Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved the disbursement of N254 million to indigent widows and the elderly in the state for the Christmas celebrations.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, made this known during the Elders/Widows Christmas Party organised by the state government

Mr Nwifuru said the widows and elderly numbering 5,008, would get a cash gift of N50,000 each for the celebration.

Celebrating indigent widows and the elderly in the state had become an annual ritual to commemorate and appreciate their contributions in the workforce and development of the state.

The governor described them as special people whose prayers had kept the current administration progressing.

He urged them to keep believing in the government and promised not to disappoint the state.

In his remarks, the commissioner for local government, Uchenna Igwe, said the celebration was to demonstrate the commitment of Mr Nwifuru to the downtrodden.

Mr Igwe advised them to always pray to attract prosperity to the state.

The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Sam Nwokolo, appreciated Mr Nwifuru for emulating Jesus Christ in showing kindness to people during the festive period.

The beneficiaries, including Cyril Obazi and Grace Nnachi, commended the governor for his magnanimity, especially in the payment of gratuity to retired citizens and promised to support the administration.

“We had forgotten our gratuities but the emergence of Gov Nwifuru, made it accessible,” they said.

 (NAN)