs Grace Ogbu, said the gesture would go a long way in easing the burden on households during the festive season. “This support means a lot to us. It shows that the local government truly cares about the people”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Ngozi Eze, pledged continued support for the council administration and the APC. “With what we are seeing, we are ready to give more support to this government so that these programmes can continue”, she said.
The event drew community leaders, women groups and party stakeholders, including the commissioner for local government, rural development and chieftaincy matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, chairman of traditional rulers council in the local government area, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu and other traditional rulers from the area, marking what many described as a strong statement of commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development in Enugu East.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
