By Vincent Ujumadu

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi, has advocated leadership that is measured by its visible impact on the lives of citizens.

Obi, who was the special guest of honour at an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, commended the lawmaker for what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.

At the event, Orogbu empowered more than 500 constituents with cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and 1KVA and 2KVA generating sets, among other items.

Scholarships were also awarded to selected students as part of the lawmaker’s efforts to support access to education in the constituency.

Obi said initiatives such as the empowerment programme could help improve livelihoods, reduce poverty and contribute to addressing social challenges.

He expressed concern over unemployment, challenges in the education and healthcare sectors and insecurity in the country, attributing many of the challenges to poor governance and the management of public resources.

Reaffirming his vision for Nigeria, Obi said competent and accountable leadership could help the country address hunger, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship.

He also called for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and uphold the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

Speaking at the event, Orogbu said the empowerment programme was organised to appreciate her supporters, volunteers and constituents who supported her during the 2023 general elections.

She said more than 36,000 people voted for her, while over 5,000 supporters participated actively in her campaign.

Orogbu, however, noted that it would be difficult to accommodate everyone in a single phase of the programme, adding that another round of empowerment had been scheduled for November 2026.

She urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, saying the initiative was intended not only as welfare support but also as an intervention to improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and support families across Awka North and South Federal Constituency.

She said sustainable empowerment could contribute to poverty reduction, address youth unemployment and stimulate grassroots economic development.

The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, congratulated Orogbu on what he described as her efforts to fulfil campaign promises through constituency representation.

He urged residents to continue supporting the party, expressing optimism that sustained electoral support would lead to more development projects and improved welfare.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh, described Orogbu as a valuable representative of the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency.

Umeh said the lawmaker had distinguished herself through constituency projects, scholarships, infrastructure initiatives and empowerment programmes.

He also commended her contributions on the floor of the House of Representatives, saying they had helped draw attention to the needs of the constituency.

Umeh urged constituents to support Orogbu’s bid for a second term, saying her return to the House could make her a ranking member and potentially enhance her capacity to attract development to the constituency.

He described the empowerment programme as significant and said it reflected Orogbu’s efforts to support her constituents.