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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
In Imo State politics, declarations are usually staged by party men and godfathers. But Ahiazu Mbaise witnessed something different last week.
Mbaise-born US billionaire and philanthropist, Dr Chetachi Nwoga, stepped out to declare for the Owerri Senate seat. She was not flanked by political brokers. She was surrounded by a council of traditional rulers who came to give her something rare in modern politics: a unanimous royal endorsement.
The monarchs called it a “royal calling.” For Nwoga, it was a homecoming. Virtually all the royal father’s present had soothing words about Nwoga. Vice Chairman, Ahiazu Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Stanley Ogumba, said: “Anybody who knows her knows she’s capable of representing Owerri zone. She comes from a lineage that has ruled Imo and the Eastern region. She has served the less privileged for years. We believe she will do more in the Senate. That is why all of us have given her our royal blessing.”
Secretary General of the monarchs and traditional ruler of Lude Autonomous Community, Eze Cyril Uwaoma, corroborated him: “This is not a fluke. We chose her because we know her worth. She will not disappoint us.”
Former Council Chairman, Eze G.O. Obasi, said the monarchs were proud that Dr Cheta Nwoga answered their call to service, citing her long history of philanthropy across Mbaise.
Fighting back emotion, Nwoga dedicated the endorsement to her late parents, Godwin and Chinyere Nwoga. “I wish my parents were here to witness this step their first daughter has taken,” she said. “This means everything to me because it is my bloodline.”
Her pledge was direct: “I promise I will not disappoint you. I am here to serve. I am here to give Ahiazu Mbaise and Owerri zone better representation. What I am known for is humanity, and the time for humanity is now.”
On her motivation, she was blunt: “My decision to serve is not for power or money. I am content with what I have. I have never collected money for my humanitarian work. In the Senate, I will do more.”
From Ahiazu to America, and back, Nwoga’s story is the kind politicians pay speechwriters to invent. Born into a humble family, she left for the United States at 17. The early years were hard. She, however, found her footing in real estate and later built a healthcare business that became the engine of her philanthropy.
In the last decade, her foundation has reached over 10 million people. Her “Seed for Life” farming programme has supported rural farmers across several states for 10 years running. That record earned her a place among the “100 Most Influential Nigerians in the US” and the “15 Most Influential Women in the Diaspora.”
Her campaign is anchored on a simple line: “Chetachi Humanity, Your Time Is Now”.
