Abia State government has provided succour and financial relief to a 106-year-old widow who sells akara for a living.
The elderly woman, Ma Chidinma Eluwa, has been placed on a monthly stipend by the Governor Alex Otti administration, for her upkeep.
She is popularly known for plying her trade at Owerri road by Isigate area of Umuahia, Abia State capital.
In addition to the stipend, the government also boosted her business while plans are underway for the celebration of her next birthday. Mama Eluwa lost her husband and family some years ago and is left with just one son still alive.
But the challenges of losing her family did not discourage her as she has continued to fry the local delicacy for her teeming customers despite her age.
Chief of Staff to Abia State governor, Caleb Ajagba had spotted the Akara seller on 29th of July 2023 at her business stand.
The CoS who was returning from an environmental clean-up inspection on behalf of the governor, was attracted by the sight of customers that queued up to buy Mama Eluwa’s delicacy.
He made some inquiries and was told that the aged woman had been in the Akara business for a very long time which instantly made him take down her name for special government intervention, after having some interactions with her.
Ajagba recommended his special discovery to the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, which took over the matter after carrying out more investigations about Mama Eluwa ‘s history in Akara frying business.
The elderly woman was invited to the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation by Mrs Ifeoma Thomas, the Special Assistant who announced some financial interventions and business sustainability plans for her.