“Anambra State Has Gone Beyond Wheel Barrow Empowerment” Critics

The critical question is not whether giving wheelbarrows to farmers reduces them to “wheelbarrow pushers,” but whether that tool, simple as it seems, can unlock productivity, and food availability.

Why wheelbarrows are necessary, and the impacts they can make:

1. Efficiency and Productivity in Farming

Many families in the villages cultivate small plots; moving materials in bits which  limits how much farming they can do in a day. With wheelbarrows, they can move more harvest at once, plant more crops, cover more ground, and more. 

2. Side Hustle Opportunity:

A wheel barrow costs not less than N50k. In my locality, every family that owns a wheel barrow chains and locks it up. Why? Because it is expensive to maintain, liken it to changing the tire of your car or motorcycle. A beneficial farmer, the hours the barrow is not in use could hire it out or use the tool as part of a value chain operation by helping other farmers move their produce. 

3. Equity, Inclusion, and Local Development

Supporting the disadvantaged is always my calling- Not all farmers in Aguata own a wheel barrow. Because we can afford it, we see it as nothing. Wheelbarrows might be low-cost but still powerful tools, unaffordable by  poorer farmers or those in remote areas. Distributing them helps level the playing field. When they have the basic tools, aggregation of production becomes possible.

Clarifying Intents

Personally, I am not close to the member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Hon. Dom Okafor. The concept, plan and implementation of the project sends the message that agriculture is valued, and that he is willing to invest in the means, not only in speeches.

Addressing Misconceptions and Criticisms:

Critics of this empowerment view “wheelbarrow” as derogatory, implying menial labour. But in the farming context, pushing a wheelbarrow is far from demeaning, it's an essential work tool. Ask village farmers who do not have a wheel barrow the difficulties they experience and if they will appreciate it when given one.

Critics also argue that wheelbarrows are small, or insufficient. That may be valid but for the peasant farmer beneficiaries in Aguata, this shikini level of assistance can make a meaningful difference where they had none. I am not involved with this particular empowerment program but from my experience in the development sector, the problem usually erupts from the beneficiaries. I will leave the story for another day.

Conclusion

Wheelbarrow to a peasant farmer is not a symbol of low ambition rather it is a stepping stone, a practical instrument of empowerment. Giving youths and peasant farmers wheelbarrows can transform subsistence farming to sustainable livelihoods; it can reduce poverty, ensure food availability, and improve family economy, as they save up money for food stuffs, using that meet other family needs, SDG 8

To Engr. Dom Okafor, if the goal is to empower, uplift, and develop Aguata rural farmers, then this intervention is well-justified and impactful. It deserves support from us, and not misplaced criticism.

Udegboka NT (Ada Africa) local2global4@gmail.com; +2348033842029 

Local2Global with Ada Africa: Humility Wears a Crown When Wealth Stoops to Serve - In Ezenwagu Okafor, Simplicity Meets Greatness.

This Sunday’s readings stirred something I have long carried in my heart—the remarkable lifestyle of Ezenwagu Anthony Okafor of Anochemical Industries Ltd, from Ihuowelle village, Ngo Igboukwu in Anambra state.

The Scriptures focused on the virtues of simplicity and humility. Jesus’ call to serve the poor in love is a command many wealthy individuals may desire to follow, but insecurity, fear, and fraud have often kept them at a distance. Yet, meditating on these readings, the image of Nzenwagu and his family kept coming to mind.

A few weeks ago, he demonstrated a gesture that amazed me. With a single act, he paid off a church land debt of over ₦15 million—not just as charity, but as part of his commitment to a community hall project in Igboukwu. I call it a “2-in-1 strategy.”

Often, we give not because we have abundance, but because we are moved by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What many don’t realize is that such giving opens doors of even greater blessings. 

Within just two weeks of this generosity, his first daughter, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, was appointed Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. When I heard the news, I went to God in tears of thanksgiving for the family.

Chief Anthony Okafor (Ezenwagu) and his daughter, Dr. Chinenye Okeke (nee Okafor)

His Lifestyle: Mingling with the Poor

Before this incident, I had made some remarkable observations about Ezenwagu:

• Present with the lowly: Despite his status, he personally attends the funerals of the poor—unlike others of his class who only send money but remain absent for reasons of security or convenience.

• Accessible: He remains approachable and reachable, while many of his counterparts seem untouchable.

• Grounded investments: Where others of his rank buy multiple houses abroad (London, Dubai, US, South Africa), he invests in businesses that create jobs and opportunities for the youth.

• Freedom of movement: While many of the wealthy move around in convoys and with heavy security, Nzenwagu often drives himself, humbling himself to mingle freely among the poor.

There is much more about him, his philanthropy and humility, that I do not yet know. But the little I have observed is already worthy of emulation, and of thanksgiving to God for his family.

Pope Francis reminds us: “We are called to draw near to the poor, to encounter them, to meet their gaze, to embrace them, and to let them feel the warmth of love that breaks through their solitude.”

Indeed, in men like Nzenwagu Anthony Okafor, this Gospel call comes alive.

Nkechi Udegboka (Ada Africa) local2global4@gmail.com +2348033842029 

SUMMARY

• True wealth is measured in humility and service. Ezenwagu Anthony Okafor reminds us that greatness is found not in convoys or mansions abroad, but in mingling with the poor and lifting communities.

• While others build empires abroad, he builds opportunities at home. Nzenwagu Okafor’s humility and philanthropy are lessons worth celebrating. 🌍🙏

• Humility wears a crown when wealth stoops to serve. In Nzenwagu Okafor, simplicity meets greatness.

• He drives himself, attends the funerals of the poor, invests in jobs—not just mansions. Nzenwagu Okafor is proof that true leaders walk among their people.

• When wealth meets humility, blessings overflow. Just ask Nzenwagu Anthony Okafor and his family.

Natasha Akpoti Vs Ada Africa: A test of the Nigerian and US Systems

My pending case in the United States, like Senator Natasha Akpoti’s ordeal in Nigeria, reflects the targeted silencing of women who dare to speak up or challenge wrongful maltreatment for saying ‘No’ to immorality.

While Senator Natasha battles political oppression in Nigeria, Ada Africa is facing wrongful scam allegations in the U.S. for refusing sexual advances from a wealthy, supposedly supportive “uncle.” 

Let me be clear: I’m not attacking men for making advances. What I am against is when the woman exercises her right to refuse unlawful sex, don’t use your power or position to weaponize her. That is what pushes women like Natasha and me to take further actions. If the Senate President had not tried to punish her, Natasha might not have taken the bold steps she did.

In my case, I was already emotionally prepared to move on, despite the trauma and danger he exposed me to. However, when he began threatening me; accused me of colluding with a U.S. nonprofit (a 501(c)(3) organization) to hack his bank account, claimed I was known for extortion, and threatened to call the police, Homeland Security, and ICE if he ever sees me in the U.S., and other accusations against my person.

I was traumatized for weeks. But after much reflection, I chose to speak out, not just for myself, but for other women. This is bigger than me. I want to prevent other women and ensure the likes of the man won't have the mind to do this to any woman.

I'm already facing the consequences for raising my voice, just like Sen.Natasha. But I’m determined to turn this case into a platform for advocacy for women’s rights, for justice, and for our freedom to say NO.

With courage, I compiled and submitted all available evidence: WhatsApp messages, AliExpress order confirmations, emails, audio recordings, Zelle transfers, and my original and rescheduled flight tickets.

I filed a formal complaint at a U.S. police department. A detective was assigned to my case. After reviewing the evidence, they empathized deeply, called it what it was, a sex crime and assured me that the accused may face real consequences. They moved swiftly into action.

Senator Natasha’s courage continues to draw retaliation in Nigeria.  Ada Africa’s pursuit of justice in the U.S. is still ongoing. But it carries with it the hope that justice can prevail,  not just for myself, but for women globally who dare to speak up.

(If you desire to know the details for a cogent reason, email local2global4@gmail.com or Whatsapp +2348053980559)