Women leaders across Umunneochi Local Government Area have reaffirmed their solidarity with the Abia State Government and the Umunneochi LGA administration, pledging intensified grassroots mobilisation in support of Governor Alex Chioma Otti and the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi.
The assurance came during a solidarity visit by the Umunneochi Women for Governor Alex Otti and Mayor Sunny Afurobi to the Mayor’s office in Nkwoagu, where the women said their mission was to encourage and strengthen what they described as “efficient, progressive, and people-oriented leadership” in the state and the council.
Receiving the delegation, Mayor Sunny Afurobi expressed appreciation to the executive and ward officers of the group for their support, assuring them that his administration would continue to justify their confidence through “effective and result-oriented leadership” that would make the people proud.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Afurobi underscored the critical role women play in elections, noting that their contribution to the emergence of credible leaders “cannot be overemphasised.”
He charged the group to sustain their mobilisation drive across wards and to work assiduously to ensure that votes are cast for Governor Otti and “other tested candidates to continue working for Abians.”
The Mayor reiterated that his administration is inclusive and committed to improving livelihoods in Umunneochi.
As part of efforts to boost food production, he disclosed that over 25 hectares of land have been acquired in the Ngodo and Nneato blocs for cassava revolution projects scheduled to commence in the current planting season. According to him, the initiative is aimed at guaranteeing food security for residents in the near future.
He also highlighted progress on the “Water Must Flow” initiative, assuring that machinery has been set in motion to ensure that every ward in Umunneochi benefits from borehole projects to address the water needs of rural dwellers.
Calling for unity, Chief Afurobi urged all stakeholders to “join hands together to build a better future for Ndi Umunneochi,” assuring that better opportunities lie ahead for the people to rejoice and be glad.
He encouraged the women to remain focused and resolute in their support for the Governor, while cautioning against actions capable of causing ridicule or division within the group.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Mayor charged the women to mobilise eligible voters in their wards—particularly those who have turned 18, those without voters’ cards, and those seeking replacement or transfer of polling units—to visit the INEC office and do the needful.
He warned against releasing voters’ cards to anyone, noting reports that some individuals are collecting citizens’ cards for a token.
Chief Afurobi further promised to provide logistics support to enable the group to hold its monthly meetings, while commending the LGA Coordinator, Mrs Salome Onwu, for her “painstaking efforts” in mobilising support for the Governor, adding that her loyalty would be rewarded.
Earlier, the Leader of Umunneochi Women for Governor Otti and Mayor Afurobi, Mrs Salome Onwu, said the visit was to show solidarity with Governor Alex Chioma Otti and Mayor Sunny Afurobi “for all the good works they are doing in Abia State and Umunneochi respectively,” and pledged the group’s continued support to help the administrations “continue achieving greatness.”
Mrs Onwu explained that the group was formed to add its voice and momentum to the Governor’s re-election agenda, stressing that its membership is “vibrant and active in all the wards in Umunneochi.”
She added that efforts are ongoing to recruit more members in line with their commitment to supporting efficient and people-centred governance at both state and local levels.
In a vote of thanks, the group’s Secretary, Mrs Gertrude Ike, thanked the Mayor for his hospitality and show of love, praying God to “enlarge his coast for more exploits.”
The visit climaxed with special prayers offered for Governor Alex Otti, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, and all elected and appointed sons and daughters of Umunneochi, for continued excellence in governance.
