By
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
As part of his avowed determination to take jobless youths off the streets, the Member Representing Owerri-North State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, has empowered 64 of his Constituents from the 12 Political Wards that make up Owerri-North State Constituency.
It was, therefore, joy unspeakable as the lawmaker provided Point Of Sale Machines And Terminals (POS Gadgets and Accessories) and seed start-up capital of N50,000 for each of the beneficiaries to launch their trade as POS agents.
The ceremony tagged “OWERRI-NORTH STATE CONSTITUENCY POS TRAINING/EMPOWERMENT SCHEME” which took place on Monday, 02/06/2025, at the country home of the easy-going lawmaker at Umuoba/Obibi/Uratta in Owerri-North State Constituency, saw leaders of various strata attending the event.
The coordinator of the ceremony, Hon. Chief Lambert C. Iwueke, stated that the initiative is aimed at taking jobless youths off the streets, alleviating poverty, and providing economic aid to discourage young people from committing crimes. He commended the lawmaker, Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, for his bold initiative, declaring “it would lead to both short term and long term financial independence for the youths, thereby making the society to be safer for everyone”.
In his remark, Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Offurum explained that his motivation for empowering youths of the Constituency stemmed from his avowed determination to create avenues for financial independence and growth for the youths.
In his words, Hon. Ofurum, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly, said, “I believe in practical, credible and sustainable initiatives. Having identified POS business as the fastest and durable way to secure financial independence for my people, I have decided, through this POS scheme, to ensure that the 64 beneficiaries become reliable and credible business entrepreneurs, who will not only contribute to the growing economy of the local government and state, but also grow their personal income.
By achieving these variables, the crime rate will be reduced, employment will be created, dependence on the government for everything will be curtailed, and society will be safer for all of us. POS business is a thriving business venture, and its turnover is very high. You now have the opportunity to build a stable and secure financial future, as this is more than an empowerment. This is the first phase of the empowerment program. The second and third phases will soon come up”.
The 12 Wards of Owerri-North State Constituency includes the following :
- Awaka/Ihitta Ward
- Egbu Ward.
- Naze Ward.
- Emii Ward.
- Orji Ward.
- Ihitta Oha (Ama/Akwa) Ward.
- OAU Ward.
- Obibiezena Ward.
- Emekuku Ward I.
- Emekuku Ward II.
- Obibi Ward I.
- Obibi Ward II.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the lawmaker for always thinking out of the box in his efforts to uplift Owerri-North Constituents, especially youths and widows, through very rich, rare, impactful,, and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
A beneficiary, Miss Favour Chinonso Opara, from Obibiezena Ward, expressed profound gratitude to Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, saying that the empowerment scheme has provided her the opportunity to start something meaningful, which would enhance her living standard.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for me, and I am truly grateful to God for using Hon Ofurum to change my situation”, Miss Favour Chinonso Opara happily and cheerfully declared.
Dignitaries who attended the commendable event included the following :
- Hon Anthony Nkwodinma.
- Hon Patty Obiakor.
- Hon Sam Ihemenem.
- Mrs Stella Opara.
- Mr Chima Boniface.
- Comrade Ajuruchi Obilor.
- Mr Christian Anuolu.
- Mrs Victoria Anyanwu.
- Hon Anyasodor Ikechukwu Ndeze.
- Amongst others.
Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum is the House Committee Chairman On Mines And Solid Minerals, as well as the House Committee Vice-Chairman On Housing. Since his inauguration in June 2023, he has effectively represented his people, as well as sponsored and co-sponsored several people-oriented Bills and Motions that have positively touched the lives of the people of Imo State. Also, the lawmaker has facilitated University Admissions for students from his Constituency, as well as recommended employment graduates in public, private, and corporate organizations.
