More than 400 residents of Ibere clan in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State benefited from an Easter empowerment outreach organised by Hon. Osinachi Nwaka, with stakeholders using the event to reaffirm support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The outreach programme, which drew participants from several communities across the clan, featured the distribution of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, bags of rice, food items and cash gifts to selected beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Nwaka expressed gratitude to the people of Ibere for their support during the 2023 governorship election, which brought Otti to office.
He recalled the campaign period and the efforts made to mobilise voters across the area.
“We travelled through the nooks and crannies of this local government, especially Ibere, and I appealed to you to vote for Dr Alex Otti,” he said.
Nwaka described the governor as a dependable and result-oriented leader who has remained committed to fulfilling his campaign promises.
“I know him; he is a man of excellence. Alex is a hero who does whatever he says. He keeps to his words and promises,” he added.
He said the Easter outreach was organised to appreciate residents who supported the Labour Party during the last election and to encourage them to sustain their support for the administration.
“I have gathered you today to thank you for labouring with us in 2023 and to remind you that there is still a task ahead,” he said, urging residents to remain committed to the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, beneficiaries were selected through lists submitted by party structures and grassroots leaders across the communities.
“We asked our chapter leaders to provide lists of those who actively participated during the election – those who attended meetings and supported the process,” he explained.
Nwaka also commended Dr Monday Ubani (SAN) for helping to stabilise the party structure in the area after earlier leadership disagreements.
“We once had leadership disputes, but the governor resolved the situation by appointing a respected figure, Dr Monday Ubani, to lead us,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ubani praised Nwaka’s grassroots engagement and called on residents to continue supporting the Otti administration.
“There is no one better for us than Otti. He has demonstrated commitment to the development of Ikwuano,” he said.
Earlier, the Ikwuano Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Bright Chimezie, described the outreach as a positive initiative that would strengthen grassroots mobilisation and promote development in the area.
Also speaking, the councillor representing Ibere Ward 2, Hon. Sunday Okoro, commended Nwaka’s leadership and urged residents to remain united in support of the state government.
Other stakeholders, including Dr Kenneth Osuh, Dr Paul Udensi and Dr Kachi Umekwe, also praised the initiative, noting that it reflects efforts to promote inclusiveness and community development.
The event featured cultural displays, dance and quiz competitions with cash prizes, attracting participants from communities such as Ngwugwo, Ihim, Umuolu, Iberenta, Oboru, Elemaga, Obuohia, Inyila, Umuemenike, Nkalunta, Isiala-Ibere, Itunta and Iyialu.