By Israel Mbam
The member representing Abakaliki North Constituency in Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development and Sports, Dr. Victor Nwoke, on Saturday 19th July, 3925 launched series of empowerment programmes in education, agriculture, and security in his constituency.
The programmes were unveiled at the 2025 matriculation ceremony of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Hon. Victor Nwoke study centre, held at Izhi Unuphu Community Secondary School in Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.
The event commenced with a novelty football match between the Izhi people and their Ezza counterparts in commemoration of the Okeaku (New Yam Festival) of the Ezza Ezekunna clan, drawing large crowds and promoting unity between the communities.
In his remarks at the event, Hon. Dr. Nwoke expressed appreciation to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for creating an enabling environment for lawmakers to serve their people effectively. He described the governor as a visionary leader whose policies under the People’s Charter of Needs have inspired grassroots development.
In his words, “I am happy with what is happening today. This initiative was made possible by the support of our performing governor who gave me the platform to serve my people at the State House of Assembly,.
In area of education, the lawmaker facilitated the establishment of NTI study centre in the constituency wherein he paid over four million naira (#4,000000) to cover the current session’s tuition fees for over 50 students, with a promise of continuous sponsorship until their graduation.
He said the centre aims to provide an academic path for school dropouts and adults seeking to qualify as professional teachers.
“Many who had dropped out of school are now back to learning. With commitment, some of them could become professors tomorrow,” he stated.
Nwoke explained that he personally travelled to NTI headquarters in Kaduna to secure approval for the centre, emphasizing its potential to raise the education standard in the area.
In support of agricultural development, the State Lawmaker distributed farming inputs including fertilizers herbicides and rice seedlings to farmers in the constituency. He warned non-farmers to refrain from collecting the items, urging them to approach him for financial assistance instead.
“These inputs are for genuine farmers. If you’re not one, do not collect them. I’m ready to assist you financially instead,” he cautioned.
He encouraged beneficiaries to support community food security by sharing part of their harvests with neighbors and submit reports for consideration in next year’s empowerment scheme.
On local security, the lawmaker presented operational kits to community vigilante groups. The items distributed included uniforms, raincoats, torchlights, and whistles to enhance night patrols and general surveillance.
He called on traditional leaders and youth groups to strengthen neighborhood watch systems and maintain active security during community events and religious gatherings.
“While some of us are in church, others should be outside watching. Everyone plays a part in keeping the community safe,” he advised.
The Chairman of the event and Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, commended Hon. Victor Nwoke for what he described as bold steps in supporting education, agriculture, and security. He urged the students to stay disciplined and committed to their studies, and called on the local security personnel to maintain professionalism and uphold peace in their respective communities.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Illang, praised the initiative, stating that it aligns with the governor’s investment in education, agriculture, and security.
“This effort complements the governor’s vision to put Ebonyi on the global education, security, and agricultural map,”.
Speaking on behalf of the NTI Director General, Dr. Angela Ekwutosi Ozibo from the Field Operations and Quality Assurance Department welcomed the new students, describing their admission as a milestone.
“We urge you to be dedicated and committed to excellence. Our staff are ready to support your academic journey,” she said.
The NTI State Coordinator, Mr. Nicolas Ugwu, reiterated the institute’s commitment to providing quality training for teachers and improving access to professional education across Nigeria.
In their remarks, Traditional ruler of Izhi Unuphu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Nwoba Nwangbo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Maintenance, Comrade Ben Nwovu, Abakaliki Local Government APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Atam, and Town Union President General, Comrade Isaiah Ofunte, lauded Hon. Victor Nwoke’s performance and endorsed him for a second term.
Several beneficiaries, including Solomon Izzi, Jennifer Nwata, Okechukwu Nwangwuta, Samuel Uguru, among others, thanked the lawmaker for the opportunity, describing the event as a meaningful step toward community advancement and national development.
The empowerment programme was widely described as a model for effective constituency representation, combining legislative responsibility with direct community impact.
