Rt. Hon. Emeka Chinedu, the member representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, has empowered more than 150 constituents through a poverty alleviation programme aimed at transforming livelihoods and supporting small businesses.
The empowerment exercise took place at Oboama/Umunama Ward in Ezinihitte, Mbaise Local Government Area. The lawmaker explained that the programme was designed to demonstrate his commitment to the welfare and progress of his people.
Speaking during the event, Chinedu said the initiative was targeted at lifting many households. He stated, “This empowerment is to transform lives. Each recipient received a table, chair, umbrella, POS machine, and a cash grant of N200,000.”
The distribution was carried out by the Moniepoint team using a transparent raffle draw system. According to him, the raffle method was chosen to ensure fairness, equity, and the elimination of bias in the process.
Staple food items such as rice, garri, salt, and spaghetti were shared directly without a raffle draw. This was done to allow more people in the community to benefit from the programme.
Chinedu, who had been previously nicknamed Mr. Project for his constituency developments, is now being referred to as Mr. Empowerment because of his commitment to improving living standards. He announced that the initiative would be extended to all 24 wards in his constituency.
According to him, the programme is part of his campaign promises in his second term to provide both financial and material support to the people. He stressed inclusivity, saying, “Whether APC, PDP, ADC, Labour, or APGA, everyone contributed, and would benefit. That is why we introduced a raffle draw, a method that has proven effective elsewhere.”
Beyond the empowerment, the lawmaker revealed that several constituents have already secured federal job placements in key agencies. More opportunities, he said, are coming in the Civil Defence Corps, Correctional Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, and the National Directorate of Employment.
He assured that the list of beneficiaries would soon be made public.
Chinedu has become the first legislator in the constituency to carry out life-transforming projects across all 24 wards. These include solar-powered streetlights, electric transformers, classroom blocks, health centres, town halls, erosion control works, and skills acquisition centres.
Through targeted skills acquisition programmes, many constituents have been trained and equipped with starter packs to build sustainable livelihoods.
His advocacy has also been notable in defending the rights of Ahiazu residents, particularly in situations involving alleged threats from security agents.
The lawmaker has facilitated access to financial support such as N500,000 loans through NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, N-Power opportunities, N30,000 stipends under the Federal Government’s 774 LGA Special Public Works Programme, and COVID-19 intervention funds.
In earlier empowerment phases, he distributed motorbikes, vehicles, grinding machines, sewing machines, household appliances, and cash support worth millions of naira.
Beneficiaries at the latest event expressed deep appreciation. Many danced, sang, and offered prayers for the lawmaker, describing the empowerment as “a lifeline” and “an answer to long-standing prayers.”