Akobundu Flags Off Phase Two of Solar Streetlight Project Across Abia Central

Senator Augustine O. Akobundu has formally commenced the second phase of his solar-powered streetlight installation project across the six local government areas of Abia Central Senatorial District, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve security, economic activities and the overall welfare of the people.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Senator Austin Akobundu Liaison Office in Umuahia, the lawmaker said the “Light Up the Communities” project had already recorded significant success during its first phase, prompting the expansion of the initiative to more markets and communities across the district.

Akobundu noted that despite doubts initially expressed by political opponents about the feasibility of the project, the first phase was completed on schedule and according to specification.

According to him, beneficiaries of the first phase have already experienced improved security, enhanced environmental aesthetics and increased business activities following the installation of solar-powered streetlights in markets and communities across Ikwuano, Umuahia South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia North and Osisioma Ngwa.

The locations covered in the first phase include Ariam Market and Ndoro Market in Ikwuano; Ahiaukwu Market in Olokoro and Apumiri Market in Ubakala, both in Umuahia South; Obikabia Market and Nkwo Nsulu Market in Isiala Ngwa North; Nkwoebe Market and Mbutu Market in Isiala Ngwa South; Ahiaeke Market and Afor Umuda Ofeme Market in Umuahia North; as well as Umungasi Market and Eke Nwobasi Market in Osisioma Ngwa.

Other communities that benefited include St. Peter’s Church, Amizi; Ekeobadi-Amadeus Road-Ahaba Village; Oloko Village; and Awomukwu Village.

The senator announced that the second phase would immediately commence in eleven additional markets, including Ahia Orie Umuode and Eke Onu Amaedo in Osisioma Ngwa; Mbawsi Main Market and Umuosu Market in Isiala Ngwa North; Ahia Ugba Daily Market and Nkwoudara Market in Isiala Ngwa South; Timber Market in Umuahia North; Afor-Ibeji Market and Eke Udi Market in Umuahia South; as well as Ahia Orie Market in Ibere and Nnono Market in Oboro, both in Ikwuano.

He further disclosed that thirteen additional communities, including Umuokwa Community in Isiala Amapu Ntigha, Eziama Ntigha, Trademore Estate in Umuahia, Seat of Wisdom Seminary School in Ariam and Azuiyi Oloko Community, had also been selected to benefit from the second phase of the project.

Akobundu said the streetlight initiative was designed not only to beautify communities and improve security, but also to stimulate commercial activities and positively impact residents’ welfare.

The senator also highlighted several ongoing projects across the senatorial district, including the construction and furnishing of skills acquisition centres, market renovations, renovation and fencing of schools, provision of transformers, erosion control works, construction of primary healthcare centres and establishment of waste recycling facilities.

On healthcare, he recalled that his recent medical outreach programme covered Ikwuano, Osisioma Ngwa and Umuahia North LGAs, while the second phase would extend to Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia South.

Akobundu further outlined several youth and women empowerment initiatives undertaken under his sponsorship, including scholarships, ICT training programmes, robotics and artificial intelligence training for students, vocational training in sewing and farming, as well as digital skills development in areas such as UI/UX design, cybersecurity, software development and data science.

Among the programmes, he listed the sponsorship of 113 constituents on full three-year scholarships to the National Teachers’ Institute, training for over 400 secondary school students in embedded systems engineering, robotics and AI, and digital skills training for 360 youths across the district.

The lawmaker also disclosed that several road projects attracted through his office were ongoing across the senatorial district.

“So many lawmakers avoid constructing roads because it’s cumbersome, capital-intensive, and somewhat inflexible. For a lawmaker to embark on a road project, they must understand that it requires courage. I come from a greatly disadvantaged place, so I have no choice but to partner with the State Government to open up rural areas. I’m aware that the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, is doing quite a lot. For any road we undertake, there is a utility bill involved in connecting one community to another to make it viable. Through this process, development occurs.

The Senator revealed that he hopes to commission one road in the next four months, as it is in the final stages of construction. He mentioned that his projects are community-based and documented, so the community is aware of what is happening, thereby safeguarding the project because they are involved in the siting of the project and nominate the communities most in need.

Senator Akobundu also mentioned that he has made several interventions on the floor of the Senate, with the latest being standing against certain parts of the Electoral Act, which includes the real-time transmission of results.

“I stood with the minority and spoke against a part of the Electoral Act which we felt was not in the interest of democracy. I’ve also sponsored and supported some bills in the House, mostly Establishment Bills. Even though there’s an embargo on Establishment Bills, very soon those bills will go for second and third reading.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of constituents and securing opportunities for future generations, adding that more developmental projects would soon follow.

“This is just the beginning. Expect more,” the senator declared.