Akobundu presents scorecard, vows to continually empower constituents, deliver quality representation

Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District has reeled out his achievements in the past one year in the Senate of the National Assembly to include sponsoring a Bill for the establishment of an Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Umuahia North; sponsoring a Bill for the establishment of a Federal College of Health Technology in Ikwuano; and the sponsorship of a Bill for the establishment of the National Sports University, Nsulu, which has scaled through first reading.

Akobundu, a retired Colonel in the Army who spoke at a press conference in Umuahia when he presented his score card, used the avenue to strongly condemn the Wednesday attack by unknown gunmen on a Military checkpoint at Ekenobizi along the Umuahia -Mbaise Road which claimed the lives of two soldiers according to Army sources, as he noted that the State Government had commenced serious engagement with the Army authorities with a view to fishing out those behind the dastardly act.

Senator Akobundu who is the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, said he had been engaging the relevant authorities for the completion of the various abandoned federal projects in Abia Central adding that he sponsored free training of youths in digital technology; and 113 constituents for training at the National Teachers’ Institute to improve education quality.

He also said he trained 100 youths in sewing and fish farming, adding that participants were empowered with sewing machines and stipends of N50,000 – N100,000 as he promised that his constituents would witness more impactful representation in the months and years ahead.

See full text of Senator Akobundu’s Scorecard:

FULL TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY SENATOR AUSTIN AKOBUNDU ON HIS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS SENATOR REPRESENTING ABIA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Gentlemen of the Press,

It is with joy that I welcome you to this press conference on the occasion of my one-year anniversary as the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

One of my campaign promises was to ensure regular engagement with the constituents of our district through periodic briefings, as much as time permits. Although I have constantly kept you informed of my activities through various channels, the occasion of my first-year anniversary makes it necessary to provide a comprehensive update through this medium.

You will recall that I was inaugurated as a Senator of the Federal Republic on the 15th of November, 2023, after the Appeal Court, the highest authority on election matters, declared me the rightful winner of the February 25, 2023, election for Abia Central Senatorial District. This was five (5) months after the Senate’s inauguration on June 13, 2023.

Realizing that our senatorial district was already at a disadvantaged position due to this delay, I understood the need to double my efforts to meet the expectations of our people and exceed the promises I made during my campaign.

Below is my scorecard:

1. BILLS SPONSORED

i. Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Umuahia North

On January 31, 2024, I sponsored a Bill for the establishment of an Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Umuahia North, Abia State. This aligns with my vision of equipping the youths of Abia Central and beyond with globally competitive ICT skills. The bill has scaled its First Reading.

ii. Federal College of Health Technology, Ikwuano

Recognizing the importance of improving healthcare delivery, I sponsored a Bill for the establishment of a Federal College of Health Technology in Ikwuano, Abia State. This will train health personnel to meet the needs of our people. The bill has also scaled its First Reading.

iii. National Sports University, Nsulu

To foster youth development, sports excellence, and address the limited admission opportunities for our youth, I sponsored a Bill for the establishment of the National Sports University, Nsulu. This bill has scaled its First Reading.

Additionally, I have co-sponsored several bills and motions, fostering collaboration and support for legislative progress.

2. OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS

I have been actively involved in my role as a member of various Senate committees.

Presently, I am the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

I am also a member of Committees on Defense, Finance, FERMA, Tertiary Education, NDDC, Army, Aviation, Power, and Appropriation.

These committees are pivotal in ensuring efficient and effective oversight.

3. INFRASTRUCTURE & ROADS

i. Road Repairs Advocacy

On December 1, 2023, I raised concerns in the Senate over the deplorable state of roads such as:

• Enugu–Umuahia–Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway
• Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road
• Ntalakwu–Oloko–Nchara Road

While some progress has been made, I remain committed to ensuring these roads are fully rehabilitated.

ii. Identification of Abandoned Projects

On July 17, 2024, I identified abandoned federal projects in Abia Central to push for their completion by relevant authorities.

4. JOB CREATION

I have facilitated the recruitment of constituents into federal agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce (both Direct Short Service and regular recruitments), and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

5. SKILL ACQUISITION & HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

i. NOSTROCOM House & Digital Skills Centre

On January 29, 2024, I inaugurated Nostro Communications Media House and Digital Opportunities Centre in Umuahia. This was followed by the launch of a Digital Skills Acquisition Centre on April 7, 2024.

ii. Scholarship Scheme

A scholarship program under the Senator Augustine Akobundu Foundation commenced for undergraduates across the six LGAs of Abia Central.

iii. Teacher Training

On May 6, 2024, I sponsored 113 constituents for training at the National Teachers’ Institute to improve education quality.

iv. Entrepreneurship Training

In June 2024, 100 youths were trained in sewing and fish farming. Participants were empowered with sewing machines and stipends of N50,000 – N100,000.

v. Robotics & AI Training

In August 2024, over 400 secondary school students were trained in Embedded Systems Engineering, Robotics, and AI.

vi. Digital Skills Programme

The first batch of 1,000 Abia Central youths commenced their digital skills training on October 14, 2024, covering areas like UI/UX design, Website Development, Cybersecurity Operations, Graphics Design, Digital Marketing and forex trading.

vii. Cosmetology Training

Another 150 youths across Abia Central were trained in cosmetology and paint production. Each beneficiary received N100,000 in startup grants.

viii. Traditional Institutions Training

A two-day capacity-building program on peace and conflict management for traditional rulers commenced on November 14, 2024.

6. PALLIATIVES & CREDIT FACILITIES

i. Distribution of 620 bags of rice and 2,232 bottles of groundnut oil in April 2024 to constituents of Abia Central.

ii. Facilitation of N50,000 credit facilities to low-income earners in May 2024.

iii. Distribution of 2,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in September 2024.

7. PROJECTS

i. Remodeling and equipping the Health Centre at Ahiaeke Oloko.

ii. Flagging off construction of the Oloko–Amizi and Oloko–Ugbuebulle roads.

iii. Launching the Light Up Our Markets initiative for safer, well-lit markets.

iv. Foundation laying and flag-off of Skills Acquisition Centres across the six LGAs.

Conclusion:

I am deeply grateful to the people of Abia Central for their unwavering support, which has enabled us to achieve these milestones. Together, we are rewriting the story of our constituency. This is just the beginning, and with God’s help, we will achieve even greater things.

Thank you, and God bless Abia Central Senatorial district!