In a decisive move to strengthen grassroots development and support local livelihoods, the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, has empowered more than 400 motorcycle transport operators in Awgu South Constituency with 5 liters of fuel each, while announcing that construction work on the Ugwu-Eme Road will commence within 48 hours.
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The empowerment exercise, held at Petrotec Petrol Station, formed part of the council’s ongoing efforts to ease the operational challenges faced by Okada riders and improve their working conditions. Beneficiaries came from Awgu Wards 1 and 2, Mgbidi-Maku, Obeagu, Mgbowo, and Anike Naanu Wards.
The event was attended by top council officials, including Hon. Nelson Udoji (Council Secretary), Hon. Prince Emeka Uzochukwu (Special Political Adviser to the Chairman), Sam Ngene (Supervisor for Works), Okwueri Emmanuel (Chief Security Officer), Abiola na Awgu (Administrator, Awgu Central), Hon. Mrs. Roseline Udeh (Leader, Awgu Legislative Council), as well as ward councilors from across the constituency.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Okolo said the road project would take advantage of a brief dry spell to improve accessibility and enhance business opportunities for the transport community. He stressed that the intervention aligns with Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s Grassroots Inclusion Policy, which prioritizes community-driven growth and inclusive governance.
The Chairman urged riders to safeguard the newly built smart schools, which, once commissioned, will provide free education, meals, uniforms, transportation, healthcare, and agricultural training. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Mbah, encouraged the transport operators to support the governor’s 2027 re-election bid, and revealed plans for quarterly stakeholder meetings with the riders to address operational issues. He also announced that bus stops would be constructed at strategic locations, guided by feedback from the union.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kingsley Chukwuezeani, Chairman of the Okada Riders Union, expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Okolo for what he described as an unprecedented gesture. Other riders, including Mr. Obumneme Ayim and Mr. Vincent Chukwudi, also commended the Chairman’s commitment to the welfare of the transport community.
This latest outreach follows a similar empowerment programme for Okada riders in Awgu North on August 12, underscoring Hon. Okolo’s hands-on approach to governance — delivering practical support, initiating key infrastructure projects, and ensuring that development reaches the grassroots.