Awka Lawmaker Orogbu Empowers Over 500 Constituents with Cars, Tricycles, Scholarships

The member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oby Orogbu, has empowered over 500 constituents with vehicles, business equipment, vocational tools, and educational support as part of an initiative aimed at reducing poverty, creating wealth, and promoting self-reliance across her constituency.

The second phase of the empowerment programme, themed "Empowering Communities, Building Futures," was held in Awka and drew a large gathering of beneficiaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, religious leaders, and party faithful from across the constituency. Among the dignitaries in attendance was the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, who served as special guest of honour.

Beneficiaries at the event received a range of items designed to support transportation, small businesses, vocational enterprises, and household income generation. These included cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, as well as 2KVA and 1KVA generating sets. Scholarships were also awarded to deserving students as part of the lawmaker's broader commitment to expanding access to education within her constituency.

Speaking during the event on Friday, Orogbu, who represents the constituency on the platform of the NDC, explained that the empowerment programme was her way of appreciating the thousands of supporters, volunteers, and constituents who stood by her during the 2023 general elections. She described sustainable empowerment as one of the most effective approaches to tackling poverty, reducing youth unemployment, and stimulating grassroots economic development.

She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items they received, stressing that the gesture was designed not merely as a welfare package but as an economic intervention capable of improving livelihoods, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the living standards of families across Awka North and Awka South.

Acknowledging that not everyone who supported her campaign could be accommodated in this phase of the programme, Orogbu noted that while over 36,000 people voted for her and more than 5,000 supporters actively worked throughout her campaign, it would be practically impossible to reach everyone at once. She appealed to those who did not benefit this time to remain patient, assuring them that another round of empowerment has already been scheduled for November 2026 to accommodate more constituents.

Speaking at the event, Peter Obi commended Orogbu for what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation. He also praised Senator Victor Umeh for his continued support toward the development of the constituency. Obi argued that genuine leadership should be measured by its visible impact on the lives of citizens rather than by empty political promises, adding that initiatives capable of lifting people out of poverty ultimately help reduce crime and insecurity within communities.

He further lamented the state of unemployment, education, and healthcare in the country, as well as growing insecurity, attributing many of Nigeria's challenges to poor governance and the mismanagement of public resources. Reaffirming his vision for the country, Obi expressed confidence that with competent and accountable leadership, Nigeria could overcome hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship. He also called for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and embrace equity, justice, and fairness in the coming polls.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, described Orogbu as a rare gift to the people of Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency. He noted that the federal lawmaker had distinguished herself through quality representation, constituency projects, scholarships, road infrastructure, and various empowerment initiatives, adding that her vocal contributions on the floor of the House of Representatives had continued to attract developmental projects to the constituency.

Umeh further argued that allowing Orogbu to secure a second term would position her as a ranking member of the House, thereby increasing her capacity to attract even greater dividends of democracy to the constituency. He described the empowerment programme as unprecedented, calling it a reflection of the lawmaker's genuine commitment to improving the welfare of her constituents.

Earlier at the event, the Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, congratulated Orogbu for fulfilling her campaign promises through impactful representation. He urged constituents to continue supporting the party, expressing confidence that sustained electoral support would translate into more developmental projects and improved welfare for the people going forward.

The event featured the formal presentation of empowerment items and scholarships amid visible excitement from beneficiaries, many of whom expressed gratitude for what they described as life-changing interventions. Several beneficiaries who spoke separately said the items would help them establish or expand their businesses, create employment opportunities, and improve the economic wellbeing of their families.