By Okey Maduforo, Awka
In a heartfelt show of gratitude, a 74-year-old woman, Madam Grace Okafor, attended the inauguration ceremony of Charles Soludo at Alex Ekwueme Square, presenting him with a live fowl as a token of appreciation.
Okafor, who hails from Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, said the gesture was to thank the governor for a cash gift of N100,000 he gave her during a previous event in Eziowelle town.
According to her, she invested the money in a small poultry business, which yielded profit—making the fowl she presented part of the proceeds.
Despite her age, Okafor made a striking appearance at the venue, moving her wheelchair while carrying a white fowl in a bucket. She danced her way toward the podium to present her gift.
“I came to witness the swearing-in of Oluatuegwu, meaning ‘a man who is not afraid of work,’” she said.
Recounting her earlier encounter with the governor, Okafor said she had predicted his re-election during the Eziowelle event.
“I told him he would win, and he did. The N100,000 he gave me that day was invested in poultry, and this fowl is part of the proceeds. I am here to show my appreciation,” she added.
Reacting to the gesture, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Ejimofor Opara, described it as a powerful reflection of Governor Soludo’s vision of self-reliance, hard work, and enterprise.
“The administration of Governor Charles Soludo promotes resilience and discourages the pursuit of quick wealth through dubious means,” Opara said.
He noted that Okafor’s effort demonstrates that age is no barrier to productivity and urged youths in Anambra State to emulate her by engaging in meaningful ventures.
“On behalf of the governor, we thank our dear mother for this thoughtful gesture,” he added.
