The Wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mary Nwifuru, has commended the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki for identifying and donating food items to diocesan widows and orphans in the state.

Mrs Nwifuru made the commendation on Tuesday, during the 2023, edition of Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki diocesan widows and orphans end-of-the-year party organised by the church in the state.

The governor’s wife thanked the Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rt Rev. Monday Nkwoagu, and his wife, Lady Charity, for taking good care of their hospital bills, school fees, and upkeep, among other needs.

She encouraged individuals to support the group to enable them to celebrate at ease.

She also urged the widows and orphans to report any form of abuse against them to get the justice and protection unit.

“Let the party be a moment of joy, a connection for renewed sense of hope and love,” Mrs Nwifuru said.

In his remarks, the Anglican bishop encouraged generosity to those in need to make a positive impact on society.

Mr Nkwoagu made reference to an orphan and beneficiary of the programme who graduated and started making contributions to support the project.

On her part, the bishop’s wife said that the diocesan widows and orphans programme started 2012.

According to her, the programme had produced 13 university graduates and taken care of over 2,000 widows and 300 orphans.

She added that other beneficiaries of the programme include those in secondary, primary and nursery schools.

She said that the programme was being sponsored by the bishop, donors, friends, parishes, priests and wives, members of the church among other well-wishers who support in paying the hospital bills and school fees.

“We had our first Christmas party with them that year, on a small scale. I remain grateful to God and my husband for helping, supporting and encouraging me,” She said.

She further commended Mrs Nwifuru for her show of love and passion towards widows, orphans and vulnerable persons in society.

The state Commissioner of Aviation, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, applauded the organisers and encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace God and depend on Him.

Earlier, some beneficiaries, including orphans and widows, commended the bishop and his wife for their support so far and thanked Mrs Nwifuru for identifying and supporting them as well.

The donated items included cartons of tomatoes, cartons of vegetable oil, noodles, spaghetti, salt, tubers of yam and wrappers.

(NAN)