By Chijioke Ogbodo
Nsukka Enugu State – In a shining testament to the true essence of democratic representation, Honourable Chidi Mark Obetta (Labour Party), who serves as the Member representing Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, has proven that diligent service to one’s constituents can be a beacon of hope and an inspiration to others in the assembly.
One of the hallmarks of Honourable Obetta’s four months in the House of Representatives (HoR) has been his commitment to open and transparent communication with his constituents. He demonstrated this by organizing a kickoff townhall meeting, where he engaged with the people he represents, listening to their concerns, needs, and aspirations. This not only demonstrates his willingness to connect with the constituents but also his dedication to bringing their voices to the forefront of national decision-making.
Furthermore, Honourable Obetta has made sure that his constituents have easy access to his services by opening a constituency offices, strategically located in Nsukka, Nsukka local government area and Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. The offices are not just symbolic gesture6; they are fully equipped and staffed with about ten personnel each who are readily available to attend to the needs of the people. This level of accessibility and commitment to serving the public showcases his dedication to the betterment of his constituents.
In an innovative move, Honourable Obetta appointed 36 Special Assistants (SAs), one for each of the 36 electoral wards in his constituency. What sets this apart is the introduction of a novel half a million naira business support initiative for these aides. This not only provides employment but also empowers these individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. It is a unique way of not just creating jobs but promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among his constituents.
L-R: Chidi Obetta, Prof Uchenna Okpoko
Another striking aspect of Honourable Obetta’s tenure is his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development. He has earmarked projects for each of the 36 electoral wards in his constituency, ensuring that progress is evenly distributed, and no area is left behind. This comprehensive approach to development highlights his commitment to equitable and inclusive growth.
Chidi Obetta at the townhall meeting on October 21, 2023, held at the PAA Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, announced identification a comprehensive set of 91 projects across all the Wards in Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency. These projects encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the grading and construction of access roads, drilling of boreholes for access to clean water, the construction of Civic centers, provision of solar lights, and empowerment programs focused on skill acquisition for women and youths. Obetta aims to address essential community needs through these projects.
Obetta stated, “Our aim is to address these pressing community needs and make a difference in the lives of our constituents.”
Obetta’s project selection demonstrates a commitment to improving local infrastructure, access to clean water, community engagement, safety, and economic opportunities for residents. He believes that these initiatives are vital for the betterment of the constituency. Each project serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
What sets Chidi Obetta’s approach apart is his intention to present these crucial projects before federal decision makers by sponsoring Bills. He sees this as a proactive strategy to secure the necessary support and resources to implement these projects effectively. By bridging the gap between local needs and federal support, Obetta shows his determination to advocate for his constituency’s interests at the national level.
L-R: Igwe Christian Asogwa Ugwuoke (Ede Oballa), Pius Agbo (Opi Agu), Donatus Eze (Eha-Ndiagu), Linus Atugwu (Ezema/Edem Nru)
Obetta’s vision for community development is evident through his identification of these projects and his active pursuit of federal support through Bill sponsorship. His goal is to create a lasting, positive impact on the constituency by addressing pressing needs and fostering change. Through these efforts, Obetta seeks to enhance the lives of the people he represents.
Obetta emphasized, “Our long-term goal is to bring about positive, lasting change in our constituency. Together with the support of our constituents, we can achieve our vision.”
In a significant display of his dedication to the welfare and environmental well-being of his constituency, Honourable Obetta has actively raised awareness about the ravaging erosion at Alor-uno. By bringing this pressing issue to the attention of the National Assembly, he has shown that he will go to great lengths to advocate for the interests of his constituents, even when dealing with complex and critical matters such as environmental challenges.
Hon. Obetta has been unwavering in his efforts to address the recurring flooding challenge that has significantly affected his constituents during the rainy season. His commitment to the well-being of his people is evident through his persistent engagement with the Ecological Fund Office, seeking their assistance to mitigate this long-standing issue.
Among his notable initiatives, Hon. Obetta has presented a motion urging the Federal Government to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of the Otupko, Obolo-Afor, 9th Mile Road. He has also introduced a bill aimed at establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Obukpa, Nsukka, which has successfully passed the first reading in parliament. Furthermore, he championed a motion stressing the urgent need for federal funding to address the deplorable state of the Ogrute-Umuida-Unadu-Akpanya Odolu Road in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area.
Senator Okey Ezea inaugurating the Chidi Mark Obetta Foundation Board of Trustees
These are just a few examples of the remarkable work that Honourable Chidi Mark Obetta has undertaken in his capacity as a representative. His commitment to open communication, accessibility, empowerment, infrastructure development, and environmental advocacy serves as a model for other assembly members across the nation. Honourable Obetta’s dedication is not only encouraging to his constituents but also an inspiration for his fellow lawmakers, demonstrating what good representation can achieve for the betterment of society.
During the event, the legislator took the opportunity to establish the Chidi Mark Obetta Foundation Board of Trustees (BoT), inaugurated by senator Okey Ezea. The BoT is headed by Dr. Obiorah Ekwueme. Agricultural Committee led by Mr. Mike Eze was equally inaugurated. In a notable move, the Foundation initiated a Five Hundred Thousand Naira Empowerment Fund aimed at assisting the entrepreneurial endeavors of the thirty-six ward Special Assistants he appointed.
Speaking at the event, Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North senatorial district of Enugu State, expressed concern about the dire state of the Enugu-9th Mile-Obolo Afor-Otukpo Road, attributing it to food insecurity in the Southeast. He emphasized that the road’s impassability has disrupted the supply of foodstuff from the North, resulting in skyrocketing food prices.
Similarly, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga, the Enugu State Labour Party governorship candidate in the March 18, 2023, governorship election, advised the constituents of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency to moderate their expectations of Representative, Chidi Obetta. Edeoga clarified that representatives focus on legislative duties, and the responsibility for project execution lies with offices such as the president, governors, and council chairmen.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Professor Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Honourable Dennis Agbo, former member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North federal constituency, Malachy Okey Onyechi, member representating Nsukka West State Constituency, Enugu State House of Assembly, Comrades Fabian Nwigbo and Bennett Asogwa, the Enugu State chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) respectively. Their Royal Highnesses Christian Asogwa Ugwuoke (Ede Oballa), Pius Agbo (Opi Agu), Donatus Eze (Eha-Ndiagu), Linus Atugwu (Ezema/Edem Nru) among many others. GMTNews
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