Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central Senatorial District has been honoured with the prestigious Personality of the Year (Excellent Representation) Award by Rapid 96.5 FM, Umuahia.
The award was presented to Senator Akobundu on Friday following a thorough selection process that scrutinised his achievements in representation, empowerment, and project execution.
Since assuming office in November 2023—five months after the inauguration of the 10th Senate—Akobundu effectively commenced his duties as Senator in January 2024 due to the Christmas/New Year recess that subsequently affected the National Assembly. He wasted no time, swiftly initiating his agenda to represent his constituents and provide them with the tangible benefits of democracy.
In presenting the award, the organisers acknowledged that Senator Akobundu has met the expectations of his constituents and genuinely deserves this recognition. They highlighted some of his notable achievements:
1. Bills and Motions
i. A bill to establish an Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Umuahia.
ii. A bill for the creation of a Federal College of Health Technology in Ikwuano.
iii. A bill proposing the establishment of a National Sport University in Nsulu.
iv. A bill for the founding of a Federal Institute of Entrepreneurship and Technical Skills Development in Osisioma.
v. A motion advocating for sufficient funds in the 2025budget to expedite the rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road.
2. Skills Acquisition and Human Capital Development Programmes
i. The launch of Nostro Communications Media House and Digital Opportunities Centre (NOSTROCOM House) on January 29, 2024, in Umuahia, aimed at training youths in various fields including ICT. This was followed by the establishment of a Digital Skills Acquisition Centre for Abia youths on April 7, 2024.
ii. A scholarship scheme for undergraduates across the six LGAs of Abia Central Senatorial District.
iii. Sponsorship of 113 constituents from all six LGAs to train as teachers at the National Teachers’ Institute.
iv. A five-day intensive training programme for youths from the senatorial district focused on sewing and agriculture.
v. The training of over 400 secondary school students from all six LGAs in Embedded Systems Engineering, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. Following this training, the participants developed game applications, animated characters, and prototypes of housing, vehicles—including bulldozers, tractors, fire trucks, SUVs, ambulances, and security patrol vehicles—which were showcased at NOSTROCOM House in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
vi. Sponsorship of 1,000 youths from all 62 wards in Abia Central on various digital skills, including UI/UX Design, Web Design, Professional Graphic Design, Cyber Security Systems and Operations, Digital Marketing, and Forex Trading, conducted at NOSTROCOM House, Umuahia.
vii. Free training for 150 more youths from the six LGAs in cosmetology and paint making, with each recipient receiving support of N100,000 to kick-start their businesses.
viii. Organisation of a two-day capacity-building programme for traditional rulers, community leaders, and women and youth leaders, equipping them with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts within their communities and beyond.
3. Projects
i. Remodelling, furnishing, and equipping a Health Centre earlier initiated in Ahiaeke Oloko by Hon Sam Onuigbo.
ii. Ongoing construction of Oloko-Amizi and Oloko-Ugbuebulle roads in Ikwuano LGA, with similar projects planned across other LGAs in the senatorial district.
iii. Installation of solar-powered streetlights in several markets throughout the six LGAs.
iv. Construction of six Skills Acquisition Centres across the six LGAs, which will enhance access to training, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel long distances to participate.
Senator Austin Akobundu has reiterated his commitment to continue sponsoring people-oriented bills and motions, human capital development initiatives, impactful projects, and other dividends of democracy.
