THE chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Dr. Eric Odo has been decorated as the Ambassador of Safety and Humanity for his exceptional services towards community development.
Decorating the council chairman on Monday at the NSCDC Headquarters in Enugu, the Coordinator of the Destined Women and Child Foundation, Amb. Stella Osigwe also announced that he has been appointed as the patron of the Foundation.
Osigwe noted that the honour was in recognition of the humanitarian service of the chairman, which she said is not only commendable but also worth emulating.
She said the Foundation is committed to recognising individuals who have made significant impacts in the society, adding that the humanitarian programmes of the council boss are drawing attention nationwide.
Osigwe highlighted some of the programmes to include payment of monthly stipends to widows, widowers, and persons with disabilities as well as executing projects that benefit the downtrodden.
While urging him to sustain his good work and not be distracted by naysayers, the coordinator challenged other leaders to emulate the Igbo-Etiti council chairman.
“Honourable Mayor, you have distinguished yourself, and there is no better way to appreciate you than this honour.
“You disposition and attitude towards leadership is uncommon and exemplary,” she added.
In his remark, the Enugu State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Elijah Etim Willie, applauded the Foundation for the honour bestowed on deserving individuals, including some NSCDC officers.
The NSCDC boss stressed that honour would encouraged them to do more, and commended the council chairman for his huge investment in security architectures.
He revealed that Odo singlehandedly built and equipped two NSCDC Divisional Headquarters in Ekwegbe and Ohodo as well as Area Command in Nkporogwu Ukehe.
According to him, people should be appreciated and celebrated for their efforts and contributions to humanity when they are alive instead of when they died, a gesture he noted the Foundation is doing.
Speaking shortly after being decorated, Odo said his administration would continue to have a human face in dealing with the people, especially the less privileged and the vulnerable.
Odo emphasised that his government is committed to improving the welfare of the poor; a decision he maintained has guided his policies and programmes.
“I want to tell you that I am not in power only to provide governance but provide governance that has human face.
“The governance that people can touch, feel, and have a sense that once there was a government that cares for those who have no voice at all and have nobody for them.
“Our duty as a government is to assist those who are really poor and give them a platform for people to equally see them as human being.
“Our administration will not relent in some of the things we do for the less privileged in Igbo-Etiti,” the council boss hinted.
He then pledged to partner and support the activities of the Foundation to enable them to make a huge impact on society.
