The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has empowered 60 residents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area with cars, tricycle trucks and refrigerators under the second phase of his Transportation to Wealth Empowerment Programme.
The items, comprising 20 cars, 20 tricycle trucks and 20 refrigerators, were distributed on Tuesday to beneficiaries across the 17 wards of the LGA, including non-indigenes residing in the area.
The initiative is aimed at promoting economic empowerment, supporting small-scale businesses and improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries through the provision of essential business and transportation equipment.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Amaewhule explained that the second phase was designed to support residents already engaged in businesses and those seeking legitimate means of livelihood.
He recalled that the first phase, held at Woji Town Hall, involved the distribution of cars to beneficiaries for commercial transportation to enable them to support their families.
The Speaker urged recipients to use the items for productive economic activities rather than selling them, expressing confidence that the intervention would improve their financial independence.
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He also encouraged those who were not selected in the current phase to remain hopeful, assuring them of possible consideration in subsequent empowerment programmes.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, described the initiative as a reflection of the leadership values Amaewhule had imbibed from former Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, commended the Speaker for extending the empowerment programme across the 17 wards, describing the occasion as an epoch-making event.
Worlu noted that Amaewhule had consistently demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents through various empowerment initiatives.
Also speaking, the Leader of Obio/Akpor Constituency I, Elder Peter Chinwo, praised the Speaker’s generosity and urged him to sustain his support for the people.
The member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Lady Emilia Lucky Amadi, and the APC candidate for Obio/Akpor Constituency I, Hon. Leslie Ejekwu, also applauded the initiative.
Similarly, the Leader of Non-Indigenes Without Borders in Rivers State and former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Onowu Anyasodike, expressed appreciation for what he described as the favourable treatment non-indigenes continue to enjoy in Obio/Akpor and Rivers State.
