Senator Akobundu explains why he focuses on human capital development

Senator Akobundu explains why he focuses on human capital development,says it makes society grows.
By: Sam Obinna Ibe
Umuahia.

The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu has said that for an elected or appointed political office holder to succeed, critical issues of human capacity development as well as the welfare and wellbeing of the people must be in the front burner of any development –
oriented politician.

Akobundu noted that this must supersede party, religious and ethnic leanings because human capacity development enhances the society since the people are the direct beneficiaries.

The Senator who spoke at Ahiaeke Oloko in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State on Thursday during the flag off of Oloko-Amizi road and Oloko-Ugbuebulle road stated that the welfare of the people must be paramount in the execution of whatever project a political leader should embark on.

Though, the Oloko-Amizi-Ntugbu road which is 15 kilometres was flagged off on Thursday, both road projects are to be constructed simultaneously.

According to the Distinguished Senator, who is also the Deputy Chairman, Planning and Economic Affairs restated how passionate he has been about the welfare of the people of Abia Central and has attracted over 10 developmental projects including the engagement of women and the youths in his senatorial district, as well as their financial empowerment and human capacity development since he was sworn in Senator on November 15, 2023.

Distinguished Senator Akobundu who also inspected a remodeled health centre at the Ahiaeke Oloko he single handedly, revealed that his “Light the Markets Initiative” in at least two markets in each of the LGAs of Abia Central that has just begun, will bring light and life into the markets as it will spur up economic activities and create more avenue for increased wealth.

“What we’re attracting are things that will not only energizes the economy, enhance interconnectivity and make the people to be self reliant, but projects that enable the youth in our district to become employers of labour rather than job seekers”,

“I’m passionate about the welfare of our people and that informed my decision to start not only this accelerated building of infrastructures, but also human capacity development of our youths.

Many of them have been trained and empowered in various levels of agriculture, fishing, painting, cosmetology, educational training etc.

“We’re currently training 113 youths at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) with full payment of their school fees and allowances. We’re also currently training our youths on Digital Marketing and other online training etc.

We do all these irrespective of where one comes from. The most important thing is to equip our people, men, women and youths in all areas of human entrepreneurship and not necessarily trying to segregate.

“Our skill acquisition drive which we’re starting will help to drive the economy of Abia Central in no distant time”, he informed.

Speaking at the event, the Lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North in the Abia House of Assembly, Hon Collin Iheonunekwu commended Senator Akobundu for devoting much of his time at the Senate to the welfare and wellbeing of his constituents, and described him as a man that has done so much within a short space of time, saying that he has made history as the best Senator in the South East.

In his speech, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Amah Abraham represented by the Assistant Secretary of party, Deacon Obioma Igwe said Senator Akobundu has raised the bar in legislative business, adding that no Senator in Abia Central has done like him within a short spell as a lawmaker since 1999.

Similarly, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Abia State, Mrs Kate Onyemachi observed that what many Senators could attract in four years have been attracted and executed by Senator Akobundu in one year and therefore tasked the people of Abia Central to lend him their full support to enable him do more.

Other dignitaries who also spoke at the event included immediate past House of Assembly member for Ikwuano State Constituency in Abia Assembly, Hon Stanley Nwabisi, former Commissioner for Public Utilities, Sir Tony Ezebuiro, former Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Hon Chidiebere Nwoke.

In an interview, the site engineer of Ashaco Technologies Limited, the construction firm handling the project, Engr Emeka Ukandu assured that the project which according to him has been approved by the National Assembly will be executed within the next four months and lauded the Senator for attracting not only the project to his people but other similar projects across the Senatorial district.

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