The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has distributed relief materials worth over N5million to residents of Ugbenu in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The materials distributed included clothes, shoes, textbooks, bags and other items.
Speaking during the distribution, State Council Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka said the gesture was part of the Union’s 2024 Outreach to Ugbenu and other communities to alleviate the prevailing harsh economic situation among the poor rural dwellers.
He expressed optimism that the materials donated by practicing journalists in the state would go a long way to taking care of the people’s clothing challenges.
He said, “The gesture is the decision of NUJ under my watch to give succor to the less-privileged who face uncertainty and limited access to their basic needs.
“We decided to help the poor in rural areas because the economic condition of the country has worsened and many find it difficult to buy these things in the market.
“Our mission is for the society to progress. We decided not only to start from home, but to give to people we are better than. If you monetize what we gave out today, it is worth over five million naira.”
Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Council 2024 Outreach Committee, Dr Ebele Okonkwo said the gesture would be replicated in other hard-to-reach communities in the state.
Responding, President General of Ugbenu Town Union, Hon Samson Ojoh appreciated the benefactor for remembering his people at such turbulent times.
He described the gesture as genuine assistance to the poor, calling on other spirited individuals and groups to emulate the NUJ.
“Love and care is not only demonstrated during Christmas seasons but also during farming and other important periods to help people survive each year,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Blessing Ugochukwu and Elizabeth Okoye were full of joy over what they recieved, describing the items as timely in view of their current market prices.
