…says the Awka North empowerment programme was part of his commitment to improving the welfare of residents.
Ebenebe, Nigeria – The iNews Times | Awka North empowerment programme received a major boost as the lawmaker representing Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chimezie Ikwunne, empowered no fewer than 150 constituents with items valued at over ₦150 million to improve their living standards and promote development in the area.
The Awka North empowerment programme saw the distribution of various income-generating tools including 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines, alongside cash support for selected beneficiaries.
Speaking during the empowerment programme held in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area, Ikwunne, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture in the Anambra State House of Assembly, said the initiative was designed to provide support and relief to his constituents.
According to him, the beneficiaries were selected from different communities across the constituency and included 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.
The lawmaker explained that the Awka North empowerment programme was part of his commitment to improving the welfare of residents and supporting small businesses within the constituency.
Ikwunne also commended the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, for responding to the needs of Awka North residents through the construction of the Amansea–Awba Ofemili Road, which links five communities in the area.
According to him, the road project has significantly improved agricultural productivity and eased the transportation of farm produce and residents to various markets.
“Before now, the road was in very bad condition and even motorcycles found it difficult to ply it,” he said.
“As an agrarian community, the governor has changed the narrative and brought development to our area.”
The lawmaker assured the people of Awka North 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, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Okoye, praised Ikwunne for initiating programmes that directly impact the lives of people in the constituency.
He noted that the Awka North empowerment programme demonstrated the importance of responsive leadership and grassroots development.
A community leader, Chief Lawrence Onwuzuka, also expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare of the people.
He pledged the continued support of constituents and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items to improve their livelihoods.
Some beneficiaries equally expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for the initiative and promised to utilise the items effectively to boost their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Azibuike Ndibe from Awba-Ofemili community, who received a motorcycle, said the gesture had changed his economic situation.
He said the motorcycle would enable him to generate income and provide for his family.
“With this support, I can now be regarded as a gainfully employed member of society,” he said.
Ndibe added that the empowerment would help him expand his opportunities for self-reliance and financial stability.
Dignitaries present at the event included APGA chieftains, traditional and religious leaders, as well as former lawmakers from different communities within Awka North Local Government Area.
Observers say the Awka North empowerment programme highlights growing efforts by elected representatives to provide economic opportunities and strengthen grassroots development across communities in Anambra State.
