Ikpeazu, Akomas, Emeruwa Applaud Erondu Jnr Over Mega Empowerment in Obingwa

Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State witnessed a massive turnout of political leaders, traditional rulers and residents as the lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, rolled out a mega empowerment programme valued at over ₦1 billion.

The event, held at Umuaro Community in Mgboko Umuanunu Ancient Kingdom, drew the immediate past Governor of Abia State and Nigerian Ambassador-designate, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu; former Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Akomas; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; and other prominent stakeholders across party lines.

In his address, Dr. Ikpeazu commended the scale and vision of the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of the “mustard seed principle” — starting small but growing into lasting impact. He said the programme reflected purposeful leadership anchored on service and sacrifice.

“This is how leadership should be measured — by the number of lives touched and opportunities created,” Ikpeazu stated, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items while encouraging the lawmaker to remain steadfast in his service to the people.

Dr. Akomas expressed pride in Erondu Jnr, describing him as a worthy political son who has shown loyalty and capacity. He further announced financial support of ₦50,000 for each motorcycle beneficiary, ₦100,000 for each car beneficiary, and ₦1.4 million to be distributed across the 14 wards of Obingwa LGA to enhance grassroots mobilisation and sustainability.

Abia Speaker Emeruwa described the empowerment as unprecedented for a state lawmaker in Abia, noting that Erondu’s generosity extends beyond his constituency to colleagues in the Assembly. He urged beneficiaries to utilise the items productively.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Raymond Mkpuruoma Aliga, said the initiative transcended party affiliations and demonstrated inclusive representation. He passed a vote of confidence on the lawmaker and called for his re-election.

Former Imo State governorship candidate and Chief of Staff to a former Imo governor, Hon. Uche Nwosu, also lauded the programme, describing Erondu Jnr as a leader with a rare heart for service. He donated ₦2 million to support logistics for beneficiaries.

Obingwa LGA Chairman, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, described the event as historic and non-partisan, while Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, and Abia South PDP Chairman, Hon. Enyinnaya Apollos, characterised the empowerment as the first phase of a broader development vision.

The empowerment package covered critical sectors including transportation, entrepreneurship, health and education. Items distributed included motorcycles, minibuses, buses, trucks, tippers, cars, desktop computers, laptops, generating sets, car wash machines, spraying and vulcanising machines, and houses.

In the health sector, beneficiaries received dialysis machines, incubators, hospital beds and mattresses. Educational support comprised university scholarships, free JAMB and WAEC registrations, and digital learning tools. Widows were empowered with goats and other support materials.

In his remarks, Hon. Erondu Jnr, who chairs the House Committee on Public Service Matters, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in human capital rather than an act of charity.

“This programme is designed to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and economic development in our communities. It is part of a long-term vision for inclusive growth,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Obingwa-West for their support, appreciated his wife, Deaconess Queeneth Ginikanwa Erondu, and paid tribute to Dr. Ikpeazu and Dr. Akomas for their mentorship.

A beneficiary, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwankwo, who received a brand-new Coaster bus, thanked the lawmaker and pledged to put the vehicle to profitable use. He described Erondu Jnr as compassionate and supportive.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award by the Uhie People’s Assembly in recognition of the lawmaker’s grassroots impact. Presenting the award, former Obingwa-West lawmaker, Hon. Thomas Nkoro, described the empowerment as unprecedented for a state legislator.

The event marked a significant milestone in the political and developmental trajectory of Obingwa-West, as residents hailed what many described as one of the largest empowerment initiatives ever undertaken in the constituency.