Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined other political stakeholders in Abia State as the member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr, empowered hundreds of residents during a large-scale empowerment programme held at his country home in Umuaro, Obingwa Local Government Area.
The empowerment initiative, organised as part of activities marking the lawmaker’s birthday celebration, saw the distribution of over 150 motorcycles, 15 vehicles and cash support to beneficiaries drawn from across the Abia South Senatorial District. The programme was designed to support small businesses, create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of the recipients.
The event attracted political leaders and community stakeholders across party lines, forming what participants described as a “rainbow coalition.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Erondu Jnr said the empowerment programme reflects his commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of his constituents through sustainable opportunities. He stressed that supporting youths, women and vulnerable groups remains central to his vision for grassroots development.
He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the motorcycles, vehicles and other items distributed to expand their businesses and support their families.
The lawmaker also reaffirmed his support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, come 2027.
Representing the Deputy Speaker at the event, Rev. Emma Trumps Eke noted that empowerment initiatives like the one organised by Erondu Jnr help reduce youth restiveness by creating economic opportunities and promoting self-reliance.
In his remarks, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chris Alozie Akomas, commended the lawmaker’s efforts and announced additional financial support for individuals and groups from different local government areas.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, described Erondu Jnr as a committed leader dedicated to the development of his people. He also acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and former Deputy Governor Chris Akomas in delivering democratic dividends to the people.
Chairman of the occasion, Dee Sam Nkire, praised the lawmaker for his commitment to public service, describing him as a compassionate leader who consistently supports the less privileged.
Similarly, former Senator Nkechi Nwaogu described the scale of the empowerment programme as remarkable, noting that it was uncommon for a first-term state lawmaker to undertake such a far-reaching initiative.
Chairman of Chairmen (PDP) in the Rainbow Coalition, Barrister Emeka Onyenso, described the gathering as historic, saying it was one of the rare occasions where members of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party jointly supported a grassroots empowerment programme in Abia State.
Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Chidiebere Ihenyirimmadu, commended Erondu Jnr for his sustained commitment to grassroots empowerment, recalling that he had organised a similar initiative barely three months earlier.
Other speakers at the event included APC chieftain Dr. Nyerere Chinenye Anyim, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Christopher O. Enweremadu and former member of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, all of whom praised the lawmaker for promoting unity and improving the welfare of his constituents.
Former Abia State Governor and Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, was represented at the event by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nkechi Carol Ikpeazu.
The programme highlighted the growing role of grassroots empowerment initiatives in improving the livelihoods of citizens while fostering political collaboration across party lines in Abia State.
