More than Fifty widows drawn from the eleven political wards in Okobo Local Government Area have received cash support to grow their small and medium scale businesses from the Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr) . Sylvester Attah.
presentating the cash on Wednesday, 17 March, 2021 at the Council Secretariat, Okopedi, Hon Attah said the gesture is part of the events marking his 100 days in office as the Executive chairman of Okobo LG.
He bewailed the negative effect of the ravaging community conflict on lives and properties and attributed the low-key celebration of his 100 days in office to it.
“Today marks my 100 days in office as Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government. Sadly, within this period, Okobo isn’t at peace for which reason we cannot afford to celebrate. “
“However, I invited you here to mark this day with us, knowing that the inter-communal crisis between Okopedi and Amamong has increased the number of widows in our land, as more men have regrettably lost their lives. Also, we are particularly concerned about how your businesses could survive the hardship associated with the COVID 19 pandemic,” the Chairman explained.
“Therefore, as in the biblical parable of the talents, I want you all to trade on the money we have provided you with, so that I can get progress reports when I call you again in December,” he added.
In her response, Mrs. Martina Abia who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the Chairman for the grants and pledged to use the grant effectively.
In a related development, the Chairman also awarded the sum of N125,000 assistance to each benefiting student from the area who recently gained admission into various campuses of the Nigerian Law School. The chairman said the gesture is part of the fulfilment of his administration’s welfare promises to Okobo students and the entire citizenry.
Hon Attah said, “Since assumption of office, we have been making efforts to ensure conducive working environment at the Council Headquarters with focus on lighting and repairs of the moribund power generating system we inherited. Lately, we have provided a 4KVA generator and other logistics for smooth NIMC operations in the local government area.
“Unfortunately, we have committed a chunk of our resources to security and footing of medical bills of injured victims of the inter-communal clash, some of whom we have reunited with their families. These resources could otherwise be channeled to more impactful projects.”
“However, despite these challenges, we aren’t deterred, but are determined to remain resolute and produce results,” he concluded.
The event was witnessed by the Leader, Okobo Legislative Council, Hon. Anthony Uyah, Head of Local Government Service, Dr. Mrs. Alice Udosen, Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Patrick Oyoh, PDP State Officer, Lady Mary Unungene, local government councillors, departmental directors, as well as the Women Development Officer, Mrs. Mercy Uneh and members of council staff.
