June 19, (THEWILL) – In the past, no district was more often on the lips of Imo people than the Okigwe zone when they want to cite an example of a poorly-represented area in the National Assembly. Mind you, Okigwe has only six local government areas. That means, developments ought not to elude the district.
The People of Okigwe, Onuimo, Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma had talked about the poor governance of their past Senators and Reps members.
However, the emergence of Engineer Patrick Ndubueze as the Senator for the Okigwe zone in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly and the reelection of Rt. Hon. Miriam Onuoha by their constituents are indications of confidence, belief and impeccable trust in these federal lawmakers. That is, they have every cause not to fail the people.
Ndi Okigwe realised the numerous mistakes they made in the past and the horrible under-developed situation in which they had found themselves hence they vowed never to go back to “Egypt”. That resolution is working.
The people need selfless leaders to change their ugly narratives alongside cueing in some of the positive steps Governor Hope Uzodimma may have taken so far.
A brief chronicle of the Imo North Senatorial District is the case of the biblical saying that “the land of Zebulon, and the land of Nephalism, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light and to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up” (Matthew 4: 15,16 KJV).
All the local government areas of the district, in their frantic efforts to survive, had depended on agriculture and commerce as well as self-help. Youths of the Okigwe zone are hardworking and resourceful. The people believed that Senator Patrick Ndubueze came to restore positive change for good and fix what had been a negative narrative, where the people were thrown into perpetual poverty and misery since the creation of the State.
A look into the six LGAs
Okigwe LGA
The economy of Okigwe Local Government is primarily commerce-based. It is a business area where the daily big Market, “Eke Okigwe” is located. Ndi Okigwe are in desperate need of development, including constant power (electricity) to do better in their businesses. For years, they have groaned under the weight of losses as a result of no power supply.
Okigwe LGA is home to the students and staff of the Abia State University, Uturu. Its economic mainstay is commerce. Stakeholders in the area have, over the years, lamented the lack of amenities that could boost their businesses. They have groaned over deplorable roads, insecurity, non-functional hospitals and unemployment among others.
Onuimo LGA
Agriculture and craftsmanship are the major occupations of the people of Onuimo. They are mostly farmers and grow cassava, oil palm, raffia palm, vegetables, ube (local pear), plantain, okra, maize, melon, red pepper, yam, and cocoyam. Some people rear animals such as goats, sheep, fowl and occasionally cattle, but don’t grow crops or rear animals in commercial quantities. I like the people of Onuimo because of their hard work.
I could remember those days in the University, one of my roommates, Harrison Nwachukwu, who hails from, I can vividly recall, Umuduruegbeagulu Community in Onuimo LGA, was so engrossed in these above-mentioned jobs, which his people are known for.
Among the 27 local government areas of the state, Onuimo remains one of the backward councils in terms of development. There is no government presence in Onuimo.
Isiala Mbano LGA
The economy of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area is heavily reliant on trade and the region is home to various markets where a wide range of goods are bought and sold. Major crops found across Isiala Mbano include yam, cassava, egusi, okra, pepper and cocoyam. Vegetables are also cultivated in abundance by the people. Farming is also their occupation.
There are lots of bad roads in the communities of Isiala Mbano. That is why the people are crying out to be remembered.
Ehime Mbano
Ehime Mbano is popular for its economic contribution to the state and the country in general. Despite its significant contribution to the economy, most of the communities and wards in Ehime Mbano lack basic amenities such as good roads, electricity, good health centres and schools. All the school buildings in Ehime Mbano are deplorable.
In this local government, there exist economic hubs in almost all the towns. Asa people, who are predominantly farmers, practice subsistence agriculture, being the major practice, while small form of commercial farming is also done. The main crop farmed in this area is cassava, which is processed into garri like in other LGAs across Imo.
The garri is consumed at home and some are also sold in markets. The second important food crop is yam, while other crops like groundnut, maize, and plantain are commonly farmed. Animals are also reared in Ehime Mbano, with goat and chicken being the most common.
The people of Ehime Mbano need a new normal this time. Health centres at Umueleke and Umueze 2 have fallen down. The Okigwe zone Senator should do something about these challenges immediately.
Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma LGAs
The two LGAS grow varieties of crops for consumption as well as revenue generation. Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma are closer to Umuahia, Abia State and people of the area are pretending as if all is well with them. People of the LGAs are experiencing untold hardship.
One year down the lane, Okigwe zone can be said to have not really gained the much-needed dividends of democracy from the sitting legislator, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze. The federal lawmaker, since the inception of his outing, has done his best in the areas of youth empowerment among others
Senator Ndubueze’s first year in office is supposed to be marked by a tireless work ethic, a deep understanding of the legislative process, and a commitment to delivering results for the good people of Imo North Senatorial District.
The present Senators, I can remember, were inaugurated in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Senator Ndubueze, the former Senate Committee Chairman on Works, now the Chairman on Mines and Steel, was also among, along with his distinguished colleagues.
It was Barack Obama who said “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Let the positive change Ndi Okigwe are waiting for begin now. Senator Patrick Ndubueze needs to redouble his efforts. He is doing well but should do something differently in order to satisfy his people. The clock is ticking.
