Abia empowerment drive backfires as critics blast lawmaker for distributing plastic buckets

July 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in Abia State for the Labour Party, has faced significant backlash after distributing plastic buckets, notebooks, and hair dryers as part of an empowerment initiative.

The program, aimed at fostering economic independence among constituents, has instead triggered widespread criticism and mockery online.

Many have deemed the items distributed as insufficient and out of touch with the pressing needs of the constituency.

The empowerment program, conducted recently, included vocational training in areas like soap making, hairdressing, and makeup for more than 200 women and widows.

According to Osonwa’s media team, the goal was to equip participants with skills and startup tools to promote self-sufficiency.

However, the choice of items for distribution has been sharply criticized by constituents and social media users. They argue that such gestures do little to address the substantial economic challenges in Arochukwu/Ohafia, which include inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, and underdevelopment. “This is a total embarrassment for the good people of Arochukwu/Ohafia,” one constituent expressed online.

Some critics have threatened to vote Osonwa out in the 2027 elections, contending that a federal lawmaker should prioritize securing impactful development projects rather than distributing what they view as tokenistic items.

Supporters of Osonwa defend the program, stating that the items distributed were aligned with the skills taught during the training. They also highlight the lawmaker’s continued efforts to empower women and youths since assuming office.