ABIA: Ahead of 50th Birthday, Ex-Lawmaker Apugo Empowers 17 Ibeku Youths with 300,000 Each

Amid Nigeria's struggling economy and rising youth unemployment, former member representing Umuahia East in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, has stunned many with a rare gesture of generosity.

As part of activities ahead of his 50th birthday coming up on Friday, May 16, 2025, Hon. Apugo empowered 17 skilled youths from Umuakaka and Nkata communities, both in Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State with N300,000 each. The brief but impactful event took place on Thursday at his family compound in Umuakaka.

Apugo, who spoke during the empowerment ceremony, said the initiative was his personal decision to celebrate his golden jubilee by giving back to the community that molded him. He said he chose to uplift young men and women who have already acquired skills but lack the tools or funds to scale up.

"This is not politics. This is personal,ÔÇØ Apugo declared.

"These are young people who already have a trade, who have learned skills and just need support to go higher. That's what I am doing today.ÔÇØ

Despite the economic hardship biting across the country, Apugo noted that lifting others should remain a priority for privileged individuals and leaders, stressing that "no one needs to be in office to do good.ÔÇØ

He added that the support was also intended to encourage other young people who are currently jobless or idle to go out, learn a trade, and become useful to themselves and society.

"If you have nothing doing, this is your time to wake up. Tomorrow, it could be your turn to receive this kind of help-if you have something in your hands,ÔÇØ Apugo said.

The former lawmaker, who will formally celebrate his birthday on Sunday, May 18, also used the opportunity to call for peace, unity, and cooperation among residents of the Ibeku community. He warned against unnecessary quarrels, bitterness, and division, insisting that the community can only grow in harmony.

"We can only attract development if we work together. Let us stop the fighting and build our community,ÔÇØ he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the youths, Ugochukwu Amos, popularly known as Don Fear, expressed deep gratitude for the consistent support Hon. Apugo has provided to the community.

"He's not just starting now. Throughout his time in the House of Assembly, Hon. Apugo kept supporting us. I'm a living witness-I have benefited from him multiple times,ÔÇØ Amos said.

He added that even after leaving public office, Apugo has remained committed to the welfare of his people.

"Today again, he has come to empower us. In this kind of economy, it takes a good man to remember his people like this. We pray that God continues to bless him and keep him strong.ÔÇØ

Apugo's action, coming in a time when many politicians are distancing themselves from the grassroots after leaving office, has drawn widespread praise. For many in Ibeku, it's not just a birthday-it's a reminder that genuine leaders never stop serving.

[caption id="attachment_189688" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Some of the beneficiaries[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_189686" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Umuakaka and Nkata youths[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_189687" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Honorable Chukwudi Apugo[/caption]