…As She Commissions First Portable Water Project in 40 Years
Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder, O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has pledged to collaborate with the state ministries of education and health to ensure that Mile Five residents in Anwai have schools and healthcare centre situated in their community, Oshimili south local government area of the state.
Dame Okowa made the pledge Thursday while commissioning the first ever portable water project in the community as part of activities to mark the celebration of the World Charity Week.
Dame Okowa while commissioning the project said it was in fulfillment of her promise to the community during the 2019 celebration of the World Charity Day.
“The commissioning of this water project is in response to the many requests made by the Mile five community last year.
“They had complained that they had neither portable water supply, schools or healthcare centres and today we have come to commission the water project to help alleviate their sufferings.
“The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah is witnessing this event so that he can also consider the appropriate location to situate a primary school facility in the community especially as education is very paramount”.
The wife of the Governor stated that she would also reach out to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, to put modalities in place for the establishment of a health facility in the community.
Dame Okowa used the opportunity to enjoin all present to do the little they can so as to put a smile on the faces of others, adding that acts of love do not necessarily have to be massive before they can be impactful.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Martins Okonta, after careful observations, certified the water as being safe for consumption.
Responding to the gesture of the First Lady, the community Leader and founder, Chief Alex Anekwe said, “For the past 40 years, I have been the leader of this community and we have never witnessed anything like this.
“Periodically, during election campaigns, we always have politicians come around to make promises to us. Different people at different times have come up to promise us portable water but after the election, they never come back”.
He expressed his appreciation to Dame Okowa and the O5 Initiative for keeping the promise of providing them with basic amenities.
The water project was situated at three different locations within the community to ensure ease of access.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including the Commissioner for Justice, Hon Peter Mrakpor, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, member representing Oshimili South Local Government in the state House of Assembly, Hon Shadrach Rapu.
Also present was the Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Uche Osadebe and the Commisioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Flora Alatan, amongst others.
