Onoja donates house to aged 'Iye Ijabe', pastoral residence to UEC »

The small village of Iboko-Efaku in Ofu local government area was yesterday, 16th November 2020, thrown into celebration mood as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja gifted a newly constructed apartment to an aged woman, a strong and popular member of the All Progressives Congress in Ofu Local Government Area, Hajiya Memuna Idrisu (Iye Jabe), in appreciation of her numerous contributions to the successes of the APC in the state.

Onoja who was accompanied by some appointees of government and party leaders including the Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Attah, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Yahaya Bello through him in 2019.

He said Hajiya Memuna who was a strong ally of the late Prince Abubakar Audu has given enormous support to the current administration and the party in the State, adding that her ward was one of the those won by the APC in the last governorship election in Kogi East despite the deep ethnic coloration given to the election by the PDP. This he attributed to resilience and great mobilizing ability despite her age.

“Hajiya has been very dedicated to our party and her community. She is a strong supporter and follower of our late leader Prince Abubakar Audu, and when God divinely brought Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor in 2016, Hajiya did not hesitate to put her full weight and support behind the New Direction Government. This small token is an appreciation to show that if you stay faithful to a course, there must be a reward.

“I have taken her like a mother, and I will do for her what I will do for my mother”. Onoja added.

A visibly elated Iye Jabe expressed that she never expected to own such a house at her age. He appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja for the gesture, and prayed for more wisdom as they pilot the affairs of the state.

Similarly, the Deputy Governor also dedicated a newly built pastoral residence to the Ogugu Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Olamaboro Local Government.

During the presentation of the building to the church, Onoja said the project was a symbol of unity, in that the funds used for it’s construction was gotten from donations by his friends and colleagues, many of whom are non-Christians.

He appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello whom he said orchestrated and maximally supported the project, and all others who contributed to the building, and called on the church not to seize in its prayers for the continued unity and development of Igala Kingdom and the state at large.

‘If we remember very clearly, it was December of 2018 that we gathered here. The hand that God used to lay the foundation of this building was our late father Attah Ameh Oboni II, a sacrificial father who could go to any length to ensure the unity, togetherness and development of Igala Kingdom. Although he is not here with us today, I believe that he is proud of this wherever he is right now”. Onoja said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of United Evangelical Church, Ogugu Area Council, Reverend Akoh Emmanuel, described Onoja as a loving and concerned citizen who is always available to listen to the call of the people.

He said the church has enjoyed enormous support from the government of Yahaya Bello, ranging from the supply of six coaster buses to aid evangelism, increase in pilgrimage seats, donations to church programs and now the construction of a pastoral residence; adding that despite being a Muslim, Governor Yahaya Bello has been a friendly governor to all.

He said the church will continue to pray for the success of his administration.

InsideStoryNg