Community advocate, Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, has empowered 28 widows across communities in Enugu State with cash support to mark his birthday anniversary.
The initiative was executed through the Monday Diamond Foundation (MDF), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2015 to support vulnerable groups and promote youth development, according to a statement issued to PACESETTER.
Beneficiaries were drawn from Nkerefi, Mburubu, Nara, and other neighbouring communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area. Among them was a widow from Burkina Faso, currently living in Nara community, who was identified during an outreach to Orie Nara Market.
The support was disbursed in two phases through direct cash transfers and physical cash presentations, aimed at alleviating the financial challenges faced by widows.
Speaking at the event, Ani said widows deserve special care and sustained compassion within society.
“Widows are special people in our communities and should always be shown love and support,” he said.
He explained that while he usually refrains from publicising his philanthropic activities, the birthday outreach was made public to appreciate friends who contributed to the programme.
“This is the first time the foundation has received external financial support since its establishment. Over the years, MDF has been funded largely through my personal resources,” he noted.
Ani recalled previous interventions by the foundation, including the construction of a bungalow in 2021 for a family in Akpugo whose home was destroyed by fire in Iva Valley, Enugu.
He thanked supporters of the initiative, including Dr. Uche Ogah, CON; Mr. Jameson; Mr. John Anaedo Onwubuya; Mr. Luis Holden; Comrade Ejimba Anthony; and Prof. Muna Nweke.
The widows, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed gratitude and offered prayers for Ani and the continued success of the foundation.
Over the years, MDF has organised and supported several civic and educational initiatives, including IMT Debate, Coal City Debate, South East Debate, the National Debate, and the South East Youth Security Summit. The foundation has also awarded scholarships and bursaries to 187 students nationwide.