The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has pledged the continued support of his administration to people living with disabilities while calling on the citizens to embrace philanthropy.
Gov Obiano, who emphasised the need for Ndi Anambra to bring their wealth home through investments and charity works, made these assurances at a special church service to dedicate St Aloysius Church of Divine Mercy in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
The new church building which is a donation from Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu is located inside Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Old and Tramps (RECDOT), Eziora Ozubulu, a centre for the physically challenged persons founded by Dame Rosemary Odunukwe.
In his Homily, His Lordship, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Dr Hillary Okeke charged Christians to be merciful to their neighbours noting that the nationwide challenges posed by terrorism and attacks by herdsmen require prayers and acts of mercy.
According to Bishop Okeke, “The peace we enjoy in Anambra State since the coming of Governor Willie Obiano has placed us as the safest State in Nigeria… we are not attacked because we have security but it touches our hearts when our brothers are attacked.”
Also speaking, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonwu said seeing and listening to the disabled, old and tramps sing and pray touched his heart. “Their melodious voices caught my attention… I decided to build a church for them. This is one of the effective means of nourishing their souls,” he added.
Speaking further, Chief Ikegwuonwu whose 35th birthday is also being celebrated today expressed gratitude to God Almighty saying he was inspired by the spirit of God to embark on the project.
Recalling how he was attacked at Benin by armed men on his way home and how his father spent 21 days in kidnappers den, Chief Ikegwuonu said he couldn’t thank Governor Obiano and his team enough for ensuring a safe and secure state for Ndi Anambra.
