The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has defended his approach to constituency empowerment, saying his priority is to create sustainable opportunities rather than focus on temporary material handouts.
Aguocha made the remarks during an appearance on Rapid FM, Umuahia, where he reviewed his representation, highlighted ongoing development projects and outlined his vision for the long-term growth of Ikwuano/Umuahia and Abia State.
Explaining his philosophy of empowerment, the lawmaker said he would not offer his constituents what he would not consider good enough for his own children.
“I can’t give to you what I can’t give to my children in terms of empowerment,” Aguocha said.
According to him, genuine empowerment should equip people with opportunities that can improve their economic circumstances and remain valuable long after the immediate intervention.
“My empowerment is value-added. I’m not one that will give you rice and keke. I can’t give to you what I can’t give to my children in terms of empowerment,” he stated.
Aguocha also outlined several projects and interventions he said he had attracted or facilitated across Ikwuano/Umuahia and other parts of Abia State.
He disclosed that the New Haven–Isi Court Road had been captured in the budget of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority and would be completed. He described the road as an important intervention for residents and businesses within the area.
The lawmaker also mentioned an erosion-control project at Atayi Ibeku, alongside several educational infrastructure projects across the constituency.
He said plans were underway to commission and flag off a number of school projects, including the rehabilitation of two-storey classroom blocks at Amuzukwu, new classroom blocks at Ofeme and the reconstruction of more than 15 classroom blocks at Umuwawa in Umuahia South.
Aguocha said the projects were designed to ensure that the benefits of democratic representation were felt directly by residents.
He further disclosed that approximately 3,000 streetlights had been installed in different communities across the constituency, with particular attention to Ward 3 and Ugwunchara.
On road infrastructure, Aguocha highlighted his intervention concerning the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road. He recalled that he had moved a motion at the House of Representatives calling for an investigation into the condition of the road and urging authorities to address years of neglect.
He said the Abia State Government subsequently took over the project because of its importance to the public, despite the financial implications and the need to await reimbursement from the Federal Government.
The lawmaker commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritising the road, arguing that the decision demonstrated a willingness to address urgent development challenges rather than wait indefinitely for federal intervention.
Aguocha also highlighted his legislative efforts toward establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano. He said the bill had been transmitted by the Clerk of the National Assembly to the Presidency for presidential assent.
He expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would approve the legislation, noting that the proposed medical institution could significantly improve healthcare delivery while also creating new economic opportunities within the constituency.
According to him, the proposed Federal Medical Centre, alongside the proposed conversion of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, could contribute to the transformation of the existing Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia into a tertiary teaching hospital.
He said the expansion of federal institutions would have wider economic benefits, including employment generation, increased commercial activity and stronger institutional development.
“These things are institutional empowerment,” Aguocha said.
The lawmaker also addressed the issue of pensioners’ outstanding gratuities, saying the Abia State Government should continue to intensify efforts to clear the backlog.
While acknowledging improvements in regular pension payments under the current administration, he stressed that retired workers should also receive their outstanding gratuities.
Aguocha said Governor Otti had committed to addressing the backlog through a phased payment arrangement and expressed confidence that substantial progress would be made before the next election cycle.
He said clearing the gratuities would enable pensioners to support their families, invest in businesses and improve their quality of life after years of public service.
Speaking from personal experience, Aguocha recalled that his late mother died without receiving her gratuity. He said the experience strengthened his belief that retired workers deserve dignity and financial security after dedicating their productive years to public service.
Beyond immediate economic challenges, Aguocha called for a long-term approach to governance and development. He argued that governments must address present hardships while simultaneously preparing for future generations.
He identified housing, healthcare, education, roads and other critical infrastructure as areas requiring sustained investment, particularly as Nigeria prepares for continued population growth.
The lawmaker also called for a change in citizens’ approach to development, stressing that sustainable progress requires collective responsibility and a willingness to look beyond immediate political or material benefits.
Aguocha described himself as a strong advocate of the Labour Party-led administration of Governor Alex Otti, arguing that the government should be assessed against the condition of Abia State before it assumed office.
He maintained that the administration had recorded significant progress during its first three years in office.
“No government has come into power that has done better than the present Labour Party-led government,” he said.
The Ikwuano/Umuahia lawmaker also discussed his advocacy on justice-related issues, including his involvement in the case of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Aguocha said his position was rooted in broader concerns about fairness, justice and the treatment of people from the South-East, rather than being limited to the case of one individual.
He argued that the Federal Government should engage with the underlying grievances associated with separatist sentiments in the region, saying that addressing root causes was necessary for lasting peace and stability.
Aguocha said the recognition he had received from Kanu’s family and others regarding his role in the matter had encouraged him to remain committed to his advocacy.
Ultimately, Aguocha said his objective was to deliver representation that leaves lasting value for constituents rather than short-lived political benefits.
He maintained that effective representation should focus on projects and policies capable of generating employment, improving infrastructure, expanding access to education and healthcare, and giving young people the tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
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For Aguocha, true empowerment is not simply about what constituents receive today, but about the systems, opportunities and institutions created to improve their lives tomorrow.
