In a remarkable gesture ahead of his 50th birthday celebration, former Abia State House of Assembly member, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, has empowered 17 young people from his Umuakaka Kindred in Nkata, Umuahia North LGA with the sum of N300,000 each to support and boost their businesses.
Hon. Apugo, who represented Umuahia East State Constituency from 2015 to 2023, hosted the beneficiaries at his country home on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, he explained that the empowerment was aimed at supporting youths already engaged in one trade or another.
“I decided to empower young people who are already doing something productive because I don’t want to give money to those who won’t make good use of it,” Apugo stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to continue striving for self-improvement and to live harmoniously with one another.
“I will be 50 years old tomorrow, but the main celebration will be on Sunday. Today, I invited only my kindred—especially the youths—as we begin preparations for Sunday,” he said.
“Initially, I wanted to include only Umuakaka, but I was persuaded to add a few persons from the larger Nkata community. The idea is to support our youths who have a skill or trade,” he added.
The former lawmaker also advised the youths to avoid envy and jealousy, expressing confidence in their potential.
“Don’t envy each other or be jealous. Many of you will grow beyond me, Chichi Apugo,” he said.
He further encouraged them to seek peace and unity for the growth and development of the community.
“Throughout my eight years in the House of Assembly, I never called the police on anyone. Instead, I always tried to mediate in disputes,” Apugo recalled.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ugochukwu Amos Elias, popularly known as ‘Don’t Fear’, expressed deep appreciation to the former lawmaker for his generous gesture.
