Obiano’s wife denies govt funding of her project

The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, has denied the allegation that the state government funds her pet project, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative.

She said CAFE is funded from her private funds and also through private donations.

In a press statement made available to correspondents on Friday in Awka by her Media Assistant, Emeka Ozumba, the governor’s wife said the clarification had “become necessary to douse insinuations and suggestions in certain quarters to the contrary.”

He said, “Most of you know that the governor started supporting CAFE with his salary long before other public-spirited donors added their contributions.

“Anambra does not have a First Lady and there is no statutory budget or allocation for such an office by the legislature.

“Thus, being conscious of the provisions of the law and the need to ensure that his wife continues with charitable works she is known for all her life, the governor staked his monthly salary which, hitherto, had gone to churches as contributions.”

He maintained that Governor ‎Obiano and his wife had clear understanding of the importance of ensuring that the welfare of the average Anambra woman is not neglected, and that the governor’s wife is playing her role in the effective mobilisation of the womenfolk for participation in governance.

“Thus, as a well-horned technocrat and auditor of repute, Obiano set the parameters for private funding of CAFE before the formal launch in 2014.

“Again, as the need arose, the governor provided a physical office for the wife of the governor where she can meet and consult with various women groups and partner NGOs who converge daily in search of audience with her at the Governors’ Lodge.”

Credit: Punch