AWKA — More than 500 residents of Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency in Anambra State have benefited from a major empowerment programme organised by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.
The beneficiaries received a wide range of support, including vehicles, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, business equipment and educational scholarships, in an initiative designed to strengthen livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and create economic opportunities within the constituency.
The programme, held in Awka under the theme “Empowering Communities, Building Futures,” attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community stakeholders, party supporters and beneficiaries from across the constituency.
Among the items distributed were cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and 1KVA and 2KVA generating sets. Scholarships were also presented to selected students.
The initiative, according to the lawmaker, is aimed at providing practical support to constituents while improving household incomes, supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for residents to become economically self-reliant.
Orogbu said the programme was also a way of appreciating the confidence reposed in her by constituents during the 2023 general elections.
She disclosed that more than 36,000 constituents voted for her during the election, while thousands of other supporters participated in her campaign.
According to her, the large number of people who supported her made it impossible to accommodate everyone in a single phase of the empowerment programme.
She therefore announced that another phase of the initiative would take place in November 2026, urging constituents who were not beneficiaries of the current phase to remain patient.
The lawmaker appealed to those who received the items to use them productively, stressing that the objective was not merely to distribute materials but to help beneficiaries improve their livelihoods, establish or expand businesses and create employment opportunities.
Orogbu also sought the support of constituents for her re-election, arguing that a second term would enable her to attract more development projects and strengthen her capacity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
Peter Obi Commends Constituency Representation
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, attended the event as the special guest of honour and commended Orogbu for what he described as people-oriented representation.
Obi said elected representatives should be judged primarily by the impact of their service on the people they represent, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, employment creation and addressing insecurity.
The NDC presidential candidate also used the occasion to call for credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and support a political process founded on equity, justice and fairness.
His presence at the event added a political dimension to the gathering, coming at a time when political parties and prospective candidates are already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Umeh Backs Orogbu
Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, also commended Orogbu’s record in the constituency.
Umeh cited her constituency projects, scholarship programmes, infrastructure interventions and empowerment initiatives as evidence of her performance in office.
He urged constituents to support her re-election, arguing that another term could further strengthen her influence and capacity to attract development to Awka North and Awka South.
The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, equally commended Orogbu’s record and called on constituents to continue supporting the party and its candidates.
Beneficiaries Receive Business and Educational Support
The empowerment programme was concluded with the presentation of the various items and scholarships to beneficiaries.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the support would enable them to establish new businesses, expand existing enterprises and improve their families’ economic circumstances.
The range of items distributed also reflected an attempt to support different categories of beneficiaries, from transport operators and artisans to small-scale entrepreneurs and students.
While vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles are expected to support transportation and income-generating activities, sewing machines, grinding machines and deep freezers are targeted at vocational and small-business activities.
The scholarships, meanwhile, are intended to support selected students in their educational pursuits.
The programme represents another example of constituency-level intervention in which elected representatives seek to combine physical development projects with direct economic empowerment and educational assistance.
With another phase scheduled for November, more constituents are expected to benefit from the programme as the lawmaker continues her engagement with residents of Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency.
The event also provided an opportunity for political and community leaders to emphasise the importance of effective representation, economic empowerment and credible elections ahead of the 2027 political season.
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