Today Saturday 31st May 2025, the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa , led some APC stakeholders from Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs for an appreciation visit to the member representing Bende Federal Constituency and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in his country home, Bende LGA of Abia State.
In his introduction speech, High Chief Uche Ogboso said they came to present Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa to him, as their son, in whom they are well pleased, emphasizing the need for the Deputy Speaker to carry him along, even as Ikenna Ukwa has never relented but has been working tirelessly to support and project the party in the two LGAs to a lofty and enviable heights. He said Ikenna Ukwa has shown capacity and unparalleled love to the party through his strives to unify the party members and the stakeholders and prepare them for victory in 2027 general elections.
“The kind of energetic spirit Ikenna Ukwa brings to the party is overwhelming and if we have someone like him again in Arochukwu & Ohafia LGAs with that kind of passionate spirit and love for the growth of the party, we would have gone higher than where we are now”.
High Chief Uche Ogboso highlighted Ukwa’s achievements, including:
Establishing APC LGA and ward offices in Ohafia,
Attracting solar-powered street lights to Ohafia and Arochukwu LGAs,
Organizing free eye and medical outreach programs in Ohafia and the recent one he did in Leprosy Centre, Uzuakoli and visitation to the motherless babies home in commemoration of the Deputy Speaker’s birthday anniversary,
Empowerment to artisans and free distribution of food items and fertilizers to women in communities in Abia,
Football competition he recently sponsored for the three clans in Ohafia LGA,
Distribution of academic materials for pupils and students in primary and secondary schools in Ohafia LGA, and
Registration of free NECO for indigent students in Ohafia LGA, among others.
Chief George Nnanna Kalu in his speech affirmed that truly, Ikenna Ukwa has made tremendous efforts and contributed immensely to the party and society at large, asserting that he would even do more, if given an elective and higher positions.
Responding, RT Hon Benjamin Kalu expressed overwhelming joy for the visit which he said, demonstrates the love, unity and readiness of the party stakeholders in the two LGAs to work together for the party’s victory.
The Federal lawmaker urged them to continue working together to strengthen the party and also encouraged Ikenna Ukwa to remain determined and patient, promising to bring him closer to work together for the good of the party.
“This young man, Ikenna Ukwa is taking the right steps and the future is bright for someone like him as he is making himself visible and available. He is tenacious , consistent, energetic and intentional with what he wants. I admire his patience and determination and will urge him never to relent. And for the stakeholders that have brought him, do not deceive him but guide and direct him through positively in order for him to sail through his political journey successfully”, Deputy Speaker said.
In addition, Rep Ben Kalu enjoined the stakeholders to extend hands of fellowship to all and advised the party members and stakeholders who are aggrieved to come together and make the party formidable.
“Mr President is aware that Abia North is contributing to his growth and the growth of the party and we must continue to collaborate and work together to maintain that trajectory for more development”.
Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa in his closing remark reiterated his commitment to the unity and progress of the party and thanked his host, for his warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his team members.