—-As Umunneochi Rise In Support Of Governor Alex Otti At Abia Arise Carnival
The Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Council, Chief Sunny Afurobi (Obidike Isuochi), has reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia State by endorsing the political movement of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, known as “Abia Arise.”
Addressing a mammoth crowd during the Umunneochi chapter of the Abia Arise Carnival, held at Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, Chief Afurobi highlighted some of the Governor’s numerous support for and achievements in Umunneochi
The event, coordinated by the Umunneochi Abia Arise Coordinator, Chief Ike Opigwe, saw the Mayor outline the Governor’s success in addressing security challenges in the local government and integrating Umunneochi sons and daughters into key positions within his government.
He also commended Dr. Otti’s commitment to supporting and implementing a free education scheme in Primary and Secondary Schools and free medical care for indigent people in Abia State to ensure that every citizen of Abia State benefits from basic education.
Chief Afurobi, a long-standing and prominent member of Abia Arise Movement, seized the opportunity to present a progress report on his two-and-half months’ old administration, expressing happiness with the fulfillment of some of his campaign promises in less than 90 days in office.
He listed some of his achievements to include implementation of steady electricity supply in Umunneochi, ongoing efforts to energize Umuchieze, and the revitalization of areas with faulty transformers, noting that this would drive business activities to build Umunneochi economy and engage her citizens meaningfully.
Has announced that his government has concluded plans to fix all the vandalised transformers in Umunneochi and install new ones so as to ensure regular power supply in the local government area.
The Mayor also informed his audience about the creation of Umunneochi Nollywood and has concluded arrangements for the building of a film village to provide employment for youths and modernize cultural festivals in the local government area, adding that he has assigned the Skills Acquisition Centre in Nkwoagu for the use of Umunneochi Nollywood.
“This is to engage our youths in productive activities and develop further skills in the value chain of the film industry. This will further grow Umunneochi economy for the betterment of the people and reduce rural-urban migration,” he said.
He further announced that his administration has sand-filled and graded some rural feeder roads in Umunneochi as part of his government’s road improvement efforts, assuring that wards yet to be reached will still benefit from the initiative, with subsequent phases planned as funds become available.
Chief Afurobi disclosed that additionally, he has established a synergy with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Umunneochi chapter, and other farmers to provide high-quality agricultural seedlings and stems for increased food production.
In sports and youth development, the Mayor announced that he has concluded plans for Umuneochi primary and secondary school football and field and track event competitions aimed at “building and developing skills and opportunities for our youths and export them to the world to become our ambassadors.”
The Mayor who disclosed that plans have been concluded for the repairs of the collapsed bridge leading to Achara from Eke Isuochi with work starting there this week, also announced that from next week, Nkwoagu residents can come to the local government gate to have free water as his government has restored light to the local government complex and reactivated the water system there.
He reaffirmed his dedication to utilizing all available resources for the benefit of Umunneochi, urging the people to offer their support, suggestions, and ideas for further development, and called on all residents to stand firmly behind Governor Alex Chioma Otti, in his mission to transform Abia State.
According to him, “The mammoth crowd at today’s event, is a testament to the peoples’ appreciation of the governor’s good works in not only Umunneochi but the whole of Abia State. Let me enjoin more of our people to join this group for a better and prosperous Abia and Nigeria.”
The event also witnessed a significant political shift, as notable figures, including Chief Fabian Nwankwo (Anaemenyu Oku), Chief Obiechile, and Hon. Chiagozie, officially decamped from their respective parties to join Abia Arise in support of the Governor.
Chief Ebere Nwankwo, popularly known as Ebere Umunneochi, along with his group, also pledged allegiance to the movement.
Distinguished personalities such as Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, Abia State Commissioner for Land and Housing; Rev. Fr. Dr. Christian Anokwuru, the Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Policies and Interventions, who represented the governor; and Hon. Matthias Umeh (Nwachi), member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, graced the occasion.
Others include Mr. Ndubuisi Ike, the immediate past Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area; Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Due Process; Hon. Dodoh Okafor, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Public Communication; and Hon Ishmael Onuoha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Co-operatives, alongside numerous political figures and traditional leaders, graced the event in solidarity with the Governor and the Mayor.
The atmosphere was vibrant with cultural displays, as masquerades, dancers, drummers, and gong beaters entertained the audience in a carnival described as the most extensive and well-attended event since inception in Umunneochi with Abia Arise beginning the New Year with panache.
