From TCNEWS
The city of Umuahia came alive on Saturday as the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) inaugurated its Abia State chapter with a spirited call for grassroots empowerment, national unity, and continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a colourful ceremony attended by community leaders, political stakeholders, and hundreds of beneficiaries, Amb. Belusochukwu M. Enwere, the National Coordinator of SERHA, emphasized the event as both an inauguration and an economic empowerment initiative. His speech echoed the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda—bridging economic gaps, strengthening local enterprise, and galvanizing support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We are not just inaugurating a state chapter today,” Amb. Enwere declared. “We are empowering our people with tools and resources to uplift their lives. This is about real impact.”
As part of the initiative, more than 1,000 beneficiaries across Abia State received critical business tools and financial grants. Items distributed included sewing machines, hairdressing dryers, grinding machines, and motorcycles. Financial support ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦200,000 was allocated to hundreds of small business owners and indigent families, aimed at boosting microenterprise development in the state.
While the political undertones of the gathering were unmistakable, support for a potential Tinubu re-election bid in 2027, the focus remained firmly on empowerment and development. According to Amb. Enwere, the South East Development Commission, recently created under President Tinubu’s administration, is a strategic intervention for inclusive growth in the region.
“President Tinubu has proven his commitment to national progress through economic reforms, infrastructure development, and investments in education and healthcare,” he said. “This agenda is a continuation of that vision, and we in the South East are fully onboard.”
He further cited achievements of the administration, such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), improved ease of doing business, and an inclusive governance model that aims to give every region a voice.
Earlier in the event, Abia State SERHA Coordinator Amb. Uche Hillary-Adibe welcomed guests with a passionate address, noting that the movement symbolizes a “new chapter” in the pursuit of unity and economic progress.
“This is not just a political event. It is a declaration of hope and a rallying point for collaboration,” he said. “We believe in empowering women and youth, investing in infrastructure, and promoting transparency and accountability across board.”
He also laid out proposed grassroots activities, ranging from town hall meetings, policy dialogues, capacity-building workshops, to partnerships with local NGOs, all tailored to sustain the Renewed Hope movement and ensure citizen participation in democratic processes.
This event underscores the strategic importance of grassroots mobilization in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Beyond partisan alignment, the Renewed Hope Agenda’s blend of economic empowerment and policy outreach presents a case study in how leadership can bridge national aspirations with local realities. For many in Abia, hope is no longer abstract, it is something they can touch, use, and build with.
Some beneficiaries, who spoke with our correspondent under anonymity, expressed gratitude and pledged their full support for President Tinubu’s re-election. They credited the current administration with renewed access to capital, vocational tools, and national policies that prioritize ordinary Nigerians.
“We have never received anything like this before,” one beneficiary said while receiving a hair dryer and ₦100,000 to scale her beauty business. “This is not just support, it is a lifeline. We will take this message to every unit, ward, and community.”
Another recipient, a tailor who received a sewing machine and ₦50,000, praised the focus on grassroots development: “With this support, I can expand my workshop and train more apprentices. President Tinubu deserves another term.”
The Abia chapter also submitted a development request to the national SERHA leadership, seeking mini buses for rural outreach, funding for local programmes, and office infrastructure to support its coordinators across LGAs and wards.
“We are ready to take this message to the grassroots,” Amb. Hillary-Adibe stated. “With the right tools, we can become a powerhouse of transformation in the South East.”
The event climaxed with a renewed pledge to uphold unity, good governance, and the spirit of service that underpins the Renewed Hope Agenda.
