……..Calls on public-spirited individuals to support family in distress
By Peter Ogege
It was a moment of hope and compassion in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area, as the Member representing Ughelli North Constituency 1 in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade, Esq., extended financial and educational support to a physically challenged constituent, Mr. Jerry Obayedo, and his family.
Hon. Omonade, during an unscheduled visit to Mr. Obayedo’s residence on Saturday, October 4, 2025, announced that he had placed the amputee on a monthly stipend and also awarded a scholarship to his son, Ejenavwo Desmond Onome, who is currently studying Accountancy at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
Mr. Obayedo, a native of Edjekemevo and Ujovwre communities in Agbarha-Otor, lost his right leg in a fatal accident in Lagos in 2010. Despite the life-changing setback, he returned home and started afresh, earning a living through tricycle transportation to fend for his family. His wife also contributed to the family’s survival by operating a small provision store.
Their resilience and focus on education saw the family benefit from Hon. Omonade’s Free JAMB Registration Initiative, which enabled their son to secure admission into the university. Their daughter, who was initially unsuccessful in gaining admission, recently got admitted to study Pharmacology at Delta State University, Abraka.
However, tragedy struck again on Boxing Day 2024, when Mr. Obayedo suffered a stroke, leaving him incapacitated and rendering their only source of income — his tricycle nonfunctional.
Touched by their plight, Hon. Omonade said he could not ignore the family’s situation, especially given their resilience in the face of adversity.
“Moved by their courage and burdened by their hardship, I decided to place Mr. Jerry on a monthly stipend and to offer a scholarship to his son, Ejenavwo Desmond Onome. This is my little way of giving back and ensuring hope is not lost,” Hon. Omonade stated.
The lawmaker also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to join hands in supporting Mr. Obayedo and his family, emphasizing that collective compassion can transform lives.
“I appeal to all well-meaning individuals to join me in supporting Mr. Jerry and his family. Together, we can make a difference,” he said.
The gesture has been widely praised by constituents and observers alike as a reflection of responsive and humane representation, anchored on empathy and community support.
