The Urban Progressives Movement (UPM) a non- political group has distributed food items and cash to the less privileged in the urban community of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.
The Coordinator of the group, Mr Ifeanyi Ogbuani, said during the distribution that the gesture is part of the club's tradition of assisting the less privileged in the face of prevailing economic hardship.
Ogbuani said that the group was distributing food items such as rice, cooking condiments among others including cash to over 400 households in the spirit of the season.
"This gesture is part of the club's annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, to identify with the
less privileged in Abakaliki urban community.
"We use this period especially to bring smiles, relief and renewed hope to hundreds of families.
"We know what this gesture means to the benefiting households but above being a material support, it is our own way of valuing and remembering them "
He noted that the group was apolitical, focusing on enhancing the well being of the citizens and orienting them on the adoption of societal best values.
A Foremost Stakeholder in the urban community, Chief Ugo-Martins Okoli commended the group for the initiative and noted that the society needed re-orientation on assisting the needy.
Okoli hailed the unity among members of the group and urged it not to deviate from the principles it operates with.
"Christmas is a period of love and peace and I commend you for realising that these our mothers especially, need smiles on their faces this yuletide."
He pledged his continual support to the group and donated cash to support its humanitarian activities.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Ebonyi State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Chief Paul Nwogha also commended the group and urged other organisations to emulate it.
Nwogha urged the group to work assidiously towards correcting all disconnects within the urban community especially those noticed during the 2023 general elections.
"The people should always appreciate and support Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his life-changing policies and programmes which have brought succour to the people."
He urged the group to spread its operational network and donated cash to aid its activities.
Mrs Bridget Alo, One of the beneficiaries thanked the group for the gesture and prayed for God's continued blessing and upliftment upon. its members.
