AWKA/Nigeria: Hon. Chimezie Ikwunne, member representing Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, has empowered no fewer than 150 constituents with tools, vehicles and equipment valued at over N150 million to enhance livelihoods and stimulate development across the area.
The empowerment programme, which took place on Sunday in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area, saw beneficiaries drawn from various communities within the constituency.
Items distributed included 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines, in addition to cash support to assist beneficiaries in establishing or expanding their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Ikwunne, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was aimed at providing economic support and improving the living conditions of the people.
According to him, the beneficiaries comprised youths, women, men, community leaders, artisans and traders selected across the communities in the constituency to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.
“This empowerment is about restoring dignity to rural life, engaging the youths, easing the burden on women and creating a foundation for inclusive development,” he said.
The lawmaker also commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for responding to the needs of Awka North residents through the construction of the Amansea–Awba Ofemili road linking five communities in the area.
He noted that the road project had significantly improved agricultural productivity and eased the transportation of farm produce and residents to nearby markets.
“Before now, the road was in very bad condition and even motorcycles found it difficult to ply it. As an agrarian community, Gov. Soludo has changed the narrative and brought development to our area,” Ikwunne added.
He assured constituents of his continued commitment to addressing their needs and aspirations in line with the promises he made during his campaign.
“I applied for this job and I rededicate myself to listen more, serve better and work harder,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, commended the lawmaker for what he described as quality representation.
“With this level of empowerment, APGA members are proud of you because this is true representation and it aligns with the solution government,” Obi-Okoye said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Chukwuma Okoye, praised Ikwunne for initiating programmes that directly impact the lives of his constituents.
A community leader, Chief Lawrence Onwuzuka, thanked the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare of the people and pledged the continued support of the constituents.
He also urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to improve their livelihoods.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for the gesture and promised to utilise the support to strengthen their businesses and improve their living conditions.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Azibuike Ndibe from Awba-Ofemili community, who received a motorcycle, said the support had given him a new means of livelihood.
“With this motorcycle, I can now be regarded as a gainfully employed member of society. I will use it to generate income and cater for my family,” he said.
The event was attended by APGA chieftains, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders from different communities within the constituency.
