The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has called for a new leadership culture in Nigeria where the performance of elected officials is measured by their visible impact on the lives of citizens.
Obi made the call while serving as the special guest of honour at an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.
He commended Orogbu for what he described as purposeful, people-centred representation, saying targeted interventions at the grassroots could improve livelihoods, reduce poverty and address some of the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
At the event, Orogbu empowered more than 500 constituents with cars, shuttle buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and 1KVA and 2KVA generating sets, among other items.
Selected students also received scholarships as part of the lawmaker’s efforts to support education and expand opportunities for young people in the constituency.
Obi expressed concern over the country’s unemployment crisis, challenges in the education and healthcare sectors and persistent insecurity, attributing many of the problems to poor governance and ineffective management of public resources.
He said Nigeria could overcome hunger, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship through competent, accountable and responsible leadership focused on delivering measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
The former Anambra State governor also urged Nigerians to demand credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on citizens to reject electoral malpractice and uphold the principles of equity, justice and fairness.
Orogbu said the empowerment programme was organised to appreciate her supporters, campaign volunteers and constituents who supported her during the 2023 general elections.
According to her, more than 36,000 constituents voted for her, while over 5,000 supporters actively participated in her campaign.
She explained that the large number of beneficiaries made it impossible to accommodate everyone in a single phase, disclosing that another empowerment exercise had been scheduled for November 2026.
Orogbu urged the beneficiaries to put the items to productive use, stressing that the initiative was designed not merely as welfare support but as an intervention to improve livelihoods, create jobs and strengthen families across Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
She said sustainable empowerment programmes could help reduce poverty, tackle youth unemployment and stimulate grassroots economic development.
The lawmaker also appealed to residents to continue supporting the party, expressing optimism that sustained electoral support would translate into more development projects and improved welfare for constituents.
Senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh, described Orogbu as a valuable representative of the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Umeh commended her constituency projects, scholarship schemes, infrastructure initiatives and empowerment programmes, as well as her contributions to debates on the floor of the House of Representatives.
He urged constituents to support Orogbu’s bid for a second term, arguing that her return to the House could make her a ranking member and potentially strengthen her ability to attract more development projects to the constituency.
The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, also congratulated Orogbu, describing the empowerment programme as evidence of her efforts to fulfil campaign promises through effective constituency representation.
He said the initiative demonstrated her commitment to improving the welfare and economic prospects of the people she represents.
