By joshua 
Ebonyi Gov’s Wife Donates 3 Bedroom Bungalow Each To 26 Indigent Widows
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The wife of the executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief (Mrs) Mary Maudline Nwifuru has built and donated three bedroom bungalow each to twenty six Indigent Widows selected across the thirteen Local Government Areas of the State through her pet project, better health for rural women, children and internally displaced persons foundation (BERWO).
The beneficiaries of the edifice were two persons per Local Government Area, totaling twenty six in number.
It was gathered that the first lady has been touring round all the Local Government Areas to commission the housing project which was wrapped up on Thursday in Abakaliki.
Speaking after commissioning the housing projects at Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas, Onyirigbo Ishieke precisely, the Governor’s wife said the project is part of the vision of the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons foundation (BERWO) in collaboration with the people’s charter of needs agenda of the State Governor Chief Francis Nwifuru to serving humanity, lifting the weak and giving voice to the voiceless in the State.
Mrs Nwifuru noted that the widows’ housing project was a clear demonstration of sincerity, fairness, and compassion in governance, adding that the process of selecting the beneficiaries was guided by equity and transparency as the only most vulnerable women who had endured hardship for long time without support were chosen.
She appreciated her dear husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unflinching support in making the initiatives to come to reality and also thanked the State Commissioner for housing, Engr. Franis Ori for timely execution of the projects.
The first lady encouraged the benefitted widows to use the foundation to rebuild their lives, strengthened their families, and nurture their children in a way they would become great leaders tomorrow while reiterating her commitment to uplifting widows and empowering women in the State.
According to Mrs Nwifuru “My distinguished women, today, my heart is full of gratitude to God and deep compassion for our widows as we gather to commission the 26 Widows’ Housing Project, two homes in each of our 13 Local Government Areas in Ebonyi State. This is not just about handing over keys to houses; it is about handing over hope, dignity, and security to women who have carried the heavy burden of life with courage”
“As a wife, as a mother, and as a fellow woman, I understand the silent struggles many widows face, such as sleepless nights worrying about shelter, the challenge of raising children alone, and the feeling of being forgotten. Today, we say to you: You are not forgotten. You are loved. You are valued”
“These homes represent more than walls and roofs; they are homes of peace, places where you can rest your head without fear, where your children can grow up with hope, and where your dignity is restored. It is my prayer that these homes will wipe away tears, replace sorrow with joy, and give each of you a fresh beginning”
“Each Local Government Area was given equal representation, with two widows per LGA, to reflect inclusiveness across the 13 LGAs of Ebonyi State. This approach removes bias and favoritism, allowing the programme to reach every part of the state and reassure widows that their pain is recognized, regardless of where they live”
“To my beloved widows who are beneficiaries today, I want to say: these homes are yours, but they are also a reminder that Ebonyi State stands with you. Please use them as a foundation to rebuild your lives, strengthen your families, and nurture your children into great leaders of tomorrow”
“I want to appreciate my husband, our Governor, whose compassion and support make initiatives like this possible. I also thank the Commissioner for Housing, Hon Franis Ori, our local government chairmen and chairpersons, BERWO team, my entourage, and all our partners for accompanying us on this journey of compassion”
“As we hand over these houses, let us also renew our commitment as a state to continue uplifting widows, empowering women, and building a society where no one is left behind”
“My dear mothers, May these homes bring you comfort, security, and joy. May they stand as a testimony that when love leads, change follows. And may the Almighty God continue to bless you and bless Ebonyi State”
Some of the widows who spoke to newsmen, included Mrs Otta Chinasa Mary of Ndigwe village, Igbeagu in Izzi LGA and Mrs Agidi Blessing of Onyirigbo Ishieke in Ebonyi LGA expressed deep appreciation to Governor Nwifuru and his dear wife for building such edifice to them and prayed God to replenish them in a millionfold.