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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Hon Arinze Chikelu Rolls Out Grassroot Women Empowerment Scheme

·         As Political Leaders Commend His Benevolent Heart

·         Constituency Chronicle Gains Of His Past Empowerment Schemes

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

A particular school of thought postulates that one of the essence of holding public office is always for the interest of the people, mostly those at the grassroot levels.

In keeping with the above, Hon Arinze Chikelu, like his usual nature, character, real disposition and normal response to how people around him feels, his help was felt today.

The law maker representing ward 11, Oshimili South LGA, empowered women today.

Eight women benefitted from his grassroot women empowerment scheme, as 4 sewing machines, 4 grinding machines from the councillor’s scheme reached the women.

The well attended event had in attendance top political leaders from Oshimili South chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, Council Secretariat and from ward levels.

Earlier, in his welcome speech, Hon Chikelu, appreciated all for their large turn out, seized same opportunity to demonstrate his appreciation for his political mentor, even, Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya.

What you see me do today was what I learnt from my political mentor, he taught me in practical term, he taugh me how to love and give back to my people.

I thank you, Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya, for all you taught me, Hon Arinze Chikelu noted.

Mr Eugene Chukwurah, represented Rt Hon Onwusanya observed that the day’s event was indeed an epoch making one, shared he was never surprised that the councillor invited him to witness another repeat of his benevolent culture of giving to his constituency.

In time past, I had witnessed his past two grassroot empowerment schemes, his response to the needs of his people is an action that is worth emulating by other councillors.

One great stuff about Hon Chikelu is that his benevolent spirit did not begin when he became a councillor, even when he was an entrepreneur, he had always reached out to people’s needs.

Words might not be enough to thank him, I know he will do more, Mr Chukwurah said.    

Also addressing the empowerment scheme recipients, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, Oshimili South LGA Party Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), charged them to put the items presented to then today into meaningful use and use same to support their families.

I urge you to always remember that this empowerment package you receive today came to you through the auspice of the PDP and as such we urge to always bear the party in mind, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji admonished the beneficiaries.

 When asked why women alone benefited from this scheme today, Hon Arinze Chikelu pointed out that more than 80% of the last beneficiaries were males.

Some members of his constituency who spoke to our reporter after the event shared what they knew and felt about the law maker’s benevolent nature and disposition.

Mr Okey Ijeoma, the ward party chairman, recalled how the law maker at the immediate last grassroot empowerment program gave out 10 tricycles to 10 youths, with a view to remove them from unemployment bracket and converting them into small scale entrepreneurs.

Barr. Ejike Nwaokolo, while representing the executive chairman, Oshimili South LGA, Barr Chuks Obusom, he thanked the ward members over their huge turn out to witness the event.

He reflected that what happened here today is a huge welcome development and prayed the benevolent law maker never to cease doing good to his people, as well as challenging othe well endowed councillors to emulate his good deeds.

Hon Chikelu also in swift response to insecurity gaps within his ward, organized, set up and equipped community vigilante to serve the Akwuebulo, Chi-Chi, Nwuga, Abagana, Ogbom and Obumsele Areas of his constituency, Mr Ijeoma recalled.

The last tricycle empowerment scheme was designed to function as a revolving funding scheme, wherein first set of beneficiaries upon repayment will make it possible for another set of beneficiaries to get empowered as well.

Hon Chikelu pointed out that the cost of each tricycle at the time of purchase was valued at N450,000, wherein, the first set of beneficiaries were required  to pay back the sum of N600,000, instead of double value prevalent in the society.

He also promised the beneficiaries who can pay back N450,000 in one year, will have the complete particulars of the tricycle handed over to them as prove of their permanent ownership.

The day’s empowerment program recorded as high points the presentation of empowerment items and handing over tricycle particulars to past beneficiaries who kept the terms of the empowerment scheme.

Out of the ten tricycle beneficiaries, only Mr Ali Moses and Mr Emmanuel Ekpa, completely maintained terms of the empowerment scheme, by paying back N450,000 and N600,000 respectively.

Both beneficiaries were presented copies of their tricycle particulars by Ogbueshi Dada Okonji and Mr Eugene Chukwurah, on behalf of Hon Chikelu Arinze.    

Most members of the constituency who spoke with our reporter, expressed satisfaction with the law maker’s heart of gold and preparedness at promptly attending to their needs.


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