By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate for Imo East Senatorial District, Chima Matthew Amadi, has donated ₦3.5 million to the Okpulla Amakaohia Development Union (OADU) in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, with part of the money earmarked for the medical care of an elderly woman.
Amadi announced the donation during the annual August Meeting of the OADU Women’s Wing, where he called for stronger government intervention in healthcare, education, employment and basic infrastructure to ease the burden on low-income families.
The Umuekwenne, Ngor Okpala-born academic and social entrepreneur said poverty should not be allowed to determine the future of citizens, arguing that public leadership must be measured by its impact on ordinary people.
He expressed concern over the condition of public schools, healthcare facilities, roads and other essential services, as well as the unemployment and economic difficulties confronting many households.
Amadi said elected officials at all levels must ensure that government policies and public resources produce visible benefits in communities, rather than leaving citizens to bear the cost of basic services alone.
“The poor can’t continue to remain poor while a privileged few continue to prosper from our collective resources. Our mothers cannot continue to struggle with medical bills, our children cannot continue to learn in dilapidated schools, and our young people cannot continue to roam the streets without jobs and opportunities. Government must work for the ordinary people,” he said.
He also challenged the women to deploy their influence within their families and communities to demand accountability from political leaders, particularly through the electoral process.
Speaking on education, the APP candidate criticised what he described as the steady decline of public schools, warning that the trend could further widen the gap between children from privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Recalling his own educational background, Amadi said public education had provided him with an opportunity to aspire beyond his circumstances and should remain accessible to every Nigerian child.
“As a son of nobody who is a proud product of public schools, I weep daily seeing education gradually becoming the exclusive preserve of privileged members of society. Public education gave people like us the opportunity to dream beyond the circumstances of our birth. We must rebuild a society where the child of the poor has the same opportunity to dream, learn and succeed,” he said.
The gathering later witnessed an emotional moment when Amadi noticed an elderly woman with a visible growth around her throat.
Concerned about her condition, he immediately offered ₦500,000 towards her medical evaluation and treatment, saying her situation highlighted the hardship experienced by people who are unable to afford healthcare.
“What we have seen here today is beyond politics. It is about our common humanity. Nobody should have to carry an illness for years simply because she cannot afford medical attention. We must build a society where government sees the pain of its people, hears their cries and responds to their needs,” Amadi said.
He thereafter announced a further ₦3 million donation to the OADU to support community development projects.
Amadi commended the women for sustaining the August Meeting tradition and contributing to the development of their community despite the prevailing economic pressures.
He described the annual gathering as an avenue for strengthening community bonds and mobilising women for grassroots development, while stressing that community associations should not be left to provide services that fall within the responsibility of government.
The APP candidate further urged the women to scrutinise the performance of political office holders and make informed choices at the polls, stressing that elections provide citizens with an opportunity to demand results from those entrusted with public responsibilities.
Responding, the National Vice President of the OADU Women’s Wing, Mrs Victoria Ugochi Chukwu, expressed appreciation to Amadi for attending the programme and supporting the community.
Chukwu said the ₦3 million intervention for community development and ₦500,000 medical assistance demonstrated concern for the welfare of the people, particularly vulnerable members of the community.
Amadi attended the programme alongside members and leaders of his party and campaign organisation, including Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director-General; Rt. Hon. Michael Crown Njoku; Chief Denis Okwu; Chief K.K. Ikeh; Cajetan Duke; Prof. Uche Nwosu; Engr. Emeka Onwukwe; Lady Chyna Ugwuadu; Chief Uju Ugochukwu; Hon. Obioma Onwuegbucha; Sir Denis Nneji; and Hon. Emma Soronnadi, among others.
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