Uratta Community, others Hail Senator Onyewuchi as Civic Centre is Commissioned in Owerri North

By ThankGod Emeh…

Uratta community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State was agog on Sunday, January 4, 2025, as the members representing Imo East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, A.K.A Ebubedike and Mr Empowerment, commissioned a fully equipped civic centre built to serve as a focal point for community engagement, dialogue, and development planning.

The facility, located at Orie Uratta, is expected to provide a permanent venue for meetings, social interactions, and programmes aimed at strengthening unity and promoting sustainable development within the Uratta clans.

The commissioning ceremony drew a massive crowd of community stakeholders, including leaders of the Uratta Development Union (UDU), traditional rulers, political office holders, women groups, youth representatives, and residents from across the clans, all of whom commended the senator for the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the National President General of Uratta, Engr. Stanley Ukaga, described the project as a landmark achievement and a reflection of the senator’s long-standing commitment to the people.

According to him, Senator Onyewuchi has consistently demonstrated love for Uratta through impactful projects, recalling that more than a decade ago, the lawmaker executed similar interventions in the area and has since delivered several other projects.

“This civic centre is another proof that our son has not forgotten his roots. We are deeply grateful and we assure him of our continuous support,” Ukaga stated, while offering prayers for God’s protection and blessings upon the senator.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the area, Chief Sir Henry Njoku (Harritex Ikeoha), noted that the overwhelming turnout at the event was a clear endorsement of the senator’s performance. He encouraged political leaders to draw motivation from such public appreciation, stressing that recognising good leadership inspires more service.

The Chairman of Owerri North Local Government Area, Hon. Lucky Agbaronye, also praised Senator Onyewuchi for prioritising development at home, describing his projects across the area as “visible and enduring.”

He cited the construction of a skill acquisition centre at the Owerri North Local Government Headquarters, the installation of a solar-powered borehole at Ulakwo Primary School, and several other interventions, noting that the senator has executed projects evenly across the nine local government areas of Owerri Zone.

Agbaronye further referenced the state’s Charter of Equity, which, according to him, positions Owerri Zone to produce the next governor in 2027, and urged the people to support credible sons of the zone.

Adding his voice, the Vice Chairman of the Imo State Elders Council, Prince Lemmy Akakem (Okpataozuoha), described Senator Onyewuchi as a quiet achiever who has attracted and executed numerous projects without seeking publicity. He noted that the senator’s leadership style mirrors the legacy of his father, whom he described as a distinguished parliamentarian.

One of the royal fathers present, the Traditional Ruler of Obibi Uratta, His Royal Highness Eze Sir Boniface Ariri, offered prayers for divine favour, protection, and continued success for the senator.

In his remarks, Senator Onyewuchi said the civic centre was conceived as a response to the expressed needs of the community, following consultations with stakeholders.

“This centre belongs to the people of Uratta. It is a place for constructive engagement, planning, and discussions on how to move our community and Imo State forward. My interventions are driven by the needs of the people and will continue to be implemented gradually and strategically,” he said.

The senator highlighted other development projects he has executed across Owerri Zone, including classroom construction at Uratta Secondary School, renovation of customary courts in Owerri North, provision of electricity transformers at Amakohia and Akwakuma, road projects, town halls, and empowerment programmes.

He also disclosed that an ultramodern skill acquisition centre at the Uratta Local Government Headquarters has been completed and is awaiting commissioning, adding that the facility would help equip youths and residents with employable skills.

The newly commissioned Uratta Civic Centre features offices, canteen facilities, and other essential amenities, making it suitable for multiple community functions. Residents expressed confidence that the centre would be properly maintained and effectively utilised.

The event was enlivened by colourful cultural performances as women groups entertained guests with traditional dances and welcome songs.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Owerri North APC Chairman, Hon. Kelechi Azuike (Shegu); the Traditional Ruler of Ihitte-Oha, Eze Dr Emmanuel Okoro; and the National President of Mgboto-Uratta Worldwide, Chief Mrs Olivia Ijeoma (née Ofoegbu), among others.