Stakeholders in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State have commended Mr. Chikwe Orlu, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Hon. Sir Tony Okocha, for a successful empowerment programme held recently at Chakiricha, Rumuigbo Community in Obalga.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chikwe Orlu, Sponsor of the programme, which was carried out in conjunction with Chakiricha Peoples Assembly Empowerment Programme, described the event as a divine one that was programmed by God and not man.
He said the desire for the empowerment programme was as a result of his quest in the months past on what to do for the people of Chakiricha, and not about dashing them money. Mr. Orlu added that his utmost desire was to ensure that the people of Chakiricha, indigenes and non-indigenes are made to be self reliant in their respective fields of endeavour.
He pointed out that his little provision of welding machines for those that have indicated interest in that area, generators and clippers for those interested in barbing business and provision of GSM handsets for business contacts, was to give assistance to those that really needed it, irrespective of party affiliation.
PA to the Chief of Staff who affirmed to increase the scope of the empowerment in the Phase 2 of the programme, come December, 2014 urged beneficiaries of the items not to sell them.
In his speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr. Lawrence Chuku, described Mr. Orlu as a successful man, having used his little to better others. He associated Orlu with people of progressive mind, which the All Progressives Congress, APC, stands for.
The Council boss lauded Mr. Orlu for making them proud and called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items provided for them.
In the same vein, the State Chief of Staff, Sir Tony Okocha, expressed joy that his aide is using his little savings to impact positively on the lives of their people. He said he was not aware of what Orlu was doing and the activities of Chakiricha Peoples Assembly, CPA, but decided to attend the event with his wife to confirm if what he was told would reflect at the event.
He commended members of CPA for bringing themselves together and urged them not to allow politics into the body, even though they may individually belong to one party or the other, believing that they will cross the bridge when they get there.
Okocha, however, promised to sponsor 20 Chakiricha people that would indicate their interest to learn any skill to met with his aide, and assured that they will pay for the bills and also procure the equipment for them at the end of acquiring the skills.
While commending his aide for making him proud, Sir Okocha advised CPA members to isolate the body from politics.
In a chat with journalists, chairman of the occasion, Eze Alwell Ome-Egeonu, the paramount ruler of Iboloji Community, said that Mr. Orlu has reduced the unemployment level in the area, praying that God will continue to reward him for changing the lives of some persons to join the league of responsible people in the community.
Other dignitaries that spoke at the event include: Mr. Bestman Owhonda, Empowerment Committee chairman, Comrade Junior Dele Egeonu, President General Rumuigbo Youth Organization, amongst others.
A total of 54 persons were empowered at the event, which saw the youths, women and the elderly of Chakiricha in attendance. ###
