Erondu Jnr stands tall as Rapid FM Honours Lawmaker with Personality of the Year 2025 – Champion of Youth Empowerment Award

Rapid Broadcasting Network has honoured the lawmaker representing Obingwa–West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, with its Personality of the Year 2025 – Champion of Youth Empowerment Award, in recognition of his sustained contributions to human capital development, youth empowerment and grassroots growth.

The media organisation said the award followed a thorough background investigation into Erondu Jnr’s public service record, particularly his consistent interventions in youth development, women empowerment and support for the poor and vulnerable across Abia State and beyond.

Speaking during the award presentation in Umuahia, Mr. Onyebuchi Ogbonna of Rapid FM said the honour was based on verifiable impact, describing Erondu Jnr, a former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area, as a leader whose influence transcends political affiliation, ethnicity and religion.

The Programme anchor, Mr. Moses Ben also commended the lawmaker’s consistency, noting that testimonials of his benevolence came not only from Obingwa but from individuals and communities across and outside Abia State.

Represented at the event by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Abia State House of Assembly Elder Monday Chikezirim Orji, thanked Rapid Broadcasting Network for the recognition.

Orji, who said he grew up closely with the awardee, described him as a man driven by compassion rather than personal or political interest.

In his words: “He is one in a million. He places the challenges of others above his own and helps people from a genuine desire to uplift humanity”.

Highlighting the lawmaker’s humanitarian efforts, Elder Orji said Erondu Jnr has built and furnished more than 43 bungalows for indigent families and four ultra-modern civic and community halls across Obingwa West and beyond.

He further recalled that in 2021, before joining the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Jnr facilitated the involvement of football scouts from the United Kingdom to monitor a local youth football tournament, leading to the discovery of promising talents.

On the legislative front, Orji noted that Erondu Jnr moved the first motion of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, calling for the suspension of electricity tariff hikes.

According to him, the motion contributed to a National Assembly resolution and presidential approval for a one-year suspension, bringing relief to millions of Nigerians.

He also highlighted three major bills sponsored by the lawmaker in 2025: HAB 23, which provides free healthcare and welfare support for pregnant women and promotes exclusive breastfeeding for infants; HAB 24, proposing the establishment of an Abia State Corporate Social Responsibility Agency; and HAB 25, which seeks the creation of an Abia State Informatics Centre to enhance data coordination and ICT development.

In the area of youth empowerment and education, Erondu Jnr facilitates annual free JAMB and WAEC registration for over 700 students, awards scholarships, supports vocational and technical skills training, sponsors secondary school debates and public speaking competitions, and promotes sports development through football tournaments.
On rural development, the lawmaker’s initiatives include annual grading of rural roads to enhance mobility and economic activity, as well as the distribution of over 1,200 bags of fertilizer to farmers to boost agricultural productivity and food security.

The radio programme also featured live call-in testimonies from members of the public; Mr. Emmanuel Uche from Ahiaeke Ndume, Umuahia North LGA, said Abia State and Nigeria would be better places with more leaders like Erondu Jnr, describing him as “genuinely committed to people.”

From Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, Mr. Jeremiah Chukwu Jumbo said although he is not an Abia indigene, he has personally benefited from the lawmaker’s kindness, noting that residents of Umunkpeyi, Isialangwa, had been empowered with tools and resources.

Similarly, Mr. B.C. Jonah from Isialangwa North LGA said leaders like Erondu Jnr would significantly reduce poverty and youth unemployment, describing him as a grassroots-oriented leader who carries people along.

In his closing remarks, Orji commended Rapid Broadcasting Network for its professionalism and principled journalism, saying the award would further inspire Erondu Jnr to sustain his service to God and humanity.

Observers say the recognition reflects growing public appreciation for leadership rooted in compassion, sacrifice and tangible impact on everyday lives.