Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has commenced a ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, engaging traditional rulers, community leaders and residents as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots interaction across the senatorial district.
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, began the tour with a visit to Elu Ohafia, where he embarked on a kilometre-long walk through the streets to the palace of the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy, Ezie Ohamoha Elder Awa Orji Udonsi.
The senator described Ohafia as home, noting that his relationship with the ancient kingdom extended beyond politics and was built on longstanding bonds of friendship, love and mutual respect.
He also recalled being honoured with the revered traditional title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, describing the recognition as a reflection of his enduring relationship with the people and their traditions.
During the visit, Kalu met with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, known as O’no’ko’ Nde Ezieogo Ohafia, at Achichi Ohafia, in a meeting chaired by the Udumeze of Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha Elder Awa Orji Udonsi.
The meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on the development of Ohafia, Abia North Senatorial District and Abia State.
Kalu expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace, unity and justice across the 26 villages of Ohafia, describing traditional institutions as important partners in community development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
He also noted that his membership of an age grade in Ohafia further strengthened his connection with the community and its traditions.
Following his engagement with the traditional rulers, the senator continued his ward-to-ward tour with a visit to Amangwu Ohafia in Okamu Ward, where he interacted with residents and discussed issues relating to the development of the community, Ohafia and Abia North.
Kalu said the engagement was part of his commitment to listening to constituents and ensuring that communities across the senatorial district had opportunities to express their concerns and priorities.
The tour also took him to Ndi Ibe, where he met with residents of Ndi Ibe/Ufiele Ohafia Ward and expressed gratitude for their reception and show of support.
He reiterated that every community in Abia North deserved equal attention, irrespective of its population or size, adding that all constituents should have a voice in matters affecting their communities.
At Eziafor Ohafia, the senator met with residents of Eziafor/Ndi Orieke Ward, where he continued discussions on community development and representation.
He thanked the people for their warm reception and encouragement, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing the interests of Ohafia and Abia North.
Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour also took him to Asaga Ohafia, where he visited the people of Ohafor Ward and held interactions with community members, including traditional and community stakeholders.
The senator described the visit as another opportunity to reconnect with constituents, exchange views and listen to their concerns, while expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended to him.
He said his engagements across the various communities were aimed at strengthening relationships with constituents and maintaining direct communication with people at the grassroots.
Throughout the tour, Kalu repeatedly emphasised the importance of inclusive representation, stating that all communities in Abia North, regardless of their size, deserved equal consideration and attention.
The ward-to-ward tour forms part of the senator’s ongoing consultations with constituents across Abia North, providing opportunities for interaction with traditional rulers, community leaders and residents on issues concerning their welfare and development.
