By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa
Hon. Chimezie Ikwunne, representing Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, has empowered no fewer than 150 constituents with items worth over N150 million to improve their living standards and promote development in the area.
Ikwunne carried out the empowerment programme on Sunday in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
Items distributed included 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines, alongside cash support for beneficiaries.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was designed to provide support and relief to his constituents.
He said that the beneficiaries were selected from different communities in the constituency and consisted of youths, women, men, community leaders, artisans and traders.
“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.
Ikwunne also commended Governor 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.
According to him, the road project has improved agricultural productivity and eased the transportation of persons and arm produce to markets.
“Before now, the road was in very bad condition and even motorcycles found it difficult to ply it.
“As an agrarian community, Governor Soludo has changed the narrative and brought development to our area,” he said.
He assured the people of his constituency that he would continue to address their needs and aspirations in line with his campaign promises.
“I applied for this job and I rededicate myself to listen more, serve better and work harder,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 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,” he 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 people.
Chief Lawrence Onwuzuka, a community leader, thanked the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare of the people and pledged the constituents’ continued support.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to improve their livelihoods.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for the gesture and pledged to use the support to boost their businesses and improve their living conditions.
Mr Azibuike Ndibe from Awba-Ofemili community, who received a motorcycle, said he could now be regarded as a gainfully employed member of society, adding that he would use it to generate income and cater for his family.
Mr Ifesinachi Onwunili from Achala community who received shuttle bus said he will use it to generate income with the intention of purchasing another shuttle bus in the next one year.
Mrs Theresa Okonkwo from Ebenebe community who received the grinding machine expressed gratitude to the lawmaker said the machine would boost her business and help her take care of her family.
APGA Chieftains, traditional and religious leaders as well as former lawmakers from different communities in the area were at the event.
Chizoba/Anastasia are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
