Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency has defended his approach to empowerment, insisting that investments in education, employment and human capital development provide more lasting benefits than one-off distributions of motorcycles, tricycles and other material items.
The federal lawmaker made the remarks while responding to questions about his empowerment strategy during the interview.
Aguocha said he has sponsored educational opportunities for nearly 700 tertiary institution students from his constituency, describing education as one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty.
He argued that when a lawmaker pays a student’s school fees, the family is relieved of a major financial burden and can channel resources to other essential needs.
Beyond scholarships, he disclosed that he has facilitated employment opportunities for constituents in federal agencies and intervened successfully in cases involving wrongful dismissals from public service.
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Among the cases he cited was the reinstatement of a constituent who had been unlawfully dismissed from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for 18 years.
According to him, the intervention resulted in the restoration of the woman’s employment and payment of outstanding entitlements.
Aguocha also highlighted support for small businesses, housing projects for indigent widows and other social welfare initiatives, stressing that empowerment should not be measured solely by the distribution of physical items.
“There is no one model of empowerment. Human capital development remains my priority because it creates opportunities that last a lifetime,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred development, saying sustainable empowerment must focus on education, jobs and improving the quality of life of citizens.
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