By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Stakeholders from Awka North and Awka South federal constituency, Anambra State, have commended the member representing the Constituency, Professor Lilian Orogbu for quality representation.
The stakeholders, who included traditional rulers, youth leaders, women and others from 34 electoral wards within the Constituenc, disclosed this at Awka, the State capital, when Orogbu presented her one-year stewardship to constituents at an event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down programme in Anambra State.
According to them, the lawmaker had not only endeared self to the hearts of the constituents but had proven her worth and qualifications to be reelected in 2027 general election for continuation of good works.
A community leader, Mr Uche Obijiaka, while recalling the strengths of women in politics and governance, said he would vote for her in 2027 and urged eligible voters in the constituency to ensure they do the same by returning her reelected.
Also speaking, the Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe, Awka North LGA, Igwe Christopher Nnaegbuna, who spoke on behalf of Traditional Rulers Council in Awka North and Awka South federal constituency, urged families and other stakeholders to sensitise their members to safeguard government projects and properties available to them.
Nnaegbuna, who also commended Orogbu for empowering the constituents, urged effective supervision of the beneficiaries for optimum utilisation, even as more women should be trained and supported to achieve their dreams.
Others also praised the lawmaker for becoming more simple, accessible and servant, noting that she was one among the best and should be rallied round.
Prof. Lilian Orogbu had enumerated some of her achievements since 2023 to include reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka community secondary school, Agulu Awka primary school, community primary school Ikwodiaku, and construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North LGA.
Others were provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum, provision of grants for small business owners, empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines, and distribution of fertilizers as some of the few-mentioned projects in the constituency.
The lawmaker also said she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored legislative bill for the establishment of a college of entrepreneurship studies in Awka, attributing her success story to the support of her constituents.
Speaking in an interview, the professor described the 10th National Assembly as "gender-friendly" and expressing commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.
She, however, expressed concerns about the insecurities in the state calling for more focused efforts as he commend him for the road networks in the state.
Speaking in a goodwill message, the United Nations represented by Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna, emphasised the importance of enhancing women's political representation in Nigeria due to their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.
In a remark, the representative of Awka Development Union Women's Wing, Barr. Oge Ekweozor, commended the lawmaker for bringing the conference to women in a time like this, noting that participation in politics can be increased via a viable committee and by voting them into elective office during election.