Victims of the 2018 Christmas Day fire outbreak that gutted apartments at Ugboezeji in the Abakpa Nike area of Enugu State, have paid a thank-you visit to the State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The victims, comprising three widows and two other families, paid the thank-you visit to the Governor for the timely assistance he offered them to overcome their challenges and start a new life.

It would be recalled that the Governor, upon receiving the news of the inferno, dispatched a government delegation led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, to the victims to sympathise with and also offer them the state government’s assistance.

Consequently, the Governor gave the five tenants N500,000 each and N1 million to the landlord to assist her rebuild the property.

Briefing newsmen at the Government House, Enugu, amid uncontrollable excitement, after an audience with the Governor, the elated victims expressed profound gratitude to him for his kindheartedness, care, compassion, humility and magnanimity to the lowly and less-privileged.

The victims, who sang praise songs for Governor Ugwuanyi, prayed God to continue to bless, guide and grant him his heart’s desire, stressing that they were highly honoured to be assisted and also invited to the Government House to interact with and be consoled by the Governor.

Speaking with the newsmen, the daughter of the late landlord of the burnt property, Priscilla Aniekwe, said: “We are here to appreciate him (the Governor), to tell him that he has done good things for us. We are so happy for all he has done for us. We are excited; we can’t thank him enough. May the good Lord lift him higher, and promote him wherever he puts his head. Let the good Lord guide and protect him in Jesus’ name.”

One of the widows, Mrs. Nneka Onyekwelu, said: “We are very happy with what our God-fearing governor, Gburugburu, has done for us. Let the Almighty God bless him in the Name of Jesus. We had lost all hope when everything we had got burnt into ashes, until he came to our rescue and gave us hope again. May Almighty God help him and give him abundant life.”

Narrating her ordeal, another widow, Mrs. Patience Eze, stated: “On that December 25, 2018, I went to church and came back, went to the market to buy some things before I could come back, fire has razed down my room. I did not bring out anything.

“But when we were crying, asking for where help will come from, surprisingly Governor Ugwuanyi, came to our rescue and gave us all kinds of assistance. He gave us foods, he gave us money.

“Our prayer is that God will reward him and all those working with him that came to console us and wipe away our tears. He has redeemed all he promised to do for us. All of us are very happy. And we are saying, our governor, it shall be well with you. May God continue to guide and protect you and grant you victory in your re-election this New Year.

Goodness and mercy shall not depart from you in Jesus Name.”

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