A 38-year-old widow from Ukana Nsasak in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Friday, shed tears of joy as Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) delivered a befitting bungalow to her to replace a thatched house said to be shared with a big black snake (cobra).
The widow, Madam Ekaette Friday Udo-Essiet with her five children lived in a thatched house said to be inhabited by the poisonous snake in one of their rooms.
The FLEI, a non-governmental organization founded by Unoma Akpabio had seen the deplorable condition of the widow, and therefore mobilised some builders to pull down the dilapidated house and erect a befitting one for her.
As builders pulled down the dilapidated house on May 17, 2018, they noticed the reptile crawling out from the hole and they promptly killed it.
In less than one month later, Madam Udo-essiet is a proud owner of a tastefully furnished apartment, courtesy of Mrs. Ekaete Unoma, wife of the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio.
Through her pet project, Unoma the then first lady of Akwa Ibom State built and donated more than 60 houses to widows and improved the living conditions of the less-privileged within and outside the state.
The house which is the first in a series of others to be donated to widows across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District forms part of the activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) in November 2018.
At the presentation ceremony, Mrs Akpabio fondly called Eka Esit Mbom and flanked by some women leaders said the donation of the apartment to the widow who happened to be her namesake was a visitation from God.
She thanked God for using her as an instrument to enhance the living standard of the less privileged for the past 10 years.
Unoma said even though she had completed her service as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, she would still try to uplift the living standard of women and children in the senatorial district to complement the effort of her husband.
The visibly elated beneficiary showered praises on Mrs Akpabio and appreciated God for using her to change her story, praying God to continue to uphold her and her family.
Raphael Isobara, chairman of Essien Udim local government area, who described Mrs Akpabio as “Mother Theresa”, applauded her generosity and assistance to the poor.
