Community leaders and political stakeholders in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, have declared their support for the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, recalling his contributions to education, road infrastructure and community development.
The leaders spoke during Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of Isuochi, where residents, elders, women and youths gathered to receive the former Abia State Governor and discuss the needs of their communities.
The tour took Kalu to Uhuolugho/Umudim/Agulato and Ezingodo Ward, Umuelem/Ndiawa/Ihie-Ngada Ward, Umumeze and Umuogele Wards, as well as Umuehihie and Umucha Wards.
Welcoming the senator on behalf of the Ochi II of Isuochi Ancient Kingdom, Eze-elect Hon. Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, former two-time Leader of the Umunneochi Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Prince Uchenna Ezekwesiri, said the people of Isuochi had enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Kalu.
He recalled that Kalu’s association with the community dated back to his time in the Constituent Assembly, long before he became Governor of Abia State in 1999.
“I came here to represent the Ochi II of Isuochi Ancient Kingdom, Eze-elect Hon. Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, to welcome His Excellency, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
“He has been gracious to Isuochi right from his time in the Constituent Assembly, representing Bende. We have always been on good terms with him. That was why, in 1996, he was given a chieftaincy title here as Dike Di Igbo Mma Ndi Isuochi.
“Our children were not going to school before 1999, but he introduced free education to encourage education, and our situation changed from that time.
“I am calling on him, on behalf of our people, to bring more projects to these communities, particularly Umuelem, Ndiawa and Ihie. We need roads. He has done over 10 roads in Ngodo, so these communities need roads too.
“We are fully with him, and he shall have our votes in 2027, just as we have always supported him. Victory is his in Jesus’ name. Amen,” Ezekwesiri said.
Addressing the people, Kalu recalled his longstanding relationship with Isuochi, describing Umunneochi as a place that had always occupied a special place in his heart.
“I have a special bond with the people of Umunneochi. Our relationship did not start today, and it did not start when I became a senator. We have been together for many years, and I have never forgotten the love and support you have shown me,” he said.
“When I was governor, we introduced free education because I believed that no child should be denied the opportunity to go to school simply because their parents could not afford it. I am happy that many of the children who benefited from that policy have grown into responsible men and women today.
“We also constructed rural roads because our farmers and traders needed good roads to move their goods and go about their businesses. I know that some communities still need more roads, and I have listened carefully to those requests.
“I have heard your concerns, and I want to assure you that I will continue to do my best for Umunneochi. If you give me another opportunity in 2027, I will work to attract more projects and opportunities to our communities.
“Umunneochi is very dear to me, and I will continue to stand with our people,” Kalu said.
The senator’s free education policy, introduced during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007, remains one of the programmes recalled by residents during his engagements across Abia North.
Beyond education, Kalu also spoke about rural road construction and the need to improve access to farming communities, noting that better roads would help farmers transport their produce and support local businesses.
Among the constituency interventions attracted by Kalu are the rehabilitation of Umuelem Central School in Isuochi and the Ekeanyim/Mbaraede road project in Umuogele, Amuda Isuochi.
Other interventions across Umunneochi include the rehabilitation of Eziama Community Primary School in Nneato, a borehole project in Ezioba and road works along the Akawa-Aruikpa axis.
The projects form part of the senator’s infrastructure and community development interventions since his election to the National Assembly in 2019.
During the engagements, residents also drew Kalu’s attention to the need for additional access roads and other basic infrastructure in their communities.
The senator assured them that their requests would receive attention, promising to continue working with relevant federal government agencies to attract more development projects to Umunneochi and other parts of Abia North.
Kalu was accompanied on the tour by prominent Umunneochi businessman, Chief Etomchukwu Uba, popularly known as Akuchinyeremba Isuochi; the All Progressives Congress candidate for Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Uche Stanley Ebere; APC leaders; members of OUK Movement, Reality Organization, and community leaders.
