An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Evangeline Ozonyiri, has expressed deep satisfaction with the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, describing him as a “God-sent” leader to the state.
Ozonyiri made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an empowerment programme held at Leru Central School Field, Umuchieze, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The annual charity programme, organised for the less privileged, was sponsored by Ivyline Care Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to eradicating hunger, alleviating poverty and improving access to healthcare in vulnerable communities.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation said Abia State was fortunate to have Governor Otti at this time, noting that his administration had made significant strides in improving the lives of residents.
According to her, the governor’s interventions in infrastructure development, healthcare reforms, education, social welfare and security have repositioned the state.
“Abia has never had it this good when it comes to political affairs in Nigeria. We have cried over the years, and we are happy that God has blessed us with an amazing governor who has done awesomely well in the few years he’s been in office,” she said.
Ozonyiri added that the visible development in the state had restored her pride as an Abia indigene.
“Back in the years, I was not so proud to say I’m from Abia, but now I can categorically say I’m from Abia because of the development we’ve had so far,” she said.
She particularly commended Governor Otti for curbing insecurity in Umunneochi Local Government Area, which she noted was once notorious for criminal activities.
“Umunneochi is peaceful now. There is security, and many of our people returned home this festive period to participate in our community’s cultural festival,” she said.
However, Ozonyiri lamented that her Leru community was yet to be connected to the national electricity grid, describing it as a major setback.
“We don’t have electricity yet in my community, but I know His Excellency has reached out to ask us what we want. I believe he will fulfil his promises soon,” she said.
Speaking on the empowerment initiative, Ozonyiri explained that the programme was self-financed and organised in loving memory of her late parents, Rev. Chinyere and Rev. Sorochi Ozonyiri.
She said the gesture would be sustained and expanded beyond Abia State to other parts of the country.
NAN reports that the foundation distributed food items, non-food items and cash gifts worth millions of naira to vulnerable households across the seven villages in Leru-Umuchieze.
Items donated included bags of rice, vegetable oil, cartons of tomato paste, food spices, salt, clothing, buckets, writing materials and other essentials.
The event also featured a beauty pageant with cash prizes, which Ozonyiri said was aimed at promoting and empowering the girl child.
The President-General of Leru-Umuchieze, Mr. Friday Ugwaka, expressed gratitude to Ozonyiri for her consistent generosity, urging other well-meaning individuals to emulate her.
“This our daughter has been doing this every year, and we don’t know how to thank her. We pray that Almighty God will preserve her to continue this good work,” Ugwaka said.
