Essential Ndubuisi
By Kingsley Ubani
Distinguished and People-oriented, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) has caved a niche for herself in the political firmament of Igboland and the nation at large.
Born into the family of Ogudebe from Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife’s entrance into Nigeria’s political space remodeled the place of women in Nigerian politics.
Married to Chief Larry Ekwunife (Ozo Okuta Oluo-Ibe), a successful businessman from Nri in Anaocha Local government Area of Anambra State, Senator Ekwunife has been a blessing to both her marital home, Nri and her home of birth, Igboukwu.
Her political sojourn which began after a successful career in banking, where she attained the positions of Regional Manager at Standard Trust Bank and Head Public Sector at United Bank for Africa (UBA) saw her represent the good people of Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka federal constituency, one of the largest federal constituencies in Nigeria in terms of numerical strength.
Ekwunife’s two-tenured representation in the federal house was effective and impactful. She moved motions to the betterment of Anambra State and her constituency, motions against flooding, erosion, armed robbery and kidnapping form part of her contributions at the green chamber. Prominent among her motions was the motion seeking for the completion of the then abandoned Zik’s Mausoleum in Onitsha, an edifice of great emotional attachment to Ndi Igbo which was abandoned by successive governments.
Ekwunife pursued bills that sought for constitutional reforms and alterations to the betterment of the larger Nigerian society. Her bill with sought to amend Nigeria’s constitution to guarantee local government financial and political autonomy speaks volume in this regard. Iyom Ekwunife equally fought for the sustenance of the environment, she sponsored the bill for the Establishment of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, an agency that had existed without a clear-cut document guiding its establishment and administration – the bill was in 2018 signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Her stay in the 8th Senate, though short-lived did witness some significant achievements for the Senatorial zone. During this period, Senator Ekwunife became the first woman and the first South Easterner to serve as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. She moved motions to address the dilapidated state of the Enugu/Onitsha expressway as well as curb the erosion menace troubling her Senatorial zone, Anambra Central.
18 months into the 9th Senate, Ekwunife has demostrated dexterity in the business of lawmaking. She has stood firm in projecting the interest of Anambra Central, Anambra State and the South East region. Her motion of urgent national importance seeking to address the devastating storm in Obosi, Nkpor and Oraukwu communities of Anambra State and her clamour for a representative from South East to be appointed on the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are only a few examples of her efforts in this regard.
Furthermore, Ekwunife’s recent projects and programmes confirm her deep interest in the development of her constituency and Anambra State at large. Aside facilitating the construction of road projects, classroom blocks, erosion control projects, market stalls, solar powered boreholes, Solar streetlights etc. in the Senatorial District, the Federal Lawmaker has shown tremendous commitment to human capital development. Some of her most recent activities in this regard include, ICT training and laptop grants for 50 youths in the Senatorial District, Distribution of Educational materials to 131 schools, the National Office for Technology Acquisition And Promotion (NOTAP) technology story board distribution programme to 9 secondary schools in Anambra State, facilitation of a Strategic Seminar for the Clergy in Anambra Central, Capacity Building Training for the Presidents General in Anambra Central, Leadership and Conflict Management Conference for the Traditional Rulers in Anambra Central, Entrepreneurial Development and Skills Acquisition training programme for the women and youths in her constituency, and many other programmes and projects, including the much applauded construction of 3 bedroom bungalows for some less privileged families in the Senatorial District which have had many without a decent shelter leap for joy in gratitude to God for the good works he has used the Senator to do in their lives.
Through the both chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Uche Ekwunife has shown legislative prowess, her projects in the various communities are felt, seen and verifiable. She has chaired the House Committee on Environment, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, and is currently the Chairman Senate committee on Science and Technology. She is equally a member of prime standing committees in the 9th Senate with 40 critical Bills and Motions to her credit in the last one year.
Iyom as she is fondly called is loved by her people, she holds the prestigious title Anyanwu-Nri from Nri community for her contributions to the socio-economic development of the community. Her title, Adaugo-Igbo is consequent of her contributions to Igboukwu community, the home of her birth. She is widely recognized by many communities and associations, with numerous awards in recognition for her strides in community development.
Iyom, your efforts in human capital development, community development and the socio-economic development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large have endeared you to the hearts of many.
Your scores of supporters and team of admirers wish you a Happy birthday and many returns!
Happy 50th Birthday to a human capacity builder – the Mother Theresa of our time!
Kingsley is the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife. He writes from Awka, Anambra State.
