How I Sponsored 43 Houses, 92 Vehicles, 7,000 Students, Others — Lawmaker Erondu Jnr

Member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has highlighted his legislative achievements and extensive empowerment programmes as key pillars driving his ambition to represent Abia South Senatorial District in the National Assembly come 2027.

Speaking during a half-hour radio interview on Magic FM Aba yesterday, Erondu Jnr reflected on his stewardship since he was elected on March 18, 2023, and inaugurated into the 8th Abia Assembly on June 14, 2023, describing the journey as “wonderful and impactful.”

The former Chairman, Obingwa LGA, recalled that he moved the very first motion in the 8th Abia Assembly, calling for the suspension of the proposed electricity tariff hike by the Federal Government shortly after the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to him, the motion was adopted by the House and subsequently transmitted to the National Assembly, which also aligned with the resolution before forwarding it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

He noted that the intervention led to the suspension of the tariff increase for one year, providing relief to Nigerians amid prevailing economic hardship.

The Chairman , House Committee on Public Service Matters, Abia state House of Assembly, also outlined some of the major bills he has sponsored in the Assembly, including HAB 23 on Corporate Social Responsibility, aimed at encouraging companies operating in Abia State to contribute meaningfully to infrastructural and social development in their host communities.

He cited examples of corporate organizations in Lagos and Rivers states executing roads and public projects as part of their social responsibility, insisting that firms making profits from Abia should equally give back to the state.

Another bill sponsored by the lawmaker, HAB 24, focuses on maternity and newborn welfare, with the objective of reducing maternal and child mortality by making prenatal and postnatal care more accessible and affordable for women.

He further disclosed that HAB 25 seeks to establish an Informatics Centre to strengthen data collection, ICT development, and administrative coordination within the state.

Beyond lawmaking, the Obingwa-West representative said his passion for humanitarian service and empowerment predates his election into office.

Narrating the experience that inspired his housing intervention programme, Erondu Jnr recounted how a widow identified as Mrs. Mercy Nwagwu, popularly called “Daa Nne,” approached him years ago seeking financial assistance, only for another woman to reveal that her most pressing need was shelter.

Moved by her condition, he said he immediately initiated the construction of a two-bedroom bungalow for her.

According to him, that singular act became the foundation of a wider humanitarian programme through which his foundation has so far built 43 two-bedroom houses for indigent widows and vulnerable persons across communities.

He added that six civic halls have also been constructed to support community activities and development.

The lawmaker further revealed that his empowerment initiatives have seen the distribution of 92 vehicles, including buses, mini trucks, mini tippers, and a coaster bus, to beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods and economic stability.

On healthcare, he disclosed that over 30,000 assorted medical equipment, including dialysis machines and incubators, have been donated to health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially in maternal and child healthcare.

In the education sector, the Uhie-born legislator said more than 7,000 students have benefited from sponsorship for WAEC and JAMB examinations, while scholarships have also been provided for indigent but brilliant students in tertiary institutions both locally and internationally.

He recalled meeting one of the beneficiaries of his scholarship programme, who informed him that he had successfully completed his medical training and qualified as a doctor.

The APC chieftain also disclosed that 24 power generating sets were distributed to artisans and small business owners to support their businesses, particularly in ice block production and beverage preservation.

Additionally, he said over 102 laptops have been given to outstanding students through quiz competitions, while 200 desktop computers were distributed to schools, churches, and hospitals to improve operations.

He further stated that 250 motorcycles have so far been distributed to beneficiaries within and outside Abia State under the Igodo Igwe Foundation empowerment scheme.

Speaking on his decision to contest the Abia South Senatorial seat in 2027, Erondu Jnr said he initially desired to take a break from active political contests but eventually yielded to pressure and encouragement from political associates and supporters after seeking divine direction.

He maintained that he remains one of the founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, noting that he served as the party’s first Administrative Secretary following its formation in 2013.

Ahead of APC primary elections in Abia, the lawmaker expressed confidence in his chances, insisting that his track record, legislative prowess, empowerment programmes, and relationship with the grassroots distinguish him from other aspirants in the race.

According to him, if given a free and fair contest, he is optimistic of winning across polling units, wards, and local government areas within Abia South Senatorial District.