Obi storms hometown, Agulu, empowers 50 traders, artisans, others

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate for the 2023 poll, Mr Peter Obi, on Friday, stormed his village, Amatutu in Agulu town, Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State and supported empowerment of 50 persons with equipments and cash gifts worth millions of Naira.

The beneficiaries, mostly youth and women, including petty traders and artisans, received cash gifts, grinding machines, sewing machines, among other equipments to enable them upgrade in their businesses, vocations and other endeavours.

The event was originally organised by Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, the Director of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu as a maiden community entrepreneurship and empowerment summit for Amatutu people but Obi, who received a heroic welcome at the occasion, promised to refund all the expenses as well as contribute to it's subsequent editions.

Speaking at the occasion, Obi, who expressed his commitment towards uplifting the poor, added that he was not desperate to become Nigerian president but only interested in driving a good governance for the betterment of all.

He also decried the attitudes of some privileged individuals who live in affluence without considering the plight of the poor around them, even as he urged the rich to rather fend for the poorest rather than acquiring wealth all over the world.

According to the former governor of Anambra State, this was why he has no house in any part of the world excluding that of Onitsha which he would give out to the less privileged in the next four years when he would be relocating to Agulu permanently.

"What I have is one house at a time, nobody can point  fingers at me and say that Peter Obi has a house in Abuja or Lagos. I served as a Governor in Anambra State and I have no house in Awka or a piece of land given  to me by government. Even since I left as Governor of Anambra State, government had not even bought a sachet of water to me because I refused any form of gratuity or pension as a former Governor. I don't want them," he added.

He commended Aisha for embarking on a community development through empowerment programme, which according to him, was necessary for socioeconomic development, security and community growth.

The event anchor and facilitator, Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu earlier explained that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme were selected across the village and duly interviewed to ascertain their needs based on trainings and skills acquired.

"We are proud to enpower 50 of our own, women and youth with cash and equipment, providing them with the tools they need to unlock their potential, pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth and development of our community. This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal," she stated.

She said they were inspired to embark on such kind gestures by Mr Peter Obi, who according to her, is promoting human capital development in Agulu and nationwide, thereby transforming lives and brightening the future of even the generations to come.

"To the 50 beneficiaries of this empowerment programme, the resources you are receiving today are catalyst for your dreams. Use them to build, create, innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible. Let your success stories inspire others, and let your achievements be a beacon of hope for our community.

"To our sponsors, organisers and volunteers, we appreciate your kindness, dedication and selflessness. Your contributions have made this programme possible and we are grateful for your commitment to our community's growth. Let us continue to work together, empowering each other and shaping a brighter future. Let's harness the power of collective effort, innovation and determination to build a community that is prosperous, inclusive and full of opportunities for all," she added.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and former Provost, Federal College of Education, (Technical), Umunze, Processor Josephat  Ogbuagu, maintained that Agulu as a community has every reason to always thank God for blessing them with Mr.Peter Obi, who according to him, has empowered uncountable persons across the 20 villages.

"Peter Obi is our worthy son and good ambassador of Agulu community. We are very proud of him. He has impacted positively on all of us. He has empowered different persons from all the 20 villages in Agulu. His empowerment  transcended beyond Agulu," he noted.

In a keynote address, the Guest Speaker and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Paul University, Awka, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna charged beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to use them judiciously for self reliance and job creation so they could join in empowering others in future.

Okunna, who described the LP Presidential Candidate as a global philanthropist and grassroot oriented person, urged them not to join in spreading hate speeches against him but should always pray for God's protection upon him so that he could enrich more lives.

Contributing , the President General, Agulu Progressive Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna described obi as a father of empowerment in Nigeria, and prayed God to strengthening and grant him his heart desires.

Afamefuna equally urged the Igbo nation to support Obi rather than castigating him, noting that God has positioned him to wipe the tears of Nigerians.

In a remark, a former Chaplin in Aso-Rock, Abuja, Reverend  Williams Okoye, represented by his daughter, Miss Joy Okoye, assured the community of his readiness to contribute towards empowering the less privileged as well as contributing to community development in all spheres.

Earlier speaking, the Chairman of Amatutu Village, Agulu, Mr.Chilota Ibeh, commended Aisha for initiating the empowerment programme, while celebrating Mr Peter Obi for impacting positively on Agulu and Nigeria generally.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mr.Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Ms Doris Nwafor and  Onuike Uchenna pledged to make maximum use of the empowerment programme to advance their careers in this economic crisis for overall good of all.