Osonwa: “We Have Done Much, But We Are Not Done Yet” — Aro/Ohafia Lawmaker Lists Constituency Milestones, Sets Agenda For Next Phase

Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared that while significant progress has been recorded across the constituency in the last three years, more work remains to be done.

Osonwa, popularly identified with Oke Abba Ohafia, made the declaration while reflecting on his stewardship in office and outlining what he described as the next phase of his constituency agenda as the political season gathers momentum.

According to him, when he assumed office three years ago, he came with a list of things that should no longer be acceptable to the people, stressing that while some of the challenges have been addressed, others require sustained commitment.

Among the achievements highlighted was the intervention in the education sector, particularly the rehabilitation of learning environments in Ozu Abam, Nkporo and Abia Ohafia.

He noted that children in the affected communities no longer have to learn in dilapidated structures, arguing that the environment in which a child is educated can shape how that child sees his or her own worth.

Osonwa also pointed to the establishment of the Ofali Agwu Smart School in Amaekpu, describing it as a landmark intervention that has gone beyond the constituency.

The lawmaker recalled that the school became the first Smart School in Abia State and was commissioned by Governor Alex Otti, who subsequently declared it a model for similar developments across the state.

For Osonwa, the development represents more than infrastructure, as an idea that originated within the constituency has now become a reference point for education development across Abia.

He also highlighted interventions in the provision of potable water, noting that Umuye Ihechiowa, after waiting for 24 years, now has access to clean water, alongside Ugwuakuma and Okon Aku.

He stressed that access to water close to home should not be viewed as a minor achievement, particularly for women who traditionally bear much of the burden of sourcing water for their families.

According to him, every water project that brings clean water closer to households represents hours returned to women and families every day.

The lawmaker further disclosed that Amoba received a dedicated transformer, describing it as the first dedicated electricity supply of its kind in the community’s history.

In the area of human capital development, Osonwa said 200 children from the constituency sat examinations in their respective wards and secured full scholarships to higher institutions.

He said the scholarship initiative was designed around the conviction that talent has never been lacking in the constituency, but that many young people have historically been constrained by limited opportunities.

He also disclosed that more than 100 young people have received laptops and ICT certificates, equipping them with digital skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Another major intervention highlighted by the lawmaker was an empowerment programme said to have been drawn from more than 15,000 applications.

According to him, beneficiaries across every ward in the federal constituency received productive assets, including buses, tricycle trucks, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, refrigerators and generators.

Osonwa explained that the objective was to provide sustainable means of livelihood rather than temporary financial assistance.

His emphasis, he said, was on providing tools capable of generating income, supporting households and continuing to create value long after the distribution ceremonies.

The lawmaker also highlighted his constituency’s healthcare interventions, stating that more than 9,000 people were treated free of charge in July alone, while 38 people underwent surgeries at no cost.

He noted that some of the beneficiaries had lived for years with health conditions requiring surgery but were unable to afford the necessary medical expenses.

Security and economic activities also featured in his account of constituency interventions.

Osonwa said markets on both sides of the constituency have been provided with lighting, improving visibility and safety for traders, particularly women who often close their businesses after dark.

He further disclosed that the concerns of Isu had been raised on the floor of the National Assembly on more than one occasion.

He also drew attention to the case of a widow whose complaints had allegedly gone unanswered by the relevant ministry, saying the matter has now been formally brought into the records of the National Assembly.

Similarly, he said the demand by the people of Idima Abam for a proper investigation into the deaths of four of their sons has also been raised at the federal legislative level.

Despite the catalogue of interventions, Osonwa acknowledged that some of the challenges contained in the original list remain unresolved.

He, however, said the coming phase would be defined by completing ongoing projects and pursuing outstanding needs until they are delivered.

“As the campaign begins, what I will tell you is what comes next,” he said.

According to him, the roads must be completed, electricity must reach more homes, and the long-awaited hospital project must be pursued until it becomes a reality.

He stressed that the work is already in motion and expressed determination to remain committed until the projects are completed.

Osonwa also thanked constituents and supporters who have accompanied him through villages, markets and family compounds, describing their support as an important part of the journey so far.

“Now let us go and finish it properly,” he declared.

The statement underscores Osonwa’s attempt to frame the next phase of his political engagement around continuity, completion of ongoing projects and delivery of further development to the people of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.

OHAFIATV Reports.