Senator Austin Akobundu has announced the roll out of new massive projects for Abia Central Senatorial District which include the installation of solar-powered streetlights in over 10 markets and thirteen communities across the district under his “Light Up the Communities” Initiative.
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Akobundu, who made the announcement in a press conference on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people, saying that he remained dedicated to their welfare.
While reeling out markets and communities that would benefit from the new solar-powered streetlight installation, Akobundu said he was motivated to continue the installations following the testimonies and generous positive feedbacks from the people over the first phase of the initiative that covered over 15 communities and markets.
He listed the communities and markets that benefitted from the first phase of the initiative to include:
i. Ariam market, Ikwuano
ii. Ndoro market; Ikwuano
iii. Ahiaukwu market, Olokoro, Umuahia South
iv. Apumiri market, Ubakala, Umuahia South
v. Obikabia market, Isiala Ngwa North
vi. Nkwo Nsulu market, Isiala Ngwa North
vii. Nkwoebe market, Isiala Ngwa South
viii. Mbutu market, Isiala Ngwa South
ix. Ahiaeke market – Umuahia North
x. Afor Umuda Ofeme market, Ohuhu, Umuahia North
xi. Umungasi market, Osisioma Ngwa
xii. Eke Nwobasi market, Osisioma Ngwa
xiii. St Peter’s School, Amizi, Ikwuano
xiv. Ekebedi – Amadeus Rd – Amizi Village
xv. Oloko village
xvi. Awomukwu village
Following the successful conclusion of the exercise, Akobundu announced the following markets as beneficiaries of the second phase:
i. Ahia Orie Umuode, Osisioma LGA
ii. Eke Onu Amaedo, Amato Ukwu, Osisioma LGA
iii. Mbawsi main market, Isiala Ngwa North
iv. Umuosu market, Isiala Ngwa North
v. Ahia Ugba daily market, Isiala Ngwa South
vi. Nkwoudara market, Ward 9, Isiala Ngwa South
vii. Timber market, Umuahia North
viii. Afor-Ibeji market, Old Umuahia, Umuahia South
ix. Eke Udi market, Umuopara, Umuahia South
x. Ahia Orie, Ibere, Ikwuano
xi. Nnono market, Oboro, Ikwuano
Thirteen other communities which include Umuokwa community in Isiala Amapu Ntigha, Eziama Ntigha, Trademoore Estate in Umuahia, Seat of Wisdom Seminary School, Ariam, Azuiyi Oloko Community along with other communities in the senatorial zone have also been earmarked to benefit from this phase of the streetlight installations.
Akobundu said he was further motivated to provide the streetlights because the first phase impacted the people positively.
“It is my sincerest belief that lighting up these markets and communities will not only add to their aesthetics, greatly enhance their security and substantially boost businesses, but it will also have a direct and telling impact on their overall welfare. Gladly, the testimonies have been rolling in since we concluded the first phase,” he asserted.
The first phase did not come without incredulity from political rivals who tried to cast doubts on the commitment of the lawmaker to commence and conclude the exercise.
Reacting to the development, Akobundu said, “I recall that when we started the first phase of the project, some of our political rivals expressed doubts about our tenacity to commence and our determination to finish. I am glad to report to you today that not only did we commence as scheduled, we also finished as specified and in record time, too.”
He also listed some of his ongoing projects across the senatorial district to include:
i. Construction and furnishing of skills acquisition centres
ii. Construction of lock-up stores and market renovations
iii. Renovation/fencing of selected schools
iv. Provision of transformers to selected communities
v. Erosion control works in selected areas
vi. Construction and furnishing of Primary Health Care Centres
vii. Provision of waste recycling facility across the zone, among others.
“One of my last initiatives was a well-organised medical outreach that covered 3 LGAs of Ikwuano, Osisioma Ngwa and Umuahia North, with the second phase earmarked to cover the remaining 3 LGAs of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia South in due course,” he stated.
Senator Akobundu also used the opportunity to recall the success story which his youth and women empowerment, skills acquisition and training programmes have turned out to be, stating that this has further motivated his commitment to not only help “this generation achieve its potential but also to secure the future of the next one.
“This has always been my driving force. And even though few people have been trying to distract us with politics, I remain dedicated to this singular mission for our people.”
Such skills acquisition, training, and empowerment programmes were in highly sought-after and competitive ventures like ICT and manufacturing, with several other youths currently being on scholarships to various higher institutions of learning.
Such initiatives, in broader perspectives, include:
i. Sponsorship of 113 constituents on full 3-year scholarship to the National Teachers’ Institute to improve availability and quality of teachers in the District.
ii. Award of scholarships/bursary to students of higher institutions. The beneficiaries of the new phase would soon be announced.
iii. Sponsorship of free training for over 400 secondary school students of on embedded systems engineering, robotics, and AI.
iv. Sponsorship of the training of 100 youths on farming and sewing, after which new sewing machines and other start-up items, including cash were given to the beneficiaries.
v. Sponsorship of the training of 360 youths in UI/UX Design, Web Design, Professional Graphics Design, Cyber Security Systems and Operations, Digital Marketing, Forex Trading, Software Development and Data Science.
vi. Sponsorship of the training of another 300 youths on cosmetology and paint making, in two batches of 150 each, with the beneficiaries given cash awards.
vii. Sponsorship of a 2-day capacity-building programme on peace and conflict management for traditional rulers and other community institutions.
On roads, Senator Akobundu has attracted several road projects, which are ongoing across the Senatorial District.
While thanking the people for their unwavering support and cooperation, Senator Akobundu assured them of his unrelenting commitment to their welfare through continued quality representation, empowerment programmes and projects that have direct and telling impact on the people.
“This is just the beginning! Expect more,” he concluded emphatically.
