From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Hon Chidi Obetta, member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency of Enugu State at the National Assembly, has said that he will execute over 90 projects in the constituency.
Obetta disclosed this in Nsukka yesterday during the Maiden Town Hall Meeting he organized for the people of the constituency, held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN).
He said that haven been elected in the last general election under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) to represent the constituency at the national assembly, that he has identified over 90 different pressing projects/needs that require intervention and assistance, adding that he has initiated moves to tackle them.
“As a representative of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency who was elected by way of popular mandate. It is my firm desire to live up to the huge expectations of our people by utilizing this sacred mandate to ensure that I provide quality representation that will be in synergy with the developmental aspirations of all constituents irrespective of political affiliations.
“During my needs assessment tour to the 36 wards of the constituency, I discovered from their presentation over 90 different developmental projects yearning for attention.
“Such needs include installation of boreholes, provision of solar street lights, construction of access roads, construction of blocks of classrooms, civic centers, youth, and women empowerment programs, among others.
“I will work very hard to accommodate as many projects as possible within the limited annual capital and zonal intervention project provisions when the 2024 appropriation processes kickstart and will roll over to the coming years till we meet these pressing needs of our people,” he said.
The lawmaker who is also Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget & Research explained further that the maiden edition of the Constituency Town hall meeting will offer a good opportunity to continue interfacing with constituents and the avenue to continue educating our people on the appropriate roles and functions of parliament which will help in managing expectations and further strengthen public trust in elected representatives.
“Town hall meetings are a veritable tool for constituent’s engagement and the benefits are immeasurable,” he said.
Obetta noted that through his motion on the floor of the House, the gully erosion in the Alor-Uno Community is currently receiving urgent attention from the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria (NEMA).
The lawmaker had earlier in the day opened two constituency offices in the Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South local government areas. He also during the meeting inaugurated 36 legislative aids, one from each ward under the constituency, as well as set up a 5-man board of trustees of his “Chidi Obetta Foundation.”
Speaking, HRH Ugwe Ikechukwu Oke, Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Council of Traditional Rulers commended the lawmaker for the first town hall meeting in less than five months after his inauguration on June 13.
He said that the meeting was an eloquent testimony that Obetta is committed to providing quality and effective representation for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South federal constituency.
“On behalf of the traditional rulers and our subjects in this constituency, I commend Obetta for this good beginning, as well as his visit to our various communities to ascertain our needs, we pledge to give you our maximum support to enable realize your good vision for the constituency,” he said.
In a remark, Prof Damian Opata, a professor emeritus in UNN and a stakeholder in the constituency said that the town hall meeting was a good step in a good direction adding that it is for the benefit of the constituents irrespective of political, and religious affiliation.
Also, Prof Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, represented by Prof. Pat Okpoko, Deputy VC administration applauded Obetta’s commitment to give the constituency effective representation and pledged that the university will always assist him anytime the need arises.
In a remark, Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese who was represented by Rev. Fr. Matthew Ezea, Director, Justice Development Peace Caritas Commission of the diocese expressed happiness and noted that the lawmaker has started implementing his campaign promises.
The event was well attended by stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, town union presidents, and youth leaders, among others.
Chief Chijioke Edeoga, Labour Party governorship candidate in Enugu State in the last general election, Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the Senate, Hon Dennis Agbo, member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency was among the dignitaries present during the town hall meeting.