Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr Dominic Okafor has defended his decision to empower his constituents with wheelbarrows, hoes, and cutlasses.
The empowerment, which saw over 500 wheelbarrows distributed, was criticized on social media, but Hon. Okafor described it as a “deliberate, targeted, and intentional agricultural revolution project” aimed at addressing food insecurity.
The lawmaker emphasized that the programme is part of his broader manifesto covering agriculture, sports, education, and economic empowerment. He also highlighted the importance of subsistence farming in reducing household dependence on costly market purchases and helping families survive economic hardship.

Hon. Okafor dismissed criticisms that the timing of the programme was wrong, stating that the distributed farm implements are not perishable goods and can be useful in every season. He also noted that the initiative is backed by the 2025 Appropriation Act as a constituency project.
The lawmaker reassured his constituents that more empowerment programmes are underway, with agriculture remaining a top priority.