The member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oby Orogbu, has empowered more than 500 constituents with vehicles, business equipment, vocational tools and scholarships in the second phase of her constituency intervention programme.
The programme, tagged “Empowering Communities, Building Futures,” was held in Awka on Friday and attracted beneficiaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders from across the constituency.
Among those who attended was Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, who served as the special guest of honour.
Beneficiaries received cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and 1KVA and 2KVA generating sets, among other items.
The intervention was designed to support transportation businesses, vocational enterprises, small-scale businesses and household income generation, while scholarships were presented to selected students.
Speaking at the event, Orogbu said the programme was intended to provide sustainable economic opportunities rather than temporary assistance.
“Sustainable empowerment remains one of the most effective approaches to tackling poverty, reducing youth unemployment and stimulating grassroots economic development,” she said.
The lawmaker said the intervention was also an appreciation of the support she received from constituents and campaign volunteers during the 2023 general elections.
According to her, more than 36,000 people voted for her while over 5,000 supporters participated actively in her campaign.
Orogbu acknowledged that the number of beneficiaries could not cover all the people who supported her, promising another phase in November 2026.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment productively, saying the objective was to create employment, improve household incomes and raise living standards across Awka North and Awka South.
Obi commended the lawmaker for what he described as “purposeful and people-oriented representation,” arguing that political leadership should be judged by its measurable impact on citizens.
He also praised Senator Victor Umeh for his support for development in the constituency.
Obi linked grassroots economic empowerment to the broader challenge of insecurity, arguing that initiatives capable of lifting people out of poverty could help reduce crime and social instability.
He also criticised unemployment, weaknesses in education and healthcare and the country’s growing security challenges, attributing many of the problems to poor governance and mismanagement of public resources.
The former Anambra governor renewed his call for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and embrace equity, justice and fairness.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, also praised Orogbu, describing her as a “rare gift” to the constituency.
He listed constituency projects, scholarships, road infrastructure and empowerment programmes among the areas where he said the lawmaker had made an impact.
Umeh further argued that a second term for Orogbu would give her an opportunity to become a ranking member of the House and potentially strengthen her ability to attract more projects to the constituency.
Anambra State NDC chairman, Ikem Uzoezie, also commended Orogbu and urged constituents to continue supporting the party.
The event featured the presentation of vehicles, business equipment and scholarships, with beneficiaries saying the interventions would help them expand businesses, create employment and improve their families’ economic wellbeing.
