By Nonso Smart Okafor
It is exactly 365 days today that I was sworn in as the Lawmaker representing Nnewi North Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly. Today is also auspicious as it is the Democracy Day of our dear country, Nigeria.
I return all glory to God Almighty for his faithfulness upon our lives, it is because of his gracious love that we are not consumed; I also thank my constituents for their support in this journey so far.
After I took the oath of office as the Lawmaker in the 7th Assembly of Anambra State House of Assembly, I was conscious of the responsibility of my office and my resolve to change the narrative of representation.
While trying to settle to deliver my promises to my people, I was made to face months of rigorous, tensed and traumatic election litigations.
Despite the trials and tribulations, I embraced the challenge and refused to be distracted from the social contract I have with my people and my covenant with God.
Motions, Bills and Petitions:
In the last 356 days, I have sponsored and co-sponsored many bills and motions in Anambra State House of Assembly.
- Excessive Electricity Billing In Nnewi;
One of my first contributions on the floor of Anambra State House Assembly was the motion urging the state government to look into the issue of Excessive Electricity Billing of my constituents by Enugu Electricity Distribution Commission (EEDC), I appealed to the Governor to direct the committee on Rural Electrification project to liaise with EEDC to ensure that the exorbitant prices paid by Nnewi residents on electricity are reduced. I went further to engage the EEDC office on that and also the need to improve power supply to Nnewi considering the industrial nature of the town. Those two efforts yielded positive results as majority could attest to the improved power supply and a drastic reduction in estimated bills.
- The Deplorable State of Road Infrastructure in Nnewi;
On the deplorable state of roads in Nnewi which has become a nightmare to her ever-increasing population, I sponsored a Motion calling on Governor of Anambra, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to construct dilapidated roads in Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi.
Moving the motion, I explained that Nnewi is hard hit by road infrastructure gap, which is currently making it difficult for the town to fulfill its growth aspirations and potentials as a manufacturing and business centre.
Earlier, I had called on Governor to direct Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA) to maintain existing roads in Nnewi. A few of our roads are already getting attention by ARMA.
- 100-Foot Road Erosion Site;
100-Foot Road Nnewi which was one of the major entrances to Nkwo Nnewi was seriously affected by erosion which swallowed the road, residential and commercial buildings.
On the floor of Anambra State House of Assembly, I moved a motion in which I raised alarm on the erosion which has cut-off 100-Foot Road and is posing a serious threat to Nkwo Nnewi Market. I followed it up with meetings with the Governor. And I am happy today that save-our-soul call was answered by the Governor in record time.
- The Need to set up a Waste Recycling Plant in Anambra State
With the estimated daily generation of 950, 000 tons of waste in Anambra State, I sponsored a motion calling on the Governor of Anambra State, to set up a waste recycling plant in Anambra State in line with international best practices.
I pressed on the need for our state to leverage on the critical mass of solid waste being generated in the state especially in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi. The current practice of lumping all waste both bio-degradable and others will not ensure a clean Anambra. Happily, the government is already receiving proposals to that effect.
- Petition on the suspension of Miss Oramasionwu Oluebubechukwu
During the year under review, I presented the petition of one of my constituents, Miss Oramasionwu Oluebubechukwu, a 300 Level Chemical Engineering Student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Uli Campus), who was suspended by the school authorities after she was stabbed by a fellow student.
I urged the House, to look into the petition and call on the school management to review and lift the suspension of Miss Oramasionwu and also give her the opportunity to write all examinations she missed on the course of her suspension. I am also happy to say that justice is being done in that matter.
- Decongestion of prisons in Anambra State;
Also in the hallowed chamber, I called for the institutionalization of speedy trial and other non-custodial measures to enhance the decongestion of prisons in Anambra State.
I decried the practice where some suspects are held in remand for extended periods of time, running into years. Those accused of minor offences spent years awaiting trial. The Chief Judge of the state gave me a clear assurance that something is being done in that direction.
- Tackling flooding in Nnewi;
I moved a motion that called on the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to come to the aid of Nnewi and provide a lasting solution to the deadly flooding and erosion menace ravaging the town. Many residents of the Nnewi have lost properties and other valuables worth millions of Naira to flood.
I pleaded with the state government to release funds for the construction of drainages, clearing and proper channeling of existing ones and demolition of structures built on waterways in Nnewi to avoid further occurrence.
- Anambra State Information Technology Bill (ICT)
Anambra State Information Technology Bill (ICT) is one of the bills I vehemently supported. I believe that Anambra State should lead the technological advancement of Nigeria, I urged for proper funding from the state government and private sector driven response which will facilitate the construction and equipping of ICT laboratories across the state. I believe Anambra has all the potentials to emerge the Silicon Valley of Africa.
- Bill to establish Anambra State Youth Development and Empowerment Commission.
I sponsored a bill to establish a Youth Development and Empowerment Commission, Implementation of Sustainable Youth Policy that will provide solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting the youths in Anambra State.
The commission will be saddled with the responsibility to empower the youths in life-changing scalable skills, self-development, entrepreneurship training, and qualitative economic empowerment to start up. This will help institutionalize Youth empowerment and development in the state. Today, that bill has passed first and second reading.
Constituency Projects;
As a state lawmaker, I don’t have access to funds to execute projects, however, I have been able to channel our Constituency Funds to some certain important needs of our constituents.
- 3-Bedroom Bungalow for Three (3) Childless Widows in Nnewi
I built and furnished a 3- Bedroom Bungalow for three childless widows who are married to the same husband. They were living in a crumbling mud house in Okpuno Nnewichi, Nnewi.
The nature of their dilapidated thatched house and struggle for likelihood which is worth pushing a flood of tears from the eyes, moved me to build a house for them.
In less than two months, I completed a 3-Bedroom Bungalow, with a Parlor, Toilet, Bath and Kitchen. I furnished the sitting room with a set cushion chairs, side stools, centre table and curtains fixed in the windows. I also installed a flat-screen LED TV and GOtv with one-year full subscription.
Each of the three (3) rooms is furnished with a wardrobe, bed, mattress, beddings and curtains. The kitchen has a sink, and furnished. The toilet and bath are of standard.
- Toilet Facility for Eke Amangwu Market, Umudim, Nnewi.
Eke Amangwu Market is the major market in Umudim. I used to join my grandmother to sell Ogili in that market during my primary school days and there was no toilet in the market then. I felt bad when I found out during my campaign, over 25 years after, that the market is still without a toilet.
I started a project with four toilet units in the market which is about 60% completed now. And it will be commissioned this month.
- Public Enlightenment and Awareness Campaign against Coronavirus
To contain the spread of Coronavirus, I led a sensitization and public awareness campaign against coronavirus, in all the local markets in Nnewi.
As we shared the preventive materials including taps buckets and hand sanitizers, to each of the markets, I advised the traders to imbibe the habit of constantly washing their hands with soap on running water, sanitizing their hands appropriately, using face masks, gloves, and most importantly observing social distancing.
Among the markets visited in Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi communities include Eke Amobi, Nnofor Royal Market, Eke Amangwu, Afor Ubu, Afia Umuele, Eke Akammiri, Afia Ejiamatu, Nweke Akabokwu, Ozuru Market Obiofia, Nwafor Uruagu, Orie Agbo, Afia Okpuno Egbu, Amuko Market, Umuisiedo Market, Nwaorie Market, Odu Igbo Foodstuffs Market, Ogbo Ogwu, Ozuda Bread Market Akabo and Afia Mgbede.
We also distributed the preventive materials to some health centres, Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and Anglican Diocese of Nnewi.
I also engaged the services of ten (10) public announcers to move around the different communities in Nnewi to enlighten our people.
Covid-19 Palliative
To cushion the effects of coronavirus lockdown, I distributed food items which include; bags of rice, cartons of noodles, tubers of yam, tin of tomatoes, and bags of beans strictly to those in need.
I also gave out financial assistance to different groups in Nnewi in assuaging the hardships being experienced by Nnewi residents.
On Constituency Engagement
As one who believes, that quality representation of the people can only be possible through constant interaction and engagement with my constituents, I have continued to identify with my people, whether in events, meetings or burials irrespective of their locations.
Through the use of the media, I have continued to reach out to my constituents on my activities in the legislative chamber; I have also shown my presence through regular attendance to community meetings.
I have a functional Constituency Office which is open to all Ndi Nnewi and Non-Indigenes resident in Nnewi, this has helped break down the wall of bureaucracy and make my constituents to access me freely.
Through my office, I have facilitated the employment of some of my constituents into the Anambra State Civil Service and have also facilitated the admission of our constituents into our state-owned university.
As a youth, I have continued to attend many youth programmes to advocate on the need to prioritize institutional and deliberate policies and programmes towards repositioning the youths for development and leadership.
On oversight, as the Chairman of Anambra State Committee on Social Development, Gender and Children Affairs Committee, I have begun the journey in promotion of gender balance and social values that will ensure more equitable, sustainable economy and social development in Anambra State. As a member of over ten standing and special committees, I have made a lot of contributions towards making our dear state better.
As I continue in this journey, I promise to continue to put in my best towards the effective and responsive representation of my people. In the end, you all will be very proud of the support you gave me. I would rather sacrifice personal gains than betray the confidence you repose on me.
#Akachukwu Di ya!!!
Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor, Member Representing Nnewi North Constituency, Anambra State House of Assembly.
Photo: Member Representing Nnewi North State Constituency, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor.
Send your news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @ptreporters and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526, 08053908817.
