Empowerment paradox in Okigwe zone: Blind father begs for help despite constituency projects claims

…As FUTO student faces uncertain future

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

For the Osuala family of Ajatanamuna, Ezinnachi in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, life has become a daily struggle marked by uncertainty, sacrifice and fading hope.

In October 2025, a heartfelt video appeal circulated widely across social media platforms, particularly among indigenes of Okigwe Zone, drawing attention to the plight of 63-year-old Chukwudi Osuala, a visually impaired father who desperately sought assistance for his family. In the emotional appeal, Osuala pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians and political leaders from Okigwe Zone especially Senator Patrick Ndubueze and Hon Marian Onuoha, to help his son, who had secured admission into the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), but lacked the financial means to pay his acceptance fee and begin his academic journey.

Police comb Ajatanamuna bushes for bandits after attack on community

The appeal came at a difficult period for the family. Ajatanamuna community had recently suffered violent attacks by bandits, leading to the killing of two community leaders and three others, forcing many residents into displacement and hardship.

Osuala, who worked as an automobile electrician in Aba, Abia State, before losing his sight, explained that his family had exhausted available resources in search of medical treatment. According to him, several visits to hospitals in Imo and Abia states failed to restore his vision, leaving him currently unable to provide for his family.

Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, sobbing imagery of a woman and Hon. Miriam Onuoha

He also appealed for support for his wife, a teacher who was then earning just ₦10,000 monthly at a private school. Despite her qualifications and ongoing pursuit of a Bachelor of Education degree after obtaining a National Certificate in Education (NCE), she remained without stable employment capable of supporting her household.

Hon. Marian Onuoha, Member, House of Representatives for Okigwe North Federal Constituency

In his appeal, Osuala specifically called on political leaders from the zone, including Senator Patrick Ndubueze and House of Representatives member Miriam Onuoha, among other elected officials, to assist his son’s educational pursuit and help secure a better teaching opportunity for his wife.

However, months after the appeal gained public attention, the family says no meaningful intervention has come their way. Efforts by concerned individuals to draw the attention of political office holders reportedly yielded little result.

Advertised palliatives to constituents by Sen. Patrick Ndubueze

Efforts to attract the attention of Senator Ndubueze through various channels, including interventions by prominent Okigwe stakeholders, reportedly yielded no response. This has raised concerns among some community members, particularly in light of the senator’s widely publicised constituency support initiatives and the fact that the family hails from the same Okigwe Local Government Area.

For many observers, the situation raises difficult questions about whether those most in need within the constituency are adequately benefiting from such interventions.

The burden of keeping the family afloat currently rests on the shoulders of his wife, whose meagre monthly earnings must cater for her blind husband and their two children.

Advertised empowerment programmes of Hon. Miriam Onuoha

The family’s predicament has also sparked questions among residents about the effectiveness and reach of the numerous educational support and empowerment programmes often announced by Okigwe zone political office holders. Many wonder how a student from the same constituency represented by ‘benevolent’ political figures could remain without assistance despite publicly documented appeals.

Today, the Osualas remain trapped between hope and hardship. Yet, despite their circumstances, they continue to draw strength from their faith.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth,” the family says, quoting Psalm 121:1-2.

As the young undergraduate struggles to keep his academic dream alive, concerned members of the community are making a renewed appeal to philanthropists, community leaders and well-meaning sons and daughters of Okigwe Zone to come to the family’s aid.

For them, the request is simple: an opportunity for a promising student to remain in school, a stable job for a qualified and dedicated teacher, and a chance for a blind father to regain dignity and hope.

Those willing to assist the family as made available to our correspondent can contact 08083723662 for further information.

As the Scripture in 1 Samuel 2:8 reminds believers, “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” For the Osuala family, that hope remains alive.