Atuma Pledges Weekly Constituency Engagement, Outlines Youth Empowerment Plan for Abia Central

Atuma Pledges Weekly Constituency Engagement, Outlines Youth Empowerment Plan for Abia Central

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Abia Central, Rep. Emeka Atuma, has pledged to maintain regular engagement with constituents, strengthen grassroots representation and prioritise sustainable youth empowerment if elected to the Senate.

Atuma disclosed this during a live radio interview on Emeka Atuma Speaks, broadcast across Family Love 99.9 FM, Flow 94.9 FM and DON 103.7 FM in Umuahia, as well as Magic 102.9 FM in Aba.

The former member of the House of Representatives said effective representation must be built around continuous consultation, accessibility, legislative advocacy and deliberate efforts to attract development projects to communities.

Speaking on constituency development, Atuma explained that his proposed interventions would be informed by consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, local stakeholders and residents to identify pressing needs across the senatorial district.

He maintained that constituency projects should reflect the actual priorities of the people rather than being imposed without adequate consultation.

According to him, attracting federal projects requires more than making promises, as legislators must understand the national appropriation process, engage relevant ministries and agencies and sustain advocacy until proposed interventions receive the necessary attention.

Reflecting on his previous four-year tenure in the House of Representatives, Atuma recalled working with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), education authorities and the Federal Ministry of Power to attract interventions in road construction, educational infrastructure and rural electrification.

He cited road projects, classroom interventions and electricity extensions to underserved communities in Ikwuano and Umuahia as examples of initiatives pursued during his previous legislative representation.

Plans Constituency Office Covering 62 Wards

Outlining his proposed administrative structure for Abia Central, Atuma said he intended to establish a functional constituency office with an operational framework covering all 62 wards across the six local government areas.

He explained that the office would serve as a permanent communication and engagement centre where constituents, community representatives and other stakeholders could present their concerns and communicate development priorities.

The proposed structure, he said, would also provide an effective channel for transmitting grassroots needs to the National Assembly, ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

Addressing concerns about the accessibility of elected officials after elections, Atuma pledged to maintain weekly contact with the constituency.

He disclosed that he had retained the same telephone number for 24 years, including throughout his previous legislative tenure, describing accessibility as an important element of accountable representation.

The APC candidate also recalled establishing an advisory council during his previous public service experience, with members encouraged to question his decisions and identify areas requiring improvement.

He said he valued constructive criticism over praise-singing, stressing that public office holders should remain open to honest feedback and accountability.

Atuma Advocates Career-Based Youth Empowerment

On youth development, Atuma called for a shift from conventional empowerment programmes towards initiatives that create sustainable career opportunities and respond to the different qualifications, talents and aspirations of young people.

He argued that graduates should be supported to access opportunities commensurate with their educational backgrounds, including recruitment into federal institutions and agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

He also identified agriculture, agribusiness and technology as critical sectors capable of providing employment and expanding economic opportunities for young people.

To achieve this, he proposed partnerships with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and international institutions to facilitate specialised training, professional exposure and skills development.

Atuma said empowerment should not be limited to the distribution of motorcycles, vehicles and other material items but should equip beneficiaries with the capacity to build sustainable livelihoods, support their families and contribute meaningfully to society.

He explained that his previous interventions in agriculture and transportation were directed at people already involved in those sectors, arguing that empowerment programmes should align with beneficiaries’ existing interests and economic activities.

Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

The radio programme also featured questions from listeners on legislative leadership, political affiliation, presidential economic policies and the accessibility of elected representatives.

Responding to a question on the significance of majority and minority positions in the National Assembly, Atuma explained that the majority side exercises considerable influence over legislative decisions, particularly voting, appropriation and lawmaking.

He also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the decision as difficult but necessary.

While acknowledging the economic pressures and hardship arising from increased transportation and living costs, he expressed optimism that the reforms would eventually produce improved economic outcomes.

He, however, stressed the importance of complementary efforts by state governments to translate federal economic policies into tangible benefits for citizens.

In his closing remarks, Atuma urged voters across Abia Central to evaluate political representation based on integrity, accessibility, commitment to promises and equitable attention to the needs of all communities.

The interview provided the APC senatorial candidate with an opportunity to present his proposed approach to legislative representation, constituency development and youth empowerment, while responding directly to questions from residents of the district.