The Rotary Club of Umuahia in partnership with the Rotary Club of North Cobb, United States of America has provided succour to over 2000 people of Awuja community in Bende Local Council of Abia State.
 
President of Umuahia Rotary Club,  Temitope Nnaomah told The Guardian that Awuja, which she described as a migrant community, was discovered by the club 10 years ago during one of its polio immunisation outreaches in rural communities. 
 
According to her, the picture of Awuja  community is that of a people abandoned and treated as outcast and left in despicable conditions. She stressed that the ugly plight of the community moved the club into adopting  it and consistently visiting it every year to put some smiles on their faces.
 
Nnaomah said: “This migrant community is challenged with infrastructural deficits, inaccessible road, lack of healthcare centre, electricity, toilet facility and clean water, among other facilities that should positively impact their well-being.
 
“It was therefore an electrifying atmosphere for men, women and children in Awuja migrant community in Akoli Imenyi, Bende Local Council of Abia State, when they came out of their mud thatched houses to embrace the visiting Rotarians who organised a Christmas party that has become a yearly ritual that excited and thrilled them.”
 
The Guardian gathered that in Awuja Community, only two houses, a small church and a private residence housing a palm oil mill, were modern. The residents are predominantly small rice farmers and palm oil producers.
 
Nnaomah added that the community remained the club’s priority this year, and assured them that all the promises made to them would be fulfilled. Addressing the community members during the visit, a Past District Governor of the club, Grace Okaro who is a member of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, revealed that there is on-going plan to provide toilet and water facilities for the migrant community.
 
The Christmas party featured Polio immunisation, distribution of cooked food,  drinks, clothing, games, health check, and gifts from Santa Claus. The Awuja community leader, Chief Godwin Luke lamented neglect from government officials elected or  appointed.
 
According to him, they do not visit the community, even during election campaigns. He added that their only source of water was a stream while they engage in rice farming and palm oil production.
 
“We are very grateful to the Umuahia Rotary Club for their care and support in the absence of government care.
 
“We pray to God to also reward the Rotary Club and help to draw the attention of governments to our ugly plight, especially our only entry and exit road, water, health centre, among other facilities that make life worth living,” he said.