Enugu: Council Boss Announces Monthly Stipends for Persons with Disabilities
The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr. Eric Odo, has announced that all persons living with disabilities within the council will henceforth receive a monthly stipend to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
Dr. Odo made the announcement during a thanksgiving Mass held in Ogbede to mark his first anniversary in office, stressing his commitment to delivering on good governance.
He explained that the initiative is in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s “Tomorrow is Here” mantra, aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting inclusiveness for widows, the poor, and persons with disabilities across Enugu State.
According to the council boss, payment of the stipends will commence immediately after the electronic capturing of beneficiaries, noting that over 1,000 widows have already begun receiving similar monthly support.
“This government is not the government of those who fly aeroplane or those who have many cars in their carparks.
“This government, for the very last time, is the government for the poor and those who are suffering.
“That was our promise during the campaign and we are going to stick to it from the beginning to the end of our administration.
“We will contine to do things that will better the lives of our people,” he declared.
Dr. Odo also assured that his administration would execute at least one or two developmental projects in each of the 20 political wards before the end of his tenure.
He listed some of the ongoing and completed projects to include the revitalisation of Ogbede Cottage Hospital in collaboration with the state government, rehabilitation of Ozalla and Ukehe water schemes, construction of 17 water galleries, and the establishment of a modern ICT hub.
Others are the beautification of the council headquarters, construction of the NSCDC Area Command in Nkporogwu Ukehe and its divisions in Ekwegbe and Ohodo, as well as the cultivation of five hectares of garden egg, pepper, and cocoyam farms in Agu Ukehe.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Ebuka Odoh commended council Boss for his developmental efforts and commitment to the welfare of the less privileged, describing him as a leader with compassion and vision.
“Thank you for allowing God to use you because it has all been sacrifice. Thank you for your interest in agriculture.
“Thank you for everything we have gotten from God through you.
“I wish to tell you, dear brother and your team that you mist have to remain hungry to achieve more, to love more and to live more.
“I pray that the remaining months and years of your administration will bring greatness to us,” Fr. Odoh said.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of food items, including bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, and wrappers, to persons living with disabilities within the council area.
