On Thursday, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, embarked on a ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, where he was warmly received by mammoth crowds. The tour, which covered seven communities and wards, including Amangwu, Okon, Amuma, Ndi Ibe/Ufiele, Eziafor/Ndi Orieke, Asaga, and Amuke, was part of Kalu's ongoing grassroots engagements across the senatorial district. Community leaders, party loyalists, and supporters expressed appreciation for Kalu's longstanding relationship with Ohafia and his contributions to infrastructure, education, empowerment, and human-capital development.
The visit began at Achichi Ohafia in Elu, where Kalu walked through the community for about one kilometre, exchanging greetings with residents who came out to welcome him. Achichi holds a special significance for the former Abia State governor, as it was the venue where he was conferred with the traditional title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom. Kalu subsequently met with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, O'no'ko' Nde Ezieogo Ohafia, chaired by the Udumeze Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Oji Udonsi. The meeting focused on the development of Ohafia, Abia North, and Abia State.
During the meeting, Kalu described the traditional institution as an important partner in grassroots development and the preservation of cultural values. He recalled that he belongs to an age grade in Ohafia, describing it as another reflection of his longstanding social and cultural ties with the people. The senator conveyed his gratitude to the monarchs for their leadership and efforts towards maintaining peace, unity, and justice across the 26 villages of Ohafia. Kalu also listed some long-standing projects and programmes associated with his years as governor and his representation of Abia North in the Senate.
Kalu cited the Ebem-Asaga-Ndi Ibe-Amuma-Okon-Amangwu road, rural electrification projects, and other roads in Abia Ohafia, Akanu, Isiugwu, Ndi Uduma Awoke, and Ndi Orieke, as well as internal roads in Amaekpu. On education, he recalled the free education programme implemented during his administration as governor, adding that his commitment to education had continued through his current representation. According to him, more than 20 classroom blocks have been facilitated across Ohafia Local Government Area, alongside scholarships, educational support, and opportunities for young people to participate in international training and capacity-building programmes.
The senator, who chairs the Senate committee on South East Development Commission, also recalled his relationship with the late Rev. James Ukaegbu, who encouraged him to support the construction of the central Presbyterian Church in Elu Ohafia. Kalu stated that Ohafia has a special place in his heart, and his relationship with Ohafia did not start with his election to the Senate. The visit to Okon also provided an opportunity for Kalu to reconnect with members of his age grade in Ohafia, with the senator exchanging pleasantries with members and recalling their longstanding association.
At the various stops, some community leaders and supporters declared their support for Kalu's bid to return to the Senate in 2027. Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu, Ph.D., in a statement on the senator's visit, described Kalu as a brother and friend of the Ohafia people, citing roads, water projects, and other interventions associated with his tenure as governor. Uchendu said the support for Kalu's return to the Senate was based on his experience, established relationships, and legislative position.
The ward-to-ward tour was designed to take Kalu's engagement directly to the grassroots, assess the impact of previous interventions, and listen to the priorities and expectations of constituents. The senator was accompanied by APC leaders and stakeholders in Ohafia LGA, including the party's candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Nicholas Ukwa; candidate for Ohafia South State Constituency, Destiny Uchechukwu; High Chief Uche Ogboso; APC State Treasurer, Mrs Ezinne Udo Udoma; former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Mba Ukaha; and Ohafia LGA APC Chairman, Dr Emeka Kalu.
Key points
- Senator Orji Kalu receives a warm welcome from residents, traditional rulers, youths, women, and political stakeholders during his ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
