Elochukwu Ofomah
Awka
For more than 500 residents of Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, it was more than receiving political speeches and promises; it was about securing new opportunities to earn a living, pursue education and build a more secure future.
The beneficiaries received cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, generating sets and other business equipment, while some students received scholarships.
The empowerment, the second phase of the initiative by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, was held in Awka under the theme, “Empowering Communities, Building Futures.”
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, party supporters and beneficiaries from communities across the constituency.
Orogbu said the initiative was designed to help constituents move beyond dependence by providing them with tools capable of supporting their livelihoods and creating opportunities for others.
She described the programme as an appreciation to thousands of constituents, supporters and volunteers who supported her during the 2023 general elections.
According to her, more than 36,000 people voted for her, while over 5,000 supporters actively participated in her campaign, making it impossible to accommodate everyone in a single empowerment phase.
She therefore disclosed that another phase of the programme had been scheduled for November to give more constituents the opportunity to benefit.
“Although over 36,000 people voted for me and more than 5,000 supporters actively worked throughout the campaign, it will be practically impossible to accommodate everyone in one phase of the programme.
“I plead with those who did not benefit in the current phase to be patient. Another round of empowerment has already been scheduled for November this year to enable more people to benefit,” she said.
The lawmaker urged the beneficiaries to put the items to productive use, stressing that the intervention was not intended merely as welfare but as an economic investment in families and communities.
“I strongly believe these equipment will improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and enhance living standards of families across Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency,” Orogbu said.
She added that sustainable empowerment remained an important tool for tackling poverty, reducing youth unemployment and stimulating economic activity at the grassroots.
The Special Guest of Honour, and Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC for the 2027 General Elections, Mr. Peter Obi, commended Orogbu for what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Obi said leadership should be judged by its impact on people’s lives rather than political promises, noting that interventions capable of lifting citizens out of poverty could also help address crime and insecurity.
He expressed concern over unemployment, challenges in education and healthcare, insecurity and economic hardship in the country, attributing many of the problems to poor governance and mismanagement of public resources.
Obi said Nigeria could overcome its challenges with competent and accountable leadership.
He also called for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and embrace equity, justice and fairness.
Senator Victor Umeh also praised Orogbu, describing her as a “rare gift” to the people of the constituency.
Umeh said the lawmaker had distinguished herself through constituency projects, scholarships, road infrastructure and empowerment programmes, while her contributions on the floor of the House had helped attract development to the area.
He argued that a second term for Orogbu would make her a ranking member of the House of Representatives and potentially strengthen her capacity to attract more projects and opportunities to the constituency.
He described the latest empowerment programme as unprecedented and evidence of her commitment to the welfare of her constituents.
The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, congratulated Orogbu for what he described as impactful representation and urged constituents to continue supporting the party.
For the beneficiaries, however, the significance of the programme was more immediate.
While some received vehicles and tricycles to support transportation and commercial activities, others went home with machines and equipment capable of starting or expanding small businesses.
The scholarship beneficiaries also received educational support that could ease the financial burden of schooling on their families.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the items would help them strengthen their businesses, create jobs and improve the economic wellbeing of their families.
