The House of Representatives candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, on Saturday 27th June 2026 received a massive reception from women leaders and other women across the constituency during a consultative meeting aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The gathering, which attracted hundreds of women from different wards and communities within the constituency, demonstrated what supporters described as growing grassroots acceptance of the NDC candidate despite the recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja concerning the registration of the party.
The women, who turned out in large numbers, gave OmoBarca and members of his campaign entourage a warm welcome, chanting solidarity songs and expressing confidence in his leadership qualities and vision for the constituency.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, OmoBarca thanked the women for their overwhelming support, assuring them that the recent legal developments involving the NDC would not diminish the party’s determination to provide quality representation and people-oriented leadership.
He urged party members and supporters not to be discouraged by the court judgment, expressing confidence that the legal issues would be resolved through the judicial process.
According to him, the massive turnout of women at the event demonstrated that the people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun remained committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and were ready to work for the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
The women leaders, speaking on behalf of participants, pledged their unwavering support for OmoBarca’s candidacy, describing him as a compassionate leader with a long-standing record of identifying with ordinary people.
They assured him that women across the constituency would mobilize support at the grassroots to ensure his victory at the polls.
In what many described as one of the highlights of the event, OmoBarca unveiled a series of ambitious welfare programmes designed to improve the lives of women, children, and small business owners in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
The House of Representatives hopeful announced that, if elected, he would personally pay the hospital bills of every woman who delivers through Caesarean section CS at the Ajeromi-Ifelodun General Hospital.
He said the initiative was intended to reduce the financial burden often associated with maternal healthcare and ensure that no family is denied quality medical care because of economic hardship.
According to OmoBarca, access to safe maternal healthcare is a fundamental right, and expectant mothers should not be burdened with overwhelming hospital expenses during childbirth.
He further disclosed that his intervention would not be limited to women who undergo Caesarean delivery.
The NDC candidate also promised to settle the hospital bills of women who give birth through normal delivery at the Ajeromi-Ifelodun General Hospital.
In addition to offsetting their medical expenses, he pledged to present each new mother with a cash gift of ₦100,000 to support the welfare of both mother and child during the critical postnatal period.
He explained that the financial support would help young families purchase essential baby items and meet immediate household needs after delivery.
OmoBarca said the initiative reflects his commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare while promoting the welfare of women across the constituency.
The lawmaker hopeful also announced a major economic empowerment programme targeted at women entrepreneurs operating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
According to him, women engaged in legitimate businesses would receive grants of ₦250,000 each to expand their enterprises and improve their means of livelihood.
He noted that empowering women economically would have a multiplier effect on families and the wider community, as women remain central to household welfare and local economic development.
OmoBarca stated that supporting small businesses would create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth across the constituency.
Recognizing the importance of education, the NDC candidate also unveiled a programme aimed at supporting pupils in public primary schools.
He pledged that every child admitted into the first term of public schools across Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency would receive free school uniforms, school bags, books and other learning materials.
According to him, the programme would cover all eligible pupils irrespective of their number, ensuring that no child is denied basic educational materials because of financial constraints.
He stressed that education remains one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and pledged to prioritize investments in human capital development if elected into the House of Representatives.
OmoBarca said children deserve a conducive learning environment and that providing basic educational materials would encourage school enrolment, improve attendance, and reduce the burden on struggling parents.
He assured the gathering that his campaign was built on practical solutions rather than empty promises, adding that every commitment made to the people would be pursued with sincerity and accountability.
The women repeatedly applauded the various initiatives, describing them as evidence of OmoBarca’s genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary people.
Many participants said the proposed interventions in maternal healthcare, education, and small business development directly addressed the pressing needs of families within the constituency.
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