By THE Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, has launched the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to an equal number of households across the council.
The initiative forms part of his administration’s Christmas welfare package and ongoing poverty reduction strategy.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony yesterday, Chairman Anike highlighted several other completed projects, including over 10km of asphalted roads, scholarships awarded to more than ten thousand beneficiaries, and digital skills training for local youth. He praised the State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his administration’s policy of non-interference with local government funds, which he stated had made these projects possible.
Anike explained that the welfare initiative was inspired by Governor Mbah’s leadership philosophy, which he described as intentional, people-oriented, and strongly focused on poverty reduction in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He noted that the council’s interventions were designed to complement the state government’s efforts to improve living standards at the grassroots level.
“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.
He is deliberately reducing poverty in Enugu State, and we at the local level are following the same principle,” the Chairman said.
He recalled previous social intervention programmes, including a universal health coverage scheme for 5,000 people and the distribution of 10,000 wrappers to women, stating that the rice distribution was a continuation of these deliberate pro-poor policies.
The beneficiaries were identified through women’s cooperative societies within the council.
Anike reported that over 400 such cooperative groups are currently undergoing various capacity-building and empowerment trainings facilitated by the local government.
He further commended Governor Mbah for strengthening local governance through clear policies and infrastructural investments, citing projects like Smart Green Schools, Type-2 Primary Health Centres, and rural road construction as visible testimonies.
Also addressing the gathering, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, described the development strides as consistent with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises aggressive grassroots development and poverty reduction.
He urged continued support for the APC and called on residents to ensure they are prepared to participate in the forthcoming elections.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, describing the support as timely and impactful amid current economic challenges.
Mrs. Grace Ogbu, a widow, said the gesture would significantly ease the burden on households during the festive season.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ngozi Eze, pledged continued support for the council administration and the governing party.
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