As part of activities marking his first year anniversary in office, Senator Austin Akobundu commenced the installation of solar-powered street lights at strategic markets in the six Local Government Areas that make up Abia Central Senatorial District, Abia State.
Recall that Senator Austin Akobundu was inaugurated as a Senator on November 15, 2023 after he was declared the rightful winner of the February 25th 2023 National Assembly election for Abia Central by the Appeal Court.
Senator Akobundu who assumed office effectively in late January this year as a result of the Christmas break that came shortly after his inauguration, has embarked on several empowerment programmes and projects for his constituents and lined up even more projects to mark his first anniversary in the Senate.
His “Light Up the Markets Initiative” was one of such projects. To this end, the Senator earmarked two major markets in each LGA of Abia Central Senatorial District for the implementation of the Initiative. Last weekend he commenced execution of the project with ceremonial flag offs at the popular Apumiri Market in Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA and the Obikabia market in Isiala Ngwa North LGA. Other selected markets in the other LGAs will also have their streetlights installed simultaneously with the ones flagged off.
While speaking at the events in Apumiri and Obikabia, Senator Akobundu reiterated his commitment to the progress and prosperity of his constituents, saying this informed his decision to light up the selected markets so that the traders could extend their operational time into the night, enhance their security and the aesthetics of the environments.
Reacting, the market women who could not hide their joy over the development, thanked Senator Austin Akobundu for the project saying it will greatly enhance their trading activities.
While presenting him with gifts of yams, plantains, palm oil etc in appreciation for his commitment to their welfare, leaders of the respective communities and the traders extolled the Senator’s leadership qualities and prayed for him to succeed in his leadership endeavours. They pledged their continued support to him in his endeavours and promised to ensure that the streetlights are not vandalised but serve the purpose for which they were installed.
Among those who accompanied Senator Austin Akobundu on the visit are Member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Dennis Rowland Chinwendu (Caesar), his Isiala Ngwa North counterpart, Hon Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (Ochake), Secretary of Abia State PDP, Chief Peter Nwaokonko, his Organising Secretary counterpart, Hon. Prince Obinna Okey, a former Member who represented Ikwuano State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi, among other high ranking party and former government officials.
