It was a festival of tears of joy as pensioners in Abia trooped to Factory Road Aba, venue of distribution of palliatives and relief materials to the senior citizens by Sir Chikwe Udensi an Interpol Systems Consultant in conjunction with Rotary Club of Abuja Downtown District 9125 and Rotary Club of Arochukwu Kingdom.
The pensioners, allegedly owed several backlog of pensions and gratuity by Abia State government could not hold their tears as they received relief items made up of foodstuffs as well as an undisclosed amount of money to back it.
This was in fulfillment of his promise of touching the lives of the pensioners who are said to be living on the edge of life as dream of receiving their pension from the state government remains a mirage.
Touched by their conditions, Sir Udensi announced that he would put a smile on their faces to give them a sense of belonging even as it seems all hope for them was gone.
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No fewer than 5,000 pensioners were covered from across the state at the event which took place on Thursday.
They prayed and showered praises on Udensi and the Rotary Club for not forgetting in their plight.
A 73-year-old beneficiary, Mr. Uchenna Amalaha expressed gratitude to Sir Udensi for the kind gesture.
He said the experience shows that there are still good people who are touched by the plight of their fellow humans, praying God to bless him and the Rotary Club.
Another beneficiary, Madam Lucy Nwaudo who was visibly shaking in emotions said the gesture appeared like a shock to her, saying they have for long been neglected by the state government after meritorious and diligent service to their fatherland.
She also prayed for God’s endless blessings upon Sir Udensi.
In his response, Sir Chikwe Udensi said the gesture was part of his little support to the pensioners whom he said have been forgotten by government of Abia State.
While noting that the gesture has nothing to do with politics, he indicated readiness to reach out to more pensioners in coming days.
The event also coincided with the launch of Build A New Abia, BANA campaign.