Chinedum Elekwachi
A total of 180 elderly indigent women on Wednesday benefited from the Christmas largesse of Ada Nri Global Initiative (ANGI) in Nri community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state, revered as one of the Igbo ancient towns.
The beneficiaries, 30 from the six villages that make up the community went home with bags of rice, beans, vegetable oil, tomatoes and other food condiments.
Speaking during the distribution, Global President, Nkechinyere Ezeani said the gesture tagged, “Day With The Elderly” seeks to alleviate the plights of the indigent women in the area.
She said, “The association is made up of daughters of Nri from 21 years and above. This project was initiated by our late founder, Patricia Akudinobi in 2014.
“But we’ve sustained the legacy even after her demise in 2017. The occasion offers us opportunity to put smiles on the faces of the elderly, indigents and vulnerable.
“The beneficiaries are selected from six villages that make up the community making it 180 people.
“Some younger ones you see are here to represent their aged mothers who can’t come out.
11-year old ritual
Ezeani said, “We’re excited because this our 11-year old gesture is resonating across the community as lots of people are emulating us.
“Few days ago, some persons from overseas returned home and did similar thing.
“As we speak, another politician is empowering people. We’re happy because the more the merrier.
“It’s lovely to felicitate with the aged and shaking hands with older women. You can see them beaming with smiles. They look forward for this event every 24th December.”
Also speaking, Ebele Ifedi, Coordinator of Abuja chapter which hosted the exercise described the gesture as wonderful experience, praying the gifts would add value to the lives of the beneficiaries.
She said the funds for the project was raised within members of the group as well as those from the diaspora.
“This is the first time I’m witnessing the exercise life and probably because our branch is the host.
“It’s wonderful to see the aged benefiting from the little token we have for them.
“I’m happy we’re the one hosting this year’s edition. We thank God using us to put smiles on the faces of our people,” she added.
Highlight of the event was health talk on diabetes by Ngozi Nsofor, a nurse.
