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Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, former First Lady of Ondo State and Ada Owere I, has called on residents of Owerri to take a proactive stance in combating the growing wave of insecurity across local communities.

Speaking during a recent outreach organized by her non-profit organization, the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF), she stressed the importance of community involvement and people-driven initiatives in ensuring peace and safety in the region.

The outreach, held in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, saw the donation of four motorcycles and financial assistance to three local communities—Emeabiam, Umuguma, and Oforola.

The gesture marks the beginning of a series of planned interventions by BAAF aimed at strengthening grassroots security infrastructure and promoting collaborative vigilance.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who hails from Emeabiam in Owerri West, described her contribution as a “widow’s mite,” emphasizing that lasting security can only be achieved when residents unite and support local efforts. She urged other indigenes of the area to also contribute towards ensuring the safety of their communities.

“Security is a collective responsibility,” she said. “My little contribution is to uplift the morale of our community vigilante groups and to inspire others to do the same. It is time we all took ownership of the security situation and worked together for peace to reign.”

She also charged vigilante group members to uphold discipline, integrity, and strict adherence to the rule of law while carrying out their duties.

The initiative was well received by community leaders and traditional rulers, who lauded Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s commitment to the well-being of her people. His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) G. N. Ugorji of Umuguma, praised the effort and pledged that the donated motorcycles and funds would be judiciously used to bolster local security operations.

Engr. Herbert Igbo, who received the donation on behalf of the Emeabiam community, expressed deep gratitude and encouraged vigilance team members to remain steadfast in their responsibilities.

In a similar vein, the traditional ruler of Oforola offered prayers for the Ada Owere and called on divine guidance to steer the local security teams in the wise use of the resources.

The outreach by BAAF has set the stage for a broader conversation on community-driven safety strategies and is expected to spur similar efforts across other local government areas in Imo State.

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