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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

In various countries across the world, the month of December is usually special and unique. From the weather to people’s mood and activities, it evokes some peculiar frenzy that are easily contagious. In diverse ways and practices, people look forward to the season as the perfect time to “wind down” and “close shop” having survived the vicissitudes of the out-going year. For some, it is the period for holidays and vacation. For others, weddings, and numerous social engagements are scheduled during this season. All around the globe, airports are very busy. Same with parks, and sea ports. Generally, people look forward; with excitement to hearty re-connection, communication, and celebrations with families, friends, and loved ones.

Given the global economic meltdown and it’s negative effects on the country, peoples expectations were measured and reasonable. Conscious of the debilitating economic situation that has thrown many people into accentuating poverty and corrosive hunger, many were not confident of enjoying blissful yuletide season. Due to their scant and scarce finances, many people after calculations and conjectures, eschewed from elaborate and grandiose preparations for the season.

For the political class, and those in various leadership positions at federal, state, and local government levels, the last yuletide season was slightly different. In times past, people looked forward to “hand of fellowship” from leaders. Politicians and public officials happily “give back” to their constituents. However, for December 2024, sighting “national economic situation” as comfortable alibi, the expectations of constituents were not fully met. Indeed, there were unconfirmed stories about politicians who devised “ingenious measures” to avoid possible umbrage of their constituents. To extricate themselves from the harassment of hangers-on, and public ridicule by fearless constituents, some politicians allegedly think outside the box. This included, holidays outside the country; remained incommunicado; stayed back in Abuja; hibernated in state capitals as mark of “loyalty” to their principals.

For the people of Obio-Akpor federal constituency in Rivers state, the story was entirely different. Variously described as the melting pot of the Treasure Base; moniker for Rivers, residents and indigenes of the 17 Wards and over 70 communities that make up the constituency experienced flurry of empowerment programmes, give-aways, and convivial celebrations during the yuletide season. According to reports, from the first week of December to the last few days of 2024, the buzz in and around the constituency was spectacular, and electrifying.

In continuation of the empowerment and skills development initiatives; which has been running from mid-2023, emplaced by Rep. Chinda Kingsley, member representing Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, many people from across the communities benefitted. Youths, women, and men who participated in the three-month training programmes which included tailoring, interior decoration, hair dressing, barbing and other relevant skills geared towards self-reliance, and entrepreneurial development were given start-up packs, materials, equipment, and cash. The non-partisan, all-encompassing, and fair-to-all intervention initiative had beneficiaries from various communities across the 17 Wards. From records, the long-list of beneficiaries covers constituents from Rumuewhara, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokoro, Elelenwo, Rumuodara, Rumuola, Rumueme, Rumuepirikom, Rumuodomaya, Choba and other communities within the federal constituency.

Guests, leaders, stakeholders, constituents, and numerous others that attended the closing ceremony and empowerment presentation that held late December in Port Harcourt were visibly elated about the empowerment programmes. As expected, the beneficiaries could not hide their excitement and enthusiasm for the life-changing gesture. Ms. Ruth Ogbona who got a sewing machine confirmed that, “I am very happy for participating in the three-month training. With all what I have learned, and presentation of this brand new, and latest sewing machine, my dream of being a fashion designer is now reality.” Another beneficiary, Ms. Peace declared that, “it is a dream come true. I thank God for this opportunity which will make me and others grow up, and be better people in our communities.”

Some other beneficiaries while expressing their gratitude to Rep. Chinda alluded to the transparency of the various training programmes, noted that the initiative; which is still continuing is arguably the first by any legislator in the state. Mr. David King said that, “I and virtually all other participants were selected fairly and freely by the coordinators. I did not lobby or spoke to anyone. I thank Chinda for this rare privildge. He is a blessing to the people of Obio-Akpor.” In the words of Ms. Suzie, “Hon. Chinda is truly a man of his words because while campaigning he said, ‘I Win You Win’ and made promises not to abandon the people. I am very happy that since August 2023, he has embarked on different empowerment programmes that have positive impact on all of us.” An elated Ms. Amadi declared that, “I am excited about this empowerment material which I have desired for many years. That I am a beneficiary without knowing anybody makes it more fulfilling and heart warming. My prayer is that God will continue to bless Hon. Chinda in all he is doing.”

Cognisant of the premium placed on Christmas and New Year celebrations by people, Rep. Chinda distributed different food items, and condiments around Obio-Akpor. These included rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, tomatoes, maggi, and other items. Chiefs, community leaders, elders, and religious leaders benefitted from the end of year give-aways. Others included political stakeholders, political associates, informal groups, trade associations, ethnic unions, women, men, and youths. Indeed, the give-aways covered the entire 17 Wards in Obio-Akpor federal constituency. The impact of the gesture was extensive that it generated widespread commendation and gratitude among various strata of the constituency. A youth leader, Mr. Bright John affirmed that, “we are very fortunate to have a Leader and Representative who is caring, altruistic, and passionate about the well-being of his constituents. Unlike what normally happens, Chinda ensured that the items percolate to everyone.” For Mrs. Priscilla Ogechi Kanu, “this has never happened. Hon. Chinda has contributed positively to the growth of many people. My prayer is that God will perfect everything that concerns him.” Chief Alphonsus Obiereka, a community leader and politicians declared that, “apart from the distribution of food items and assorted condiments to people, as well as empowerment programmes, there are other initiatives by Chinda that are positively touching lives of people, and improving development in and around our various communities.”

Indeed, the people of Obio-Akpor have witnessed numerous projects, programmes, and initiatives that are making broad-based, and cross-disciplinary impacts on residents and citizens. Since 2023, there are visible interventions across the 17 Wards with special focus on skills development, education, health, and agriculture. Some of these includes medical outreach; digital and artificial intelligence trainings; entrepreneurial development on ICT, welding, and chalk production. Others include agricultural training through the OK Chinda Youth AgriBusiness & Food Security Initiative (OYAFSI); provision of educational soft-structures; payment of school fees for some categories of students; yearly distribution of JAMB forms, and many others. Participants and beneficiaries of these programmes, regularly gives testimonies about the timeliness and importance to Obio-Akpor, and Rivers state. According to Nene Bright, one of the graduates of the mid-2024 Artificial intelligence training programme, “it was an eye-opening and career-finding exercise. It has boosted my horizon to unleash my potentials, and exploit the numerous opportunities in information technology.” For Boniface Godswill, “passing through the OYAFSI, is the most reasonable decision I have taken in life. I now know the vast opportunities imbedded in agriculture, few of which I have started to exploit.”

For many people in Obio-Akpor federal constituency, the last yuletide season is one they will not forget in hurry. Days, weeks, and months to come, the sweet feelings, and pleasurable memories will keep resonating in their minds. Collectively, these gestures, initiatives, and programmes are still attracting positive endorsements, and public thumbs up. Many people are confident that Chinda will sustain, deepen, and possibly expand the scope of the numerous interventions. Many are already doing the countdown to 2025 yuletide season.

BOLAJI AFOLABI, a development communications specialist, was with the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency.