Thursday, March 28, 2024

Youths contribute money to build house for poor, childless widow

Uba Group

BY AGNES NWORIE, ABAKALIKI

Some indigenous youths of Ebonyi State have contributed money to complete the building of a two room flat for a poor and childless widow.

The youths led by one Polycarp Alegu, native of Umuezeali in Oriuzor of Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, built the house for the 60-year-old widow, Mrs. Rebecca Ezeh.

Polycarp noticed the poor sexagenarian’s conditions when he came back to their Umuezeali Oriuzor community from school in January this year and decided to help her.

“Two months ago, I met this house at the lintel level where the owner (poor widow) gave up due to lack of money. I quickly made a post on Facebook soliciting financial assistance to grapple with the challenge. God really touched the hearts of many and they donated generously.
The total amount of money donated by the people is N323, 000. I spent N337, 360 on the house. Therefore, I ran a deficit of N14, 360. But I have taken the N14, 360 to be my own financial contribution.

“You can see the house here situated in Umuezeali Oriuzor in Ezza North. It’s two small rooms and parlour and it has been completed. It has doors and glass windows with the walls and floors plastered.

“I thank God Almighty for the grace to achieve this. I’m grateful to everyone who donated money for this project, as I pray that God replenishes their pockets. I appreciate Comrade Peter Nwogwu who drew my attention to the house. His car was used in running the whole thing. Kudos to Umuezeali Academic Guild led by Fredrick Onyekachi Nwuzor for their support.

“The carpenter who roofed it free of charge, Igwe David can never be forgotten in my memory. May God favour him beyond human imagination. My profound gratitude also goes to my friends for the trust they have in me by donating whenever I seek their assistance to reach out to the poor ones in the hinterlands. The words of encouragement you gave me when carrying out this project helped a lot.

“I took the burden upon myself to beg people for money to ensure the woman has a roof above her head because she is childless and poor but very hardworking despite her age. She struggled single- handedly to build the house up to lintel. When I saw the house being destroyed by rain, because it is made of mud, I was moved with pity. Being a mud house without this prompt intervention, the rain would have wasted her initial efforts.

“I encourage my fellow youths to be helpful to others. You can never be too poor not to help others. As a student, I couldn’t afford the cost of completing the building for her so I went begging for her. To me, any connections or wealth not worth giving to charity is not worth having.”

Speaking during the handover of the house, the widow, Mrs. Ezeh couldn’t not control her emotions and thanked Polycarp Alegu immensely for being a helper of the helpless.

On his part, town union president of Umuezeali community, Nweke Nnaemeka commended Alegu and his friends who contributed in assisting Madam Rebecca, as she is fondly called, to own a better house.

“I really thank this good Nigerian, Polycarp, for going out of his way to help this woman. She lost her only two children mysteriously at their prime in the year 2000 and three years after her aged childless husband also died, leaving her all alone. Since then, she works for people in their farms to pay her bills,” Nnaemeka said.

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