The people of Enugu East Senatorial District including individuals with special needs on Sunday received various empowerment items from Senator Kelvin Chukwu.
In a colourful event held at the Enugu Campus of the University of Nigeria, UNEC, Senator Chukwu expressed gratitude to the people for their confidence in him and the mandate to represent them in the Senate.
Chukwu was also grateful to his fellow Senators and members of the House of Representatives for their support throughout the programme, which kicked off with a Thanksgiving church service at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu.
The Senator assured his constituents of his commitment to quality representation, promising not to let them down. He took the opportunity to highlight some of his achievements since taking office, including the sponsorship of various bills within the Senate.
While clarifying the role of a lawmaker who does not initiate capital projects directly, the Senator vowed to attract constituency projects aimed at easing the struggles of his people.
“What you see today is just a tip of the iceberg,” he said, adding that he has positively impacted the lives of many within his district since assuming office.
He promised to attract such vital services like electricity, healthcare, and road infrastructure for his constituents.
The Senator urged those who have not benefited from the empowerment program to be patient, assuring that support would eventually reach them all.
Speaking during the church service, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Calistus Onaga, condemned the alarming rise of politically motivated violence in the Southeast and urged those responsible to have a rethink.
The Bishop praised Senator Chukwu for his empowerment initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to make the most of the items they received.
He warned that anyone involved in such heinous acts would face divine retribution, asserting that no one has the right to take a life that they did not create.
He emphasized the importance of reconciliation and the need for everyone to adhere to the commandments of God, reminding the congregation that life is fleeting and accountability is inevitable.
“This is a time for reconciliation and returning to God. May He instill in us the strength to forgive, for though it is difficult, it is essential,” he said. “Our lives are brief, but to gain eternity, we must act justly. Beneficiaries should use these gifts wisely and help others in turn.”
Chairman of the event Dr. Ben Nwoye, expressed sorrow over the assassination of late Labour Party Senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu during the 2023 elections.
Nwoye, a former Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu began his address with a moment of silence in memory of Oyibo Chukwu.
He commended the initiative describing the empowerment programme as a true embodiment of democratic action.
“I am here to promote good governance, regardless of party affiliation,” he stated.
“We are not here to discuss political parties. I am a member of APC, and my brother Senator Kelvin Chukwu belongs to the Labour Party. My purpose today is to foster good governance.”
Nwoye charged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items, pointing out that their effective use would motivate the donor to continue supporting such initiatives.
Senator Victor Umeh, Anambra Central, commended Senator Chukwu for the empowerment programme and expressed gratitude to the Enugu senatorial zone for their steadfast support of the senator.
All the Labour Party members of the federal House of Representatives from Enugu state present at the event praised Senator Chukwu for delivering democratic dividends to the constituents who entrusted him with their mandate.
Among the beneficiaries were 25 individuals with special needs, who each received brand new grinding machines.
Items distributed to the beneficiaries included brand new sewing machines, grinding machines, motorcycles, large refrigerators, fertilizers, and foodstuffs.
The event was well attended by such dignitaries like Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Okey Ezea of LP from Enugu North, Senator Osita Ngwu representing Enugu West, Hon. Chimaobi Atu representing Enugu North and South, and Hon. Sunday Umeha from the Udi/Ezeiagu federal constituency.
Others were Professor Sunday Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/ Isi Uzo federally, Bishop Ikemdika Olinya of Ehamufu Anglican Diocese, members of the state House of Assembly, and traditional rulers.
