Abakaliki, Nigeria – Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has stated that he checked possible stampede during his recent empowerment items distribution to constituents by organising specialised trainings for beneficiaries.
Nwebonyi said this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen at his hometown, Mbeke Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, noting that the training dwelled on crowd orderliness.
Nwebonyi, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, said the beneficiaries already knew themselves which made the distribution exercise orderly.
“Any one not wearing identification uniform didn’t come near the distribution ground and this was strictly enforced.
“The most striking aspect is that my people are peaceful and they truly demonstrated such.”
He noted that the people were also counseled to be patient, especially those not covered in the distribution.
“The people who didn’t benefit were informed that they would be included in the next phase.
“We distributed 20 mini buses, 20 tricycles and 120 motorcycles, hundreds of grinding machines among others, on the occasion.
“We, however, budgeted a total of 50 mini buses, 50 tricycles and 200 motorcycles among others for distribution in 2025.
“You can see that we have enough to distribute as I believe that my people would be patient to be accommodated.”
Nwebonyi also noted that arrangements have been concluded to ensure that his people access fertilizers early for their 2025 farming activities.
“We would ensure that fertilizers get to farmers from February and the practice where farmers access the produce as late as September is reversed.
“When farmers are given fertilizers when they should be harvesting their farm produce, it will not be useful to them.”
At the event, Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi commended Nwebonyi for the empowerment packages for his people, describing it as “unprecedented”.
“We were elected to serve and provide for the people and when we do so, democracy will thrive.”
