Obingwa Agog As Ikpeazu, Akomas, Emeruwa Lead Accolades at Erondu Jnr’s Mega Empowerment

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 leaders have showered encomiums on the lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, following what has been described as one of the largest empowerment programmes ever witnessed in the area.

The epoch-making event, held at the Umuaro Community, Mgboko Umuanunu Ancient Kingdom, drew political leaders across party lines, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and a massive crowd of beneficiaries and supporters.

In his remarks, former Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD, commended Erondu Jnr for the scale, vision, and impact of the empowerment initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of the “mustard seed principle”; a small seed that grows into a mighty tree.

Ikpeazu noted that the programme reflected purposeful leadership rooted in service and sacrifice. He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received and encouraged the lawmaker not to relent in his commitment to uplifting his constituents.

In his words: “This is how leadership should be measured; by the number of lives touched and opportunities created. What we are witnessing here today will continue to grow and multiply.”

The former governor offered prayers for sustained success in lawmaker’s political journey.

Similarly, the former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Chris Akomas, expressed deep satisfaction over the magnitude of the empowerment programme, describing Erondu as a worthy political son who has demonstrated capacity and loyalty.

“I am proud of you,” Akomas declared. “If you are empowered, empower others. That is the true cycle of development”, he said.

In further support, Akomas announced financial assistance of ₦50,000 for each motorcycle beneficiary, ₦100,000 for each car beneficiary, and ₦1.4 million to be shared across the 14 wards of Obingwa Local Government Area to support grassroots mobilisation and sustainability of the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, also applauded the lawmaker, describing the empowerment as unprecedented in Abia.

He also urged beneficiaries to put the items into productive use and commended lawmaker’s generosity, noting that his spirit of support extends beyond his constituency to his colleagues in the Assembly.

The Chairman on the occasion, Chief Raymond Mkpuruoma Aliga, described Hon. Erondu Jnr as a formidable and inclusive representative whose empowerment initiative transcended party affiliations.

“This programme cuts across party lines. It is not limited to members of a particular political party. Hon. Erondu Jnr has shown that we are brothers first before politics. He has mastered the art of representation,” Aliga remarked.

He passed a vote of confidence on the lawmaker and called for his reelection, praying that the empowerment materials would multiply in the hands of the beneficiaries.

In his remark, former Imo State guber candidate and Chief of Staff to former Imo state Governor, Hon. Uche Nwosu, said he was overwhelmed by the scale of the programme, describing Erondu Jnr as an exceptional leader with a rare heart for service. As a mark of solidarity, he announced a donation of ₦2 million to support logistics for beneficiaries.

The Chairman, Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, described the event as historic, noting that it had risen above partisan politics. He also urged beneficiaries to make proper and responsible use of the items to improve their livelihoods.

Other speakers at the event included the Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, who described Erondu Jnr as a strong pillar of the party, and the Abia South PDP Chairman, Hon. Enyinnaya Apollos, who attributed the lawmaker’s political success to the mentorship of Ikpeazu and Akomas.
They described the empowerment as the first phase of a broader development vision.

The empowerment programme featured the distribution of a wide range of items valued at over ₦1 billion, aimed at boosting economic growth, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries received motorcycles, minibuses, buses, trucks, tippers, cars, desktop computers, laptops, generating sets, car wash machines, spraying and vulcanizing machines, as well as houses.

In the health sector, assorted medical equipment were distributed, including five dialysis machines, incubators for newborn babies, hospital beds, and mattresses. Educational support packages included university scholarships, free JAMB and WAEC registrations, and digital learning tools. Widows were also empowered with female goats and other support materials.

In his address, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Abia state House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr expressed gratitude to the people of Obingwa-West for their overwhelming support and reaffirmed that the empowerment was not an act of charity but a deliberate investment in human capital.

“This programme is designed to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and economic development in our communities. It is not a one-time event but part of a long-term vision for inclusive growth,” he stated.

He emphasized his commitment to education as a weapon against poverty and pledged to sustain initiatives that create opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups.

The lawmaker also appreciated his wife, Deaconess Queeneth Ginikanwa Erondu, for her steadfast support, and paid glowing tribute to his mentors, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and Dr. Chris Akomas, describing them as instrumental to his political growth.

“Today, I fulfil a vow to publicly acknowledge the instruments God used to find and empower me. I will continue to carry these lessons forward with pride and purpose,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwankwo, who received a brand-new Coaster bus from the lawmaker, expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, describing Hon. Erondu Jnr as a compassionate and supportive leader. He revealed that the vehicle was the third he had received from the lawmaker over the years, noting that he has served as Erondu’s driver for more than two decades. Nwankwo pledged to put the bus to profitable use and prayed for God’s continued preservation, political advancement, and success in all endeavours of the lawmaker.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award to Hon. Erondu Jnr by the Uhie People’s Assembly in recognition of his outstanding representation and commitment to grassroots development.

Presenting the award, a former lawmaker that represented Obingwa-West State Constituency, Hon. Thomas Nkoro noted that they have not seen an empowerment of this scale before, especially from a State Lawmaker, describing it as massive.

As the empowerment materials were distributed amid cheers and jubilation, other beneficiaries expressed gratitude and optimism that the intervention would significantly improve their livelihoods.

The event marked yet another milestone in the political and developmental history of Obingwa West, as Hon. Erondu reaffirmed his resolve to build a stronger constituency and leave a lasting legacy of progress for generations to come.