Bende Federal Constituency has witnessed sustained grassroots development in recent years, largely driven by Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, a businessman and philanthropist who has delivered large-scale empowerment programs without holding any political office.
Through the Chima Anyaso Foundation and the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation, Dr. Anyaso has focused interventions on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and food security across the 13 wards of Bende LGA.
Education and Health
The Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation operates a tuition-free nursery and primary school in Igbere. According to foundation records, over 5,000 pupils have received free education, with more than 3,000 of them drawn directly from the host community.
In healthcare, the foundations have organized free medical outreach programs, donated medical equipment and drugs to hospitals, and provided quarterly health support to vulnerable residents.
Economic Empowerment
Dr. Anyaso’s economic interventions have targeted women, youths, and small business owners.
– In February 2026, 100 women traders in Bende LGA each received N200,000 to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
– On January 1, 2026, youths and distinguished individuals received cash grants of ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
– Previous initiatives included distribution of grinding machines and cash to 40 women and widows, as well as financial support to 40 other beneficiaries in the aftermath of COVID-19.
– Hundreds of young people have also benefited from skills acquisition and youth development programs aimed at job creation.
Food Security
In a recent international partnership finalized in Boston, the Chima Anyaso Foundation teamed up with US-based Communitywide Charities to establish fully functional community food banks in all 13 wards of Bende. The program is designed to provide periodic dietary support to low-income families and vulnerable groups, while also addressing the stigma associated with hunger.
Speaking after the agreement, Dr. Anyaso said, “At the heart of this partnership is the unyielding belief that meaningful leadership goes beyond words. It is about building functional bridges… to deliver practical, verifiable solutions that instantly improve human lives.”
Growing Political Support
Despite not holding office, Dr. Anyaso’s work has earned him wide community backing. Stakeholders from all 13 wards recently endorsed him to contest the House of Representatives seat for Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections under the Labour Party.
Presenting the endorsement, Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, said the call was “driven by his proven track record and the trust he has built among the people.” Community leaders also described him as “always present in Bende, listening and bringing people close to himself.”
Dr. Anyaso previously contested for the Bende House of Reps seat in 2019 under the PDP and served as deputy governorship candidate of the YPP in Abia State in 2023. He resigned from YPP in 2025, citing strategic considerations.
As 2027 approaches, observers note that his philanthropic footprint — spanning education, health, and direct cash empowerment — has positioned him as one of the most visible non-office holders shaping development in Bende.
