…As Kinsmen Empower Less-privileged for Economic Self-reliance
By Michael Nnebife
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, says his ambition to become Nigeria’s President hinges on the need for things to start working well for poor people in the country.
Mr Obi made the submission on Friday, June 6, during the 2025 Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit organized by his Amatutu Village of Agulu in Anambra State, while featuring as a special guest of honour.
Obi emphasized that his humanitarian services all over Nigeria were not for politics, but wholly aimed at helping the poor and the less-privileged in the country.
He thanked the organizers, especially the facilitator of the Amatutu Community Empowerment Summit, Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu, whom, he said, was doing great charity work, particularly with her sickle cell orphanage home.
‘I’m supporting this initiative; I do the same all over Nigeria, and it is not for politics because I’m not desperate to be a President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work for the poor people’, Obi said, pointing out that he had acquired all the material things any right thinking man could desire in life.
He was of the opinion that wealth was of value only when used to help other people, particularly the needy. This, Obi said, Mrs Maduagwu was passionately doing.
‘Aisha, keep up this good work. I thank you and your team so much for this initiative.
‘You’re doing great work with sickle cell people; I’m part of it. This one you have started, I’m part of it also.
‘You won’t look far to see me anytime you need me for this,’ Obi pledged.
He thanked the Amatutu Village Chairman, Chief Chilota Ibeh, and the President General of Agulu Community, Chief Oliver Afamefuna, for encouraging Mrs Maduagwu.
While delivering her keynote speech, the guest speaker of the event, Prof Chinyere Okunna, advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, to strive to put into good use the materials given to them to realize the intended objective of the programe.
She thanked Mr Obi, whom she described as a global philanthropist, for his support, and Mrs Maduagwu, for facilitating the programme.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Maduagwu described the programme as a significant milestone in the Amatutu Community’s journey towards progress and prosperity, giving insights into the epoch-making event.
‘The empowerment programme we’re launching today is more than just a gesture; it’s a testament to the power of collective effort, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to human capital development.
‘We’re proud to empower 50 of our women and youths with cash and equipment they need to unlock their potential, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the growth and development of our community.
‘This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal,’ Maduagwu said, and advised the beneficiaries to use the equipment and cash given to them to build, create, innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible.
‘Let your success story inspire others, and your achievements be a beacon of hope for our community,’ she urged.
Maduagwu, who is the Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, and National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, thanked Mr Obi for his efforts in promoting human capital development at Agulu Community in particular and Nigeria at large.
According to her, ‘Obi’s legacy is a testament to the impact one person can have when driven by a passion for service and commitment to empowering others.’
She expressed gratitude to the sponsors, the organizers and all that contributed to the programme, for their kindness, dedication, commitment and selfless service.
Maduagwu also appreciated all the guests, especially the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, for skilfully guiding the proceedings of the event; and the guest speaker, Prof Okunna, for sharing her intellectual expertise, which, she added, brought a refreshing intellectual discourse to the event.
In separate interviews with newsmen, some of the beneficiaries, who included Ifeanyi Ebefu Okonkwo, and Doris Nwafor, expressed excitement and appreciation to the benefactors, praying God to reward them.
Presentation of a sewing machine, a desktop computer set, a commercial grinding machine, clippers, cash, among others, to 27 beneficiaries forming the first batch of the programme, climaxed the event which took place at Amatutu Village Hall, and graced by the President General of Agulu Community, Chief Afamefuna; the Traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief Paulinus Anagboso; an illustrious son of the community, Barr Val Obienyem; youths, women, National Youth Service Corps members serving in the community, among others.
