By Jude Atupulazi
It was a big relief for Anambra indigenes from Ogwuaniocha and Oguikpele Communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area as they received empowerment materials from the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Hon Afam Ogene, September 7.
The communities have been displaced by insecurity ravaging the area, as a result of tussle by oil bunkers, leading to the indigenes relocating to safer areas.
The distribution of the empowerment materials was done by the South East Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, at Iyiowa-Odekpe Community where the displaced indigenes have several camps for Internally Displaced Persons created for them.
Echeazu, who flagged off the distribution of the materials, said: ‘We are flagging off the distribution of these materials to help indigenes of Ogwuaniocha and Oguikpele Communities to feel a sense of comfort in their IDP camps.
‘Hon Afam Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, came to our office to present the plight of his people to us and was able to secure these materials for his people.
‘We urge you all to use it judiciously as that it would motivate the lawmaker to continue in his tradition of representing you well and also ensuring that whatever is due to you in the Federal Government will always get to you.’
The items provided included hundreds of bags of rice, garri, bales of wrapper, cartons of seasonings, mattresses, mats, bathing and washing buckets and many more.
In addition to the relief materials, Ogene trained 100 youths in the area in renewable energy skills, focusing on solar energy installation and maintenance as a way to empower idle youths.
The three-day training, organized with the Border Communities Agency (BCDA) and MODESCOM Solution Ltd., aimed to promote self-dependence and economic growth.
Participants will receive start-up equipment, funding, and logistical support to enable them to earn a living in the renewable energy sector.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for meaningful engagement among youths, citing high unemployment and economic depression.
Stakeholders at the event commended Hon Ogene for attracting meaningful opportunities to the area.
