News Highlights:
- Mayor Sunny Afurobi declared unwavering support for Governor Alex Otti’s 2027 re-election at a packed stakeholders’ meeting in Mbala.
- He urged grassroots political mobilization and praised the Governor’s transformative impact on power, infrastructure, youth, and women empowerment in Umunneochi.
In a vibrant show of unity and political determination, the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, High Chief Sunny Nduka Afurobi, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the re-election of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, in the 2027 general elections.
The mayor made this bold declaration at the grand finale of the Umunneochi Zone 2 Stakeholders Meeting, held at the Mbala Methodist Church field.
Addressing a mammoth crowd comprising political heavyweights, traditional rulers, and spirited constituents from across the twelve wards of Umunneochi, Mayor Afurobi described Governor Otti as a beacon of transformational leadership.
He emphasized that the only appropriate way for the people of Umunneochi to express gratitude for the governor’s impactful leadership is by engaging in what he called a “Jehovah’s Witness style of political evangelism”—a door-to-door, person-to-person campaign strategy designed to secure widespread grassroots support for the governor’s second term.
He urged every eligible son and daughter of Umunneochi, aged eighteen and above, to ensure they are registered as soon as INEC opens its voter registration portal.
The mayor highlighted several developmental strides recorded under Governor Otti’s administration that have brought meaningful change to the people of Umunneochi, noting that electricity supply has significantly improved, reaching even remote areas.
According to him, ongoing efforts are being made to revitalize abandoned transformers and maintain consistent power through continuous engagement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), ensuring that electricity in Umunneochi is not limited to festive seasons.
He also pointed to major infrastructural developments such as the near-completion of the Achara Bridge and the Governor’s firm commitment to the construction of the long-anticipated Mmam Bridge.
In terms of youth empowerment, Mayor Afurobi announced that thirty young people from Umunneochi are currently undergoing ICT training in Umuahia, with two already receiving special recognition and support.
Additionally, over three hundred youths are actively engaged in a newly established Nollywood Centre in Umunneochi, which aims to nurture creative talent and provide sustainable livelihoods.
Further extending his administration’s social impact, the mayor revealed plans to empower widows and less privileged women in Umunneochi through a combination of financial and material support, allowing them to start small-scale businesses and better support their families.
He also assured the people that concrete measures are in place to eliminate the prevailing security threats in the area, promising a safer environment for all.
In a stern warning, Mayor Afurobi condemned the illegal collection of local revenue and cautioned that such actions would no longer be tolerated, making it clear that local revenue belongs to the state government, which in turn allocates what is due to the local government.
He emphasized that anyone caught engaging in the misappropriation of council funds would face severe legal consequences.
The well-attended stakeholders’ meeting, which marks the conclusion of its first phase, drew prominent figures from across the political landscape.
Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Mathias Umeh, Deputy Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly; Ogbuehi Chaka Chukwumerije, Commissioner for Land and Housing; Dr. Oluebube A. Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process; and Lady Grace Ibe, a commissioner in the Abia State House of Assembly Commission.
Others include Hon. Innocent T. Ejiuwa, the new Abia Arise Umunneochi coordinator; Chief Ike Orika of GODA; Chief Billy Achara; Pastor Kingsley Mezie; Mr. Obinna Frank Obi; and Hon. Augustine Mighty.
Also present were the local government councillors led by the Council Leader, Hon. Kingsley Nwankwo, along with Hon. Joel Obumneme, Hon. David Mba, Hon. Chukwubiko, Hon. Mrs. Charity, and several other councilors.
Traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, and notable political stakeholders from both past and present administrations were in full attendance. The presence of the CEO of Ziggy Water, Chief Nwabunna Achu (Akubuilo) and his entourage added further prestige to the event.
The Onu Ugu Women Group, representing the wife of the Governor, graced the occasion with spirited praise songs, publicly affirming their unwavering support for both the Governor and his wife.
The massive turnout of supporters, friends, and well-wishers filled the Mbala Methodist Church Event Centre to capacity, wrapping up what was undoubtedly a memorable and successful first phase of the stakeholders’ engagement.
As the event drew to a close, Mayor Afurobi expressed heartfelt appreciation to all contributors and participants and announced that the stakeholders’ engagement would continue in a more expansive second phase, designed to further strengthen solidarity with Governor Alex Otti and reinforce the developmental agenda for the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia State.
