Abakaliki: Twenty-six widows in Ebonyi State are set to receive three-bedroom bungalows each from the state government as part of the Widows’ Housing Project. The initiative, spearheaded by the governor’s wife, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, through her foundation Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO), aims to provide housing to two widows in each of the 13 local government areas of the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project recently handed over new homes to two widows, Mrs Josephine Ekoyo from Ndiegu Azu Echara in Ikwo and Mrs Cecilia Ogbuinya from Amagu Onicha Village in Abakaliki. Both beneficiaries praised the program, expressing gratitude for the transformation in their living conditions. Mrs Ekoyo, who had been residing in a makeshift dwelling for several years, shared her relief and appreciation for the state government’s support. Similarly, Mrs Ogbuinya, who had endured the loss of six children, expressed her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild her life.
The governor’s wife, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, described the housing initiative as a realization of her foundation’s objectives. She emphasized the importance of providing hope and security to widows and reaffirmed her dedication to uplifting vulnerable women in the state. “This is in fulfilment of BERWO’s objective to uplift lives of widows in the society. I am happy it’s achieved,” Nwifuru stated.
Mr Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing, highlighted that the project involves the construction of three-bedroom bungalows, with two homes allocated per local government area. He commended the governor’s wife for her focus on people-centred projects and her vision for assisting the state’s most disadvantaged communities. Council Chairman of Ikwo, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, and Mr Donatus Ilang, Commissioner for Education, also praised the initiative as an important step in improving the living standards of the underprivileged.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reports that the inauguration of the housing units commenced in Ishielu and Ohaukwu Councils, with plans to extend the project to other councils in the near future.
