By Christiana Nnaemeka
The Member representing Njaba State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Ozioma Worship Benneth Ebonine, popularly known as Eze Ngwori Njaba, has rolled out a landmark empowerment programme valued at over ₦100 million, setting a new standard for grassroots development in Njaba Local Government Area.
The empowerment initiative, which took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Central School, Umuaka, attracted a massive turnout of constituents, party leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from across Imo State.
Items distributed to beneficiaries included five tricycle buses (keke), 15 motorcycles, 10 power generators, 20 grinding machines, 20 pounding machines, complete hairdressing equipment sets, various household fittings such as standing fans, as well as over 1,000 bags of rice of different sizes.
The mega programme was designed to alleviate economic hardship, enhance productivity and promote self-reliance among the people. It also served as a gesture of appreciation to supporters and campaigners who stood by the lawmaker before and during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking on the philosophy behind the initiative, Hon. Ebonine attributed his success to the consistent support of the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. He noted that without the backing of the governor and APC leaders in Njaba, he would not have made it to the State House of Assembly.
“What we are witnessing today is the goodness of Governor Hope Uzodimma in my life and that of APC leaders in Njaba. What I am doing here is not by my power, but through the support of the governor. Anytime I reach out to him, he responds, and this empowerment is a testament to that support,” he said.
The lawmaker stated that in his two and a half years in office, he has made deliberate efforts to deliver people-oriented projects across Njaba, stressing that his leadership style prioritises sustainable empowerment over temporary handouts.
According to him, equipping people with tools for self-reliance remains the most effective pathway to economic independence and long-term stability. He added that compassion remains essential, especially during critical periods such as festive seasons.
“For me, giving is not just an act; it is a way of life. I promised during my campaign to rewrite the history of Njaba for good, and today is part of fulfilling that promise,” he added.
Hon. Ebonine also announced the sponsorship of five beneficiaries for overseas employment opportunities in Kuwait, alongside over 63 students currently enjoying his educational sponsorship in schools across Imo State.
Highlighting his legislative footprint, the lawmaker disclosed that he has sponsored and co-sponsored several people-oriented bills and motions at the Imo State House of Assembly, chairs the House Committee on Housing, and has executed projects including boreholes, culverts, road grading and school renovations across Njaba wards.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Chinonso Amobi (Uduakommiri), described Hon. Ebonine as a pride of Njaba, noting that his quality representation, empowerment initiatives and constituency projects have translated into visible development. He also commended Governor Uzodimma for setting the pace in governance, which he said the lawmaker has effectively emulated, and pledged to sponsor an additional mega empowerment programme for Njaba people.
The Leader of the Njaba Local Government Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Ibenjo (Albana), described the empowerment as unprecedented, declaring that no former representative had achieved such impact. He openly declared support for Hon. Ebonine’s second-term bid.
Similarly, High Chief Nkemdirim Ugboaja (Akuiriri) hailed the lawmaker as a true son of Njaba whose influence resonates beyond the local government, while Hon. Hippo Nwachukwu described the programme as timely, people-focused and reflective of genuine grassroots representation, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.
The Executive Chairman of Njaba LGA, Hon. Chief Vitalis Ugochukwu Obi (Etiokwe), praised Hon. Ebonine’s selfless service and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring him of continued support for a second term and noting that “the reward for hard work is more work.”
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Hon. Ebonine by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Njaba Chapter, in recognition of his commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
The APC LGA Chairman, Hon. Chief Dan Onwumara, delivered the vote of thanks, commending the lawmaker for justifying the confidence reposed in him by the party, while opening and closing prayers were offered by Evangelist Josiah.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including traditional rulers, former lawmakers, party executives, town union leaders and the Member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, who attended in solidarity.
Observers described the empowerment programme as a reference point for effective constituency engagement in Imo State, noting that its positive impact will be felt across Njaba and beyond for years to come.
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