By Ingram Osigwe
Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwounu has just joined the Pantheon. And he did so seamlessly, living out his middle name, “Ugochinyere,” which roughly transliterates in the Igbo language to “glory/aura conferred by the creator.”
As his name connotes, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu is God’s special project. He is a young man destined to lead his people, evil mechanizations of enemies of the Ideato nation notwithstanding.
Ugochinyere’s triumph at the polls was a hard-won victory snatched from the jaws of evil men who, a few days before the election, unleashed unprecedented bloody violence on him and his family, culminating in the brutal assassination of his uncle, Iloabanafor.
However, to the glory of God, their intention to dim Akokwa, nay, Ideato’s light failed because, today, Hon. Ugochinyere has emerged as the symbol of the crusade for a better society, particularly for a better, more prosperous and progressive Akokwa.
His election on February 25, 2023, as a member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and his subsequent inauguration on Tuesday have entrusted on his shoulders enormous responsibilities.
I’m doubly optimistic that Ugochinyere will shine and make his constituents proud beyond their expectations as having him at this time as their representative in Abuja is a prayer answered and an effective solution to the challenges facing the Ideato nation.
It is exhilarating to note that at a very young age fate and doggedness have put Ugochinyere forward as the political leader of the Ideato nation; I do not have any doubt that he will rise above the fray and stamp competence and leadership.
With his ascension to the House of Representatives, Ugochinyere has taken his place in the hall of honour and fame among illustrious sons of Ideato, living and death, who had at one time or another put the ancient kingdom on the world map through different accomplishments.
Notable among these are former Governor Rochas Okorocha, the late Mazi Mbonu Ojike, the late Collins Obi, the late KO Mbadiwe, the late Engr. Ezekiel Izuogu, Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, Hon. Pat Udogu, the late Chief OGB Uche, Hon. Austin Chukwukere and his predecessor, Hon. Pascal Obi.
Others include industrialists and captains of industry including the late LN Obioha, the late Johnson Igwe (Bolingo), Green Mbadiwe, the late Ferdinand Anaghara (IYI), the late Chief MO Kanu (Omeire), the late Nze Clement Maduako, stockfish merchants, the late GN Iheaku and the late Nze FI Onwadike, Chief Charles Anudu (Swift Networks), and Sir Tony Ezenna (Orange Drugs) among others.
Given his sterling performance as the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu has proven that he is fearless and forthright, one who speaks for the oppressed and stands on the side of truth, the odds notwithstanding.
His last name “Ikeagwuonu” means the mouth never gets tired, I do not expect Hon. Ugochinyere to stop speaking for the oppressed and advocating for a better society now that he has stepped up the ladder in social ranking.
His constituency, Ideato North and South, is besieged by a myriad of problems, chief among which is erosion, the Ideato nation will be eternally grateful to him if, through the instrumentality of legislation or robust interface with the executive arm of the federal government, the erosion menace is tackled for good.
A lawyer, Hon. Ugochinyere as a lawmaker is on familiar turf, having worked with Imo State’s former Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, as special assistant on youth matters. He also served as the president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, with the former Senate President of Nigeria, Bukola Saraki, as special assistant on youth matters and consulted briefly for former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
As he settles down to offer Ideato quality representation, one can only pray to God to grant Hon. Ugochinyere the wisdom, direction, guidance, vision and courage to serve.
•Chief Osigwe is MD/CEO of Full Page Communications Ltd, Lagos