REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Over four hundred vulnerable persons in Abia state have received bags of rice and cash donation of ₦50,000 each to support their livelihood and wellbeing.
The vulnerable persons include one hundred members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter and 300 persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS, as well as sickle cell warriors in the state.
Speaking during the outreach at Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, the country home of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said that the intervention was driven by compassion and a firm belief that governance must be benevolent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable in the society.
Mrs Otti who pointed out that people of these groups face enormous challenges said they deserve attention and dignity pledged continuous support to the groups.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, applauded the courage, resilience, and strength of persons living with albinism, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell disorder and advised them to continue to prioritizing their health.
For her part, the Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, ABSACA, Dr. Uloaku Emma -Ukaegbu expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Governor Otti to the agency, describing his leadership as people-centered and health-driven.
Responding on behalf of vulnerable members, the Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State, Mrs. Rebecca Eze, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Mr. Enyinnaya Nwosu, and Miss Victoria, from the sickle cell warriors, all expressed profound gratitude to Mrs. Otti for the intervention and described the support as timely, impactful, and a clear demonstration of government empathy toward vulnerable populations.
