By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
In a strong show of confidence, the Progressives Youth Forum of Ohafia (PYF) has called on Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna to build upon the infrastructural strides made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu when elected into office in 2027. Senator Kalu currently represents Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
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Speaking during a summit held on Tuesday at the Ohafia Civic Centre, Engr. Anyanwu Ikechi, a seasoned human resource development expert, urged Ogbonna to consolidate Kalu’s achievements while placing a strategic focus on both infrastructure and human capacity development across the constituency.
The summit was organised by the youth group to mobilize grassroots support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kalu in the 2027 general elections.
Ikechi described Ogbonna as a distinguished entrepreneur and experienced political leader whose track record sets him apart from other aspirants.
He emphasized that Ogbonna possesses the requisite competence and vision to uplift the lives of the people of Ohafia and Arochukwu.
Expressing optimism about Ogbonna’s prospects in the election, the group urged him to prioritise holistic human capital development across both formal and informal sectors as a means of tackling unemployment and insecurity in the area.
At the well-attended meeting, which featured top leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the group deliberated on the persistent disconnect between political representation and meaningful governance in the federal constituency.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit, the group outlined urgent needs across both Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas and urged Ogbonna to address these areas decisively upon his election to the House of Representatives.
Key among their demands were improvements in education, infrastructure, employment opportunities and skills acquisition, agricultural development, healthcare, and enhanced security.
Engr. Ikechi said: “Our communities have endured significant setbacks due to prolonged power outages an issue we believe Ogbonna can address through legislative action and collaboration with both the state government and our Senator. The potential of solar energy must be harnessed, and the revitalisation of mini power grids across the constituency should be prioritised.”
He added: “We also expect him to take full advantage of the recently enacted Greater Ohafia Development Bill, signed into law by the Governor. This bill offers a unique opportunity to emancipate our people and lay the foundation for a sustainable future. Every community within Arochukwu and Ohafia is in urgent need of development projects, including functional educational institutions, well-equipped healthcare facilities, and an accessible network of quality roads.”
According to the group, Ogbonna, as the constituency’s prospective representative in the House of Representatives, will be inheriting a region grappling with deep political division and disenchantment—particularly among youths who have lost faith in past and current members of the lower legislative chamber.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, social advancement, and improved standards of living. Since 2019, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has made significant strides in Ohafia and Arochukwu, most notably facilitating the long-overdue construction of the Ndi Orieke Ohafia rural road. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been matched by the contributions of those elected to the House of Representatives. This is a major gap we hope Ogbonna will address, by God’s grace, once elected, they expressed”
On healthcare, the group stressed the need for more than just physical infrastructure, saying: “Beyond constructing health centres, we are also concerned about the acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. Equipping modern facilities without trained professionals to run them renders such efforts futile. Hence, we urge Ogbonna to also focus on the recruitment and empowerment of qualified health workers.”
Emphasized the need for strategic investment in education and agriculture, they stated this: “Education and agriculture must not be overlooked. Our children need access to better schools, qualified teachers, and modern learning environments. Our farmers require improved access to credit facilities, inputs, tools, and extension services to boost food production and livelihood.”
Hailing his contributions to the recent successes of the APC in Ohafia and Arochukwu, stating that his influence has already begun yielding tangible results, they said: “With Ogbonna’s dedication and leadership, we are confident that our constituency will exceed its 2023 record of delivering the highest number of votes for President Tinubu in Abia North.”
