BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme has urged political appointees across the state to actively support the government’s MORE Agenda by organising empowerment programs and demonstrating love and appreciation to their wards and communities.
Sir Onyeme, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe, made the call, yesterday, during Lion Sir Anthony Chukwu’s Annual Widow’s Empowerment and Rice Distribution Programme, held at Rapu Lane, Cable Point, in Asaba.
In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the residents of Ward 10 for their unwavering support of the state government, particularly during the last election, where the ward played a pivotal role.
According to him, “I want to thank the people of Ward 10 for your continued support of this government. We know what transpired in the last election; this ward was one of the battlegrounds, and thank God for your efforts, we were able to overcome.”
Highlighting the significance of Lion Sir Anthony’s initiative, Sir Onyeme noted that such acts of community engagement are rare among government appointees.
He said, “It is not every day you see government appointees coming out to do this type of engagement and display of love and appreciation. I am sure Lion Anthony Chukwu is not the only government appointee in this ward; this shows it is special for him to come out and do this.
“As a government, we are very impressed with what you have been doing these past few years; it is also a testimony that we did not make a wrong choice in appointing you as part of this government. When you give more appointments to capable people, they return the gesture to their community.”
Onyeme called on other appointees to follow suit, emphasising unity and community support as key to governance.
“It is our plea to other appointees of the government to emulate this gesture and initiative. Let us all work together as one and display love to our people and community, especially our wards, because the people are our strength in governance. Without the support of the people, we cannot achieve our goals as government appointees,” Sir Onyeme said.
The deputy governor also commended the ward’s leadership for maintaining unity, urging them to continue fostering it.
In goodwill messages delivered by the former Commissioner for Health, Hon. Mordi Ononye, and Hon. Chike Ufesiokwu, former Chairman of the PDP in Oshimili South, they lauded Lion Sir Anthony’s empowerment program as a worthy example for others to follow.
In his welcome address, the organiser, Lion Sir Anthony Chukwu, noted that the annual program, now in its third year, stems from a vision to alleviate the burdens of the less privileged in his community.
He credited Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, focusing on meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security as the inspiration behind his efforts.
“This program is to support the Agenda by ensuring that no one is left behind,” Lion Sir Anthony said, adding that the event deliberately coincides with his son’s birthday to instil values of humanity.
According to him, “The event, which coincides with my son’s birthday celebration, is always aimed at teaching him the value of humanity by using his day to put smiles on the faces of those who need it most.”
He assured attendees that this year’s rice distribution would reach more people, with plans to expand its scope annually.
The highlight of the gathering was the distribution of rice bags to hundreds of women, symbolising the program’s commitment to widow empowerment.
