The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Augustine Akobundu, has commenced the second phase of his solar-powered streetlight installation project across the six local government areas of the district, describing the initiative as part of efforts to improve security, boost businesses, and enhance the welfare of residents.
Senator Akobundu disclosed this today in Umuahia during a Press Conference to flag-off of the second phase of the “Light Up the Communities” project.
Akobundu said the success recorded in the first phase and the positive feedback from beneficiaries informed his decision to expand the initiative to more communities and markets across the district.
He recalled that despite doubts expressed by some political opponents at the inception of the project, the first phase was completed successfully and within schedule. He noted that the installed solar-powered streetlights had improved security around markets and communities, beautified the environment, and extended business activities in benefiting areas.
According to him, communities and markets covered in the first phase included Ariam Market and Ndoro Market in Ikwuano; Ahiaukwu Market, Olokoro, and Apumiri Market, Ubakala, in Umuahia South; Obikabia Market and Nkwo Nsulu Market in Isiala Ngwa North; Nkwoebe Market and Mbutu Market in Isiala Ngwa South; Ahiaeke Market and Afor Umuda Ofeme Market in Umuahia North; as well as Umungasi Market and Eke Nwobasi Market in Osisioma Ngwa.
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Other locations that benefited from the first phase include St. Peter’s Church, Amizi; Ekeobadi-Amadeus Road-Ahaba Village; Oloko Village; and Awomukwu Village.
Akobundu disclosed that the second phase would cover 11 additional markets, including Ahia Orie Umuode and Eke Onu Amaedo in Osisioma Ngwa; Mbawsi Main Market and Umuosu Market in Isiala Ngwa North; Ahia Ugba Daily Market and Nkwoudara Market in Isiala Ngwa South; Timber Market in Umuahia North; Afor-Ibeji Market and Eke Udi Market in Umuahia South; as well as Ahia Orie Ibere and Nnono Market in Ikwuano.
He added that 13 more communities, including Umuokwa Community in Isiala Amapu Ntigha, Eziama Ntigha, Trademore Estate in Umuahia, Seat of Wisdom Seminary School in Ariam, and Azuiyi Oloko Community, among others, had also been selected to benefit from the project.
The senator said several other constituency projects were ongoing across the district, including construction and furnishing of skills acquisition centres, renovation of schools, construction of lock-up stores, provision of transformers, erosion control works, establishment of primary healthcare centres, and waste recycling facilities.
Akobundu further highlighted his empowerment and educational programmes, including scholarships for 113 constituents at the National Teachers’ Institute, ICT and digital skills training for youths, entrepreneurship support programmes, and sponsorship of secondary school students in robotics, embedded systems engineering, and artificial intelligence training.
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He also noted that his recent medical outreach programme covered Ikwuano, Osisioma Ngwa, and Umuahia North LGAs, with plans underway to extend the initiative to Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, and Umuahia South.
He revealed that additional road projects and other constituency projects currently under construction across Abia Central would be commissioned within the next four months.
The Oloko-born Senator reaffirmed his commitment to development-driven representation, the senator said his focus remained on improving the lives of constituents and securing opportunities for future generations.
“This is just the beginning. Expect more,” Akobundu stated.
