Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service, vision, and the ability to transform lives. In 2015, when the exchange rate stood at ₦500 per dollar, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze, a first-time member of the Enugu State House of Assembly representing Ezeagu LGA, achieved a groundbreaking feat, he attracted a World Bank agricultural grant of over ₦4 million for more than 70 indigenes of Ezeagu.
Unlike loans that often leave beneficiaries burdened with repayments, this grant was a non-payable financial support aimed at boosting agriculture in the constituency. It was an intervention that came at a time when Nigeria was advocating for increased investment in agriculture as a means of economic diversification. Obieze, understanding the needs of his people, did not let this opportunity pass by. Instead, he worked tirelessly to ensure that farmers in his constituency benefited, thereby positioning agriculture as a viable means of livelihood.
Fast forward to today, where the exchange rate has skyrocketed to ₦1,700 per dollar, the real value of that ₦4 million grant would be worth over ₦9 million. But beyond its monetary worth, the true impact lies in how it transformed lives. Many of the beneficiaries used the funds to expand their farms, invest in better agricultural equipment, and increase food production.
The ripple effect of this empowerment initiative is still evident today. Farmers who received the grant in 2015 have, in turn, created direct employment opportunities for themselves & indirect for others, contributing to food security in Enugu State. The grant not only provided financial relief but also ignited a long-term transformation in Ezeagu’s agricultural sector.
Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze’s ability to attract such a significant intervention as a first-time legislator speaks volumes about his dedication to the people. It set a precedent in Enugu State, proving that a true legislator is not just a lawmaker but a facilitator of real development. To this day, this has remained one of the biggest empowerment scheme, strategic and impactful initiative pulled off by first-time representative at a state level.
Beyond this achievement, Obieze has continued to carry the affairs of Ndi Ezeagu on his shoulders, championing initiatives that prioritize the well-being of his constituents. His leadership is a testament to what happens when representation is backed by a genuine passion for service.
True, leadership is not rocket science; it is about availability, responsiveness, and a deep commitment to empowering the people.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze has not just rewritten the history of legislative impact in Enugu State; he has set a standard of what it means to lead with purpose. Through his efforts, agriculture in Ezeagu is thriving, and the lives of many have been changed forever.
Again, and again, why we ask for more and even more, let’s give Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima OBieze his flowers, he earned it.
_Ejike Benjamin Writes ✍️ from Aguobu Umumba/Umumba Ndiagu Ward.
