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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
In an apparent show of concern, love, and commitment to the well-being of his people, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRM, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu on Tuesday put smiles on the faces of the physically challenged persons in his Community as he wined and dined with them in a special Christmas bash.
The event which took place at the People’s Palace, Edem-Ani attracted physically challenged persons from the various villages within the community, comprising Akpa, Ozzi, Ugwunagbo and Edem-Ani.
Speaking at the occasion, Igwe Asadu, who is also the chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council said Christmas is a period of merry-making as well as a time to show love, sacrifices, and sharing with the loved ones, adding that in an occasion like this, it is important to remember and include the physically challenged in the celebration mood. This he said informed his decision to bring them together in his Palace to wine and dine, saying they have been actively praying for him and the community as a whole.
“Our brothers and sisters who are handicapped in one way or the other are an important part of this community; and in an occasion like this Christmas, it is my duty to remember them, show them love and togetherness, and more so rekindle hope to them.
“I want to say that I am happy with them. They have been praying for me and for community, so I said we shall be together today to thank God for keeping us alive and to ask Him to continue to guide and protect us for a better tomorrow”, the monarch said.
While reiterating his resolve to always carry them along, the royal father made it clear that he would continue to pay their monthly stipend regularly and appealed to them to pray for the people of Edem-Ani Ancient Kingdom for progress.
Igwe Asadu, a former South-East chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council used the opportunity to thank the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah for his quality, dynamic and result-oriented leadership, pointing out that he has been supportive of the traditional institutions in the State.
The beneficiaries, among them Mr. Hyacinth Ugwuoke, Sunday Nnaemeka, Mrs. Josephine Oke and Miss Odinaka Asogwa who were full of joy and gratitude to God described the monarch as God sent and a consolation to them, the people of Edem-Ani and the society at large.
They noted that Igwe Asadu has not been relenting in giving them encouragement, hope and a sense of belonging since he came to the throne.
The Christmas get-together ended with emotional and heart-warming songs and prayers, ostensibly to express their deep-felt appreciation for the traditional ruler’s kind gesture to them.
