Foundation takes empowerment to Lagos community

Just at a period when many families and households are grappling with rising economic pressure, practical support often speaks louder than promises. That reality played out in Oshodi-Isolo last Saturday, as residents gathered not for political rhetoric, but for tangible assistance aimed at easing everyday hardship.

The occasion was the official launch of the Capital Movement, a non-partisan foundation initiated by Philip Ikechukwu Onwuka, an aspirant for the 2027 House of Representatives election in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.

Held at Gbolahan Primary School in Ajao Estate, the event brought together thousands of residents from the area’s six wards and focused on providing food and financial support to vulnerable members of the community, in the spirit of the Christmas season.

The atmosphere reflected both a festive Christmas spirit and a growing political momentum, as men, women and youths gathered in large numbers to witness what many described as the formal birth of a people-driven movement.

As part of the launch and empowerment programme, Onwuka distributed bags of rice and provided financial support to residents who identified with the vision of the Capital Movement.

Similarly, no fewer than 100 start-ups were given a N100,000 cash boost to inject into their businesses by Onwuka.

The beneficiaries were identified after a careful assessment of their businesses.

The outreach, organisers said, was in keeping with the foundation’s core mission of easing the burden on vulnerable members of the community, especially during the festive season.

Speaking at the event, Onwuka stressed that the Capital Movement is not a political party, but a collective of like-minded individuals committed to social intervention and grassroots development.

“This movement is not a political party. It is a movement of people who share the same vision of improving human welfare. It has nothing to do with any political party,” he said.

While confirming his ambition to contest the House of Representatives seat in 2027, Onwuka disclosed that he is yet to declare for any political party, noting that a decision would be made in 2026.

“The vision is for the 2027 election. I have not declared under any party yet, but by 2026, I will make my declaration after picking a party ticket,” he added.

According to him, the objectives of the Capital Movement include support for schools and students, assistance to hospitals and patients unable to afford medical bills, food distribution, prison outreach programmes, and empowerment for traders and small-scale businesses to stimulate the local economy.

He said the foundation would remain focused on improving human welfare and ensuring that no segment of the community is left behind.

From the early hours of the day, the venue was already filled with residents from across Oshodi-Isolo, many of whom said they had benefited from Onwuka’s past philanthropic gestures even before his political ambition became public.

Several coordinators and community leaders used the occasion to testify to Onwuka’s long-standing relationship with the people.

Esther Uzo, a coordinator from Ward F, Ago Palace, described the initiative as both a humanitarian intervention and a foundation for future political engagement.

“Onwuka has consistently supported the people, and that has earned him wide acceptance in the community. This movement is about helping the masses and preparing the ground for 2027,” she said.

John Chidozie Okere, a coordinator from Ejigbo, described the event as the formal birth of the Capital Movement, noting that Onwuka is widely known for empowering women and widows, not only in Oshodi-Isolo but in other parts of the country.

Beyond the formal programme, the event also served as a platform for personal testimonies from residents and supporters who spoke about Onwuka’s character, generosity and accessibility. Many described him as a man whose popularity predates his political ambition.

Tamen Stephen, a youth leader, said Onwuka’s appeal lies in his consistent support for the community long before he indicated interest in elective office.

“He has been giving back to society even before deciding to contest,” Stephen said.

That is why youths, women and children asked him to represent them at the federal level. The people want an alternative to past leadership failures and empty promises,” he said.

Ramoni Jamiu Adeshina, coordinator of Ilasamaja Ward F2, said Onwuka has for years used his personal resources to support party activities, leaders, elders and the less privileged.

“If he can do all this with his own resources, imagine what he will do when he becomes a member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II. The people will enjoy him more,”.

Perry Martins, a coordinator in Ajao Estate, described Onwuka as a humble, peaceful and selfless philanthropist whose generosity cuts across ethnic and religious lines.

“His past and present generosity has earned him the title ‘man of the people’. Many residents are already waiting to reciprocate his kindness at the polls,” Martin noted.

Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, portraying Onwuka as a potential “game changer” for the constituency. Coordinators from Ailegun, Ejigbo and other wards offered prayers for his health and success, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring a new direction to Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.

Born on June 18, 1980, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Philip Ikechukwu Onwuka had his primary and secondary education in Umudim, Imo State.

A businessman by profession, he has lived and conducted business in Lagos for most of his life, building strong ties within Oshodi-Isolo, where he grew up and its surrounding communities.

With the Capital Movement adopting the slogan “For a Brighter Future,” supporters say the foundation has become both a symbol of social responsibility and a rallying point for residents seeking accountable representation.

So, as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape, the growing grassroots enthusiasm around Onwuka suggests that Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II may be heading into a keenly contested political season.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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