The member representing Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chimezie Ikwunne, has empowered no fewer than 150 indigent residents of the constituency with items worth over N150m to improve their living standards and promote development in the area.
Ikwunne carried out the empowerment programme in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
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 also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was designed to provide support and relief to his constituents.
He added that the beneficiaries were selected from different communities in the constituency and comprised 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.
“We also commend the state governor, Prof. 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.
The road project has improved agricultural productivity and eased the transportation of persons and agricultural 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, Gov. Soludo has changed the narrative and brought development to our area,” Ikwunne said.
He assured residents of the 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 added.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, 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,” Obi-Okoye 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 his constituents.
A community leader, Chief Lawrence Onwuzuka, thanked the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare of the people and pledged continued support of the constituents.
Onwuzuka also urged 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.
One of the beneficiaries, Azibuike Ndibe from Awba-Ofemili community, who received a motorcycle, said the support would help him generate income and cater for his family.
APGA chieftains, traditional and religious leaders, as well as former lawmakers from different communities in the area attended the event.
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