By Ifeoma Aka
THE CHAIRMAN of Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has approved monthly stipend for widows in the area, declaring that the council has the capacity to take care of the widows.
Odo, who stated this on Wednesday while addressing hundreds of widows who paid him a courtesy visit in Ogbede, said his administration would equally protect the widows from harmful cultural practices.
He disclosed that the monthly stipend, which would be included in the 2025 budget, would go a long way in assisting in augmenting their financial needs, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to improve the welfare as well as protect the poor.
Odo, however, did not declare the amount of stipend to be paid to each widow, neither did he state the annual cost of the stipend as well as the total number of widows in the local government.
“The reason why government exist is to improve the welfare of the poor in the society, not minding their educational qualifications.
“It is important for us to start addressing the issue of widows’ welfare, so that successive administration will continue from wherever we stopped. The poor must be protected and cared for.
“What we have come to do is to change the status quo and give all platform, the poor and the vulnerable ones an opportunity to live a fulfilled life.
“Nobody will be short changed under my administration, irrespective of the person’s social or economic status,” he said.
The council chairman directed the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Widows’ Affairs, Mrs Esther Ugwuehi to compile the names of genuine widows, who truly deserve the monthly stipend.
Responding on behalf of the widows, Ugwuehi thanked the council chairman for the kind gesture, describing it as unprecedented.
She noted that Odo is the first chairman in the local government who not only give audience to the widows, but is also determined to improve their welfare.
National Record reported how Dr Odo had recently appointed Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) on Garden Egg, Yam and Pepper, arguing that it was a strategic move.
He said that the appointment was meant to boost production of these crops in large quantity to satisfy local demands and for export.
According to him, his local government area was good in growing these crops and had great comparative advantage, hence the need to engage individuals who had the competence to develop that aspect of agriculture.
“Their appointments are to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support and expertise to enhance production, improve market access and increase income for farmers.
“In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers and opposition, reinforces my determination to creating a thriving local economy based on the strength and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape,” Odo had noted.
He also said that the decision was well thought-out, aimed at enhancing productivity, job creation, and to uplift farmers and communities for both short-term and long-term development goals.
He urged the public to disregard any online or offline comment aimed at discrediting his laudable and visionary efforts to reposition and set Igbo-Etiti council area on the path of massive food production and sustainable development.
