From Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
A lawmaker in southeastern Nigeria, Chimezie Ikwunne, has provided economic support to at least 150 residents of his constituency through the distribution of vehicles, business equipment and cash assistance valued at more than ₦150 million (about $95,000).
Ikwunne, who represents Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, carried out the empowerment programme recently in Ebenebe, a community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Items distributed included 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines. Beneficiaries also received cash support intended to help them establish or expand small businesses.
Speaking at the event, Ikwunne, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development in rural communities.
“This empowerment is about restoring dignity to rural life, engaging young people, easing the burden on women and laying the foundation for inclusive development,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, beneficiaries were selected from communities across the constituency and included youths, women, artisans, traders and community leaders.
Ikwunne also praised the governor of the state, Chukwuma Soludo, for infrastructure development in the area, particularly the construction of the Amansea–Awba Ofemili road linking several communities.
He said the project had improved agricultural productivity and made it easier for residents to transport farm produce to markets.
“Before now, the road was in very poor condition and even motorcycles struggled to use it,” he said. “As an agrarian community, the project has changed the narrative and brought development to our area.”
Ikwunne pledged to continue addressing the needs of his constituents in line with his campaign promises.
“I applied for this job and I rededicate myself to listening more, serving better and working harder,” he said.
In his remarks, Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, commended the lawmaker for what he described as effective representation.
“This is true representation and it aligns with the development agenda of the government,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker of the state assembly, Chukwuma Okoye, also praised Ikwunne for programmes that directly benefit local residents.
Community leader Lawrence Onwuzuka thanked the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare of the people and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items to improve their livelihoods.
Some beneficiaries also expressed gratitude for the support.
One of them, Ifesinachi Onwunili from Achalla community, who received a shuttle bus, said he planned to use it to generate income with the goal of acquiring another vehicle within a year.
Another beneficiary, Theresa Okonkwo, a trader from Ebenebe who received a grinding machine, said the equipment would help expand her business and support her family.
The event was attended by political leaders of APGA, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, as well as former legislators from communities across the constituency.