The member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ibe Osonwa Okwara, has empowered hundreds of constituents with items valued at over N2 billion in a major constituency outreach aimed at boosting economic productivity and reducing poverty.
The empowerment programme, which took place on Thursday at the Ohafia Local Government Headquarters, witnessed the distribution of a wide range of items, including mini buses, tricycles, refrigerators, industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, and other livelihood-support tools targeted at enhancing small-scale businesses and household income.
The event drew the presence of key government officials and political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Otti. Also in attendance were the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Rowland Ceaser, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the crowd, Okwara reiterated his commitment to delivering people-oriented representation, stressing that the empowerment initiative was a fulfillment of his promise to improve the welfare of constituents who entrusted him with their mandate in 2023.
He noted that the intervention would have a ripple effect across families and communities, as beneficiaries are expected to deploy the items for productive ventures capable of generating sustainable income. According to him, the inclusion of equipment such as graders is also strategic, as it will contribute to the maintenance and accessibility of roads within the constituency.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, represented by Emetu, commended the lawmaker for what he described as a thoughtful and impactful initiative aligned with the state government’s vision for inclusive development.
“Today’s programme goes beyond the distribution of items but creating opportunities for poverty alleviation,” he stated.
“This programme is deliberately designed to help our people to help themselves, and become contributors to the development of their communities,” he added.
Emetu further urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, describing them as “seeds for growth and sources of income, stability and progress,” while emphasizing the importance of sustainability and accountability in the use of public-oriented interventions.
