International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Enugu State branch, in partnership with the former Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, Anthony Ikechukwu Ani (SAN), on Thursday, donated relief materials to the 94-year-old woman, Deborah Nneze Ogbodo, a victim of domestic violence whose video went viral.
It was indeed a moment of joy for both FIDA and Mama Ogbodo family when FIDA members led by their state chairperson, Cecilia Ngozi Onyia, and Ani paid a visit to her at her home town, Umueze Okwojo Ngwo, Enugu State.
Unlike the tensed environment that surrounded FIDA’s previous visit in December 2022, when the group sought to know why mama’s daughter, Virginia Ezeh beat her mother Mrs Deborah Ogbodo with cane, while bathing her, today’s visit was a joyous one, with mama and her children, Elder Moses, Mrs Virginia Ezeh and Romanus looking healthy, strong and full of smiles.
Speaking before presenting the relief materials to Mrs Deborah Ogbodo and her daughter, Mrs Virginia Ezeh, on behalf of FIDA and Ani, Onyia said the visit was made possible by FIDA’s partner, Anthony Ani, who donated the items and cash.
She said, ” His Honour, who saw the abject poverty in and around the case, graciously decided to reach out to both the victim and daughter, Mrs. Virginia Eze and indeed the entire family with and through FIDA Enugu”.
She said the items donated include packets of big tissue papers, body cream, wrappers, gowns, 25kg bag of rice, 25 kg bag of beans, hand gloves, bathing and washing soap, powder, tubers of yam, wipers, disinfectant, jik and cash.
She thanked Virginia for taking good care of her mother, who was looking really good. “If Virginia had a helper, she would be better but if someone is suffering and has no helper, the person will be frustrated. We are happy to see positive changes in all of them (mama and her children), especially mama who has transformed well”, FIDA, Enugu chairperson said.
Speaking, Ani thanked God for His providence. He also thanked FIDA Enugu for taking the lead. He said he was impressed with what FIDA Enugu had done and had to partner the group.
Ani thanked Mrs Ogbodo’s daughter for taking care of her mother.
The Senior Advocate advised Virginia not to be disturbed by the video that trended, noting that what happened “was a blessing in disguise”.
To Mrs Ogbodo, he said, “Mama you are not yet old”. He prayed God to grant the victim more years on earth in good health.
The donor also thanked Mrs Ogbodo’s sons for caring for their mother. He promised support to the family, saying they will empower Virginia and train her on how to take care of old people.
Responding on behalf of their family, the first son of Mrs Ogbodo, Elder Moses and his sister, Mrs Virginia Ezeh, thanked FIDA and Ani for their kind gesture. He prayed God to bless them.
