More than 500 beneficiaries across Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency in Anambra State have received economic empowerment support, including vehicles, shuttle buses, business equipment and educational scholarships, under an initiative by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Professor Lilian Orogbu.
The empowerment programme, held in Awka under the theme “Empowering Communities, Building Futures,” attracted beneficiaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, religious leaders and party supporters from across the constituency.
Beneficiaries received cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and 1KVA and 2KVA generating sets, among other items designed to support transportation, small businesses and vocational activities.
Scholarships were also awarded to selected students as part of the initiative.
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Speaking at the event, Orogbu said the programme was intended to improve livelihoods, strengthen economic activities and create opportunities for residents across the constituency.
She said the initiative also recognised the support she received from constituents during the 2023 general elections.
According to the lawmaker, more than 36,000 constituents voted for her during the election, while thousands of supporters participated in her campaign, making it impossible to accommodate everyone in a single phase of the programme.
Orogbu urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, stressing that the support was aimed at improving household incomes, creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship.
She announced that another phase of the empowerment programme would take place in November 2026 and appealed to constituents who were not included in the current phase to remain patient.
The lawmaker also sought support for her re-election, saying a second term would strengthen her ability to attract additional development projects to the constituency.
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, who attended the event as special guest of honour, commended Orogbu for what he described as people-oriented representation.
Obi said elected officials should be assessed by their impact on citizens, particularly through efforts aimed at addressing poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
He also called for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and uphold the principles of equity, justice and fairness.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, described Orogbu as an effective representative and urged constituents to support her re-election.
Umeh cited her constituency projects, scholarships, infrastructure interventions and empowerment programmes as evidence of her performance, adding that a second term could enhance her influence in the House of Representatives.
The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, also commended Orogbu’s record and urged constituents to continue supporting the party and its candidates.
The event concluded with the presentation of the items and scholarships to beneficiaries, some of whom said the support would enable them to establish or expand businesses and improve their household incomes.
