DR. AMADI DOLES OUT ₦13 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN OBINZE, MBUTU, UMUEKWUNE, FROWNS AT GOVERNMENT INEPTITUDE AS WOMEN RAISE FUNDS

By __Steve Nnadi

Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, (Mazi Gburugburu), the standard bearer of the Action Peoples Party (APP) for the Imo East Senatorial District, (Owerri Zone), on Saturday, August 22, 2026, continued his extensive engagements with communities across Imo State, attending the August meetings of women in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, Mbutu in Aboh- Mbaise Local Government Area, and Umuekwune in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

During the engagements, Dr. Amadi spoke extensively on the challenges confronting ordinary citizens, particularly the growing economic hardship and the increasing burden being placed on communities and women associations to provide basic amenities and infrastructure which, according to him, should ordinarily be the responsibility of government.

At the August meeting of the women of Obinze, held at the Deacon Obinna Amanze Onyeagucha's Hall, inside First Baptist Church, Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, the women expressed delight over Dr. Amadi's visit, noting that they had earlier been informed of his planned attendance and were pleased that he fulfilled his commitment.

In their keynote address, read by the President of the association, the women prayed for God's continued protection, wisdom and guidance for Mazi Gburugburu, as he sustains his political interface and engagements with communities across the state.

The women also highlighted some of their ongoing developmental initiatives, particularly the construction of 24 shops, which they disclosed had reached an advanced stage and was already at the roofing level.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amadi disclosed that some politicians had advised him against visiting Obinze, claiming that he might not find loyal voters in the community.

He, however, said he rejected such an approach to politics, stressing that political differences should never determine how people are treated or whether they deserve support.

According to him, the people of Imo State, particularly residents of Owerri Zone, deserve dignity, respect and support, irrespective of their political preferences or the candidates they may choose to vote for in the forthcoming National Assembly election.

The Umuekwune, Ngor-Okpala-born-erudite scholar and renowned philanthropist lamented the severe economic difficulties confronting families and communities, attributing part of the situation to decisions citizens have made over the years in choosing political leaders who, immediately after elections, become increasingly distant from the people they were elected to serve.

Dr. Amadi observed that communities and women's associations are now increasingly compelled to raise funds for projects that should ordinarily be provided through government institutions.

He noted that such a development places additional financial pressure on citizens who are already struggling with the rising cost of living and the prevailing economic hardship.

The Owerri Senatorial hopeful urged citizens to use every election period as an opportunity to critically examine the performance, competence and responsibilities of those seeking public office.

He also criticised the practice of approaching elections primarily through the distribution of money and food items, stressing that what Nigerians require are practical ideas, sound policies, accountable leadership and sustainable development programmes capable of addressing the challenges confronting their communities.

He urged the women to understand the value of their votes and remain committed to whatever decisions they make at the ballot box on January 16, 2027, and February 6, 2027, respectively.

In support of the women's ongoing developmental project, Dr. Amadi donated ₦3 million to assist in the completion of the 24 shops.

From Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, Dr. Amadi proceeded to the August Meeting of the Mbutu Peoples Assembly Women's Wing, held at Mbutu Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.

The President of the association, Lady Ezinna Nnabuihe, on behalf of the Mbutu women, appealed to their Special Guest of Honour to assist the community in providing additional seats for students of the school.

She explained that many students were currently compelled to sit on the floor during lessons because of inadequate seating facilities, a situation which, she said, was adversely affecting the learning environment.

Reacting to the request, Dr. Amadi questioned why members of the community should be compelled to raise money to provide basic facilities in a government owned secondary school.

He argued that the provision of basic infrastructure, classroom facilities and other essential learning materials in public schools is fundamentally the responsibility of government, describing the situation at Mbutu Secondary School as another indication of the extent to which communities are being forced to fill gaps created by institutional failure.

Dr. Amadi said the burden was particularly painful because ordinary citizens are already facing significant economic hardship, yet they are continually being asked to contribute financially towards essential public services that government institutions are expected to provide.

He admonished citizens to recognise the importance of electing leaders who understand their responsibilities and possess the willingness, capacity and commitment to discharge those responsibilities effectively.

He thanked the women for the invitation and supported their school seating project with a donation of ₦3 million.

Dr. Amadi subsequently made his way to his ancestral home in Umuekwune, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, where he attended the August Meeting of the women at Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuekwune.

His arrival was described by many as a triumphant homecoming of an illustrious son returning to interact with his kinsmen and women of his ancestral community.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amadi expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of many communities and questioned how long ordinary people would continue to endure inadequate opportunities, poor infrastructure and limited access to essential social amenities.

He emphasised that he had no reason to return to Umuekwune merely to campaign or seek votes, stressing that his call to represent the good people of Owerri Zone remained a collective project of Ndi Umuekwune and the people of Ngor Okpala as a whole.

In support of the community's ongoing developmental initiatives, Dr. Amadi donated ₦9 million to enhance the completion of the projects.

Following the August meeting, Dr. Amadi was hosted by members of Ward 3 of the Action Peoples Party (APP) at the country home of Chief Chijioke.

Addressing the party leadership and supporters, Dr. Amadi urged them to remain committed to the development of their communities and to participate actively in initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.

He cautioned party members not to be deterred by what he described as the antics of enemies of progress, urging them to remain actively involved and steadfast in the collective effort to achieve political and community development.

He appealed to all APP faithful to remain committed to the political project until victory is achieved through the ballot box, which, he said, would provide an opportunity to change the existing narrative and usher in a new direction.

Dr. Amadi used the opportunity to appreciate all the party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for their commitment and sacrifices.

He also paid special tribute to Chief Bona Nlemadim, who, according to him, left the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state, to support the project of emancipating Owerri Zone in 2027.

As a gesture of appreciation, a token of ₦1 million was announced for the gathering.

Across the three community engagements, a recurring theme was observed, the failure of government institutions to adequately provide basic infrastructure and essential services, and the urgent need for citizens to elect credible, responsible and accessible leaders capable of closing the widening gap between the leaders and the led.

Dr. Amadi maintained that communities should not be left to carry the financial burden of providing basic public infrastructure while government institutions abdicate their responsibilities.

He stressed the need for leadership that would prioritise human development, education, infrastructure, economic empowerment and improved living conditions, particularly across the hinterlands and the entire Owerri Zone.

Dr. Amadi was accompanied during the engagements by members of the Action Peoples Party (APP), supporters and members of his campaign organisation, The Mazi Organisation, TMO, including the Director General, Hon. Chief Henry Onwukwe (Apiti), Barr. Dr. Uche Nwosu, Dr. Brent Akomas, Chief Uju Ugochukwu, Hon. Mrs. Nneka Chukwu, Comrade Chukwuemeka, Hon. Mrs. May Obiyo, Comrade Obioma Onwuegbucha, Sir Dennis Nneji, and Hon. Emma Soronnadi.

Others were Hon. Cajetan Duke, Hon. Mrs. Chinasa Ogu, Prince Obinna Iheanacho, Hon. Eric Oguzie, Hon. Andy Ogueri, Comrade Bright Emeghara, Mercy Inyang,Mrs. Vivian Odunze, Mr. Uzoma Mboma, Ammarachi Anyanwu, and Amb. Steve Nnadi, the Publicity Secretary of APP, Imo State, among many others.

Steve Nnadi Directorate of Communication The Mazi Organisation (TMO).