Imo State Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Okigwe Zone, Eze Cyril Okafor, has lauded members of Etiti Welfare Association in Malaysia for their giant strides in providing succour to the less privileged.

Eze Okafor who was speaking when the executive members of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his palace at Umuawuchi, said the activities of the association in paying the hospital bills of many patients in the two council areas which ran into millions had lifted his spirit.

According to Eze Okafor, “I urge you to continue to uplift the less privileged in the spirit of brotherhood. Many people are suffering in our society. For young people like you to realize the need to assist others is most commendable, and please do not relent.

“Earlier, president of the association, Mr. Solomon Edomobi, told the traditional ruler that members of his association returned home to, not only assist to lessen the financial burden of the sick in the various hospitals, but had painstakingly developed modalities to assist the youths to be gainfully employed.

Mr. Edomobi disclosed that his members visited many hospitals, including Madonna Austrian Hospital, Emmanuel Missionary Hospital and Ejim Hospitals, all in Ihitte/Uboma and Obowo, while they paid the hospital bills of over thirty   people. He stressed that they intend to continue to improve on the welfare package they have for the less privileged.

Speaking   on plans to uplift the youths, Vice Chairman of the association, Mr. Uche Olemgbe, said they had painstakingly fashioned out modalities for assisting the youths in the area to be empowered.

According to Mr. Olemgbe, “We intend providing financial assistance to a good number of those who are prepared to be engaged in one trade or the other.” This he said will help to reduce the social vices prevalent in the rural area as well as reduce unemployment in the state.

Commending members of the association, Dr. Emma Ajuogu of Emmanuel Missionary Hospital, Etiti and Rev Sister Calista Ugwuanyi lauded the association for their efforts to lessen the burden of the less privileged.