The First Lady of Anambra state and founder of the charity-based organization, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFE, Dr (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) has cautioned the people to continue taking threat of Coronavirus seriously by observing all necessary protocols even as as they pursue their daily needs.

Mrs Obiano stated this at the Awka South Local Government Area Headquarters, Monday, as  kicked off the 2020 Tour of the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

She exhorted the people of Awka South to remain conscious of the danger of Coronavirus and obey basic hygiene and social distancing always. 

She says, “When you wear your face mask, please wear it properly and not on your jaw. That way the mask will not be contaminated before you put it back on. Above all, continue to wash your hands regularly.”

Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano also appealed to parents to provide their children with facemasks, bottles of water, hand sanitizers before sending them to school.

She commended the women for good organization and keen participation during the 2020 Mothers’ Summit where she noted that social distancing was observed.

Continuing, Osodieme advocated sustenance of the fight against gender-based violence in the communities and at all levels. She restated her commitment to charity through her NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) beyond the tenure of her husband as Governor of Anambra State.

In his remarks, Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly and  Member representing Awka South I Constituency, Dr. Nnamdi Okafor extolled the philanthropic efforts of the wife of the Governor and the selflessness with which she has changed the lives of many in the society.

While the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue said that the tour is an affirmation of the commitment of the wife of Governor to the welfare of women, and the less privileged. She praised her for defying obvious odds to make the tour in order to empower the less privileged in Awka South.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sir Willie Nwokoye welcomed the wife of the Governor to Awka South and described her and her husband as lovely couple whose programmes and actions are in tandem with the dictates of God Almighty. Nwokoye noted that the Governor is committed to delivering on his mandate to the appreciation of ndi Anambra who will ultimately confirm that he came in a ride and at the end of his tenure will fly away leaving indelible Marks of leadership. 

The Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Leo Nwuba, praised Osodieme’s doggedness in her humanitarian services, adding that her kindness has added a lot to the success of the present administration in Anambra State. 

The Governor’s wife also used the occasion to distribute foods and educational materials to the less privileged women and school children from the nine communities that make up the local government area. 

The annual Tour of LGAs is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs for the empowerment of select women groups and less privileged persons in the communities.

The tour also enables interaction with the people, especially grassroots women, on different socio-economic issues including health, career development, empowerment, agriculture, social and community development.

Emeka Ozumba