……As the community assures Ekwunife of their total support ahead of Guber Poll
By Tony Ezike
In a heartfelt homecoming, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uche Ekwunife (CON), returned to her roots in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, to seek prayers and support ahead of the November 8th Anambra governorship election.
The visit, which drew prominent dignitaries and community leaders, was filled with emotion, prayers, and reaffirmation of the town’s belief in Ekwunife’s leadership capacity.
The political heavyweight, titled Ada-Ugo Igbo-Ukwu, was warmly received by elders, women groups, youths, and traditional titleholders, who rallied around her joint ticket with APC governorship candidate, Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, (Ikukuoma Ndigbo).
Senator Ekwunife told the crowd that her visit was both a thanksgiving and a declaration, to inform them officially that she is on the ballot as the deputy governorship candidate of the APC.
“I did roads from Ichida, to the Police station, including Nkwo Igbo-Ukwu, among other community projects and social schemes. I also offered scholarships to students across Aguata LGA, which compelled the traditional rulers in Aguata to confer on me the prestigious title of Nnedioramma in 2002. I was the first titled woman in Igbo-Ukwu, not even as a politician, but as a banker.”
“I built a health centre in Igbo-Ukwu even when I wasn’t in public office. That is what service means. Now that I’m on the ballot, which means that you all are equally on the ballot, I’m here to ask for your prayers and massive support,” she said.
She condemned the proposed renaming of Nkwo Igbo-Ukwu to “Solution Market” by the current administration, vowing to not only restore its original name but also transform it into an international-standard market. “Igbo-Ukwu will become a mini-city under our government,” Ekwunife promised.
Elder statesman Chief Anigbogu assured her of continued community support, saying, “She knows us before, and she’ll continue to know and work for us as deputy governor.” Similarly, Emma Okpalaugo, Chairman of Nze na Ozo Igbo-Ukwu, offered prayers for her protection and success.
Chief Chigbo Ogudebe welcomed everyone and called on the community to massively support the APC ticket to enable them be among the first beneficiaries of democracy dividends. He was echoed by former Speaker Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, who praised Ekwunife’s unmatched contributions to Igboukwu even without representing Anambra South at the time. “She brought meaningful development to our senatorial district, with landmark achievements, and I remain one of her biggest fans,” he said.
Adding his voice, Chief Azuka Okwuosa, APC Senatorial Candidate for Anambra South, hailed Igbo-Ukwu as the cradle of Igbo civilization and asked for their support in both his and Ekwunife’s campaigns. “We will build on the legacy of Senator Ekwunife in infrastructure and human capital development,” he pledged.
Ekwunife emphasized that political parties are only vehicles to achieving purpose, noting: “There is no such thing as Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba party. What matters is who will truly work for the people.”
Barr. MCK Ubah, President General of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union, commended Ekwunife for her legacy of service and reaffirmed the community’s readiness to back her good intentions. “Our sister is the last woman standing,” he declared, recalling their days as managers at Standard Trust Bank.
The event ended with powerful prayers for health, strength, and victory, led by community leaders, including representatives of the traditional ruler and Umu Adaigbo.
Notable dignitaries at the event included:
Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, Former Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Azuka Okwuosa, APC Senatorial Candidate for Anambra South
Emma Okpalaugo, Chairman, Nze na Ozo Igbo-Ukwu
Hon. Chido Obidiegwu
Dr. Ego Uzoezie, Former Commissioner for Women Affairs
Dr. Jude Emecheta
Chief Emma Ezenwoye
Chief Goddy Umenwa
Chief Nnajiofor Omenife
Engr. Anyaora, Secretary General, Igbo-Ukwu Development Union
Barr. MCK Ubah, PG, Igbo-Ukwu Development Union
Mrs. Nwogwa Ugochukwu, Chairlady, Umuada Igbo
The political momentum continues to build for Senator Uche Ekwunife and Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu as the message of APC visionary campaign heads into the heart of Anambra’s grassroots.
