Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, has received a major endorsement from a prominent community stakeholder, Prince Dr. Emeka Eze (Ojikpeletiaku), during her visit to Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Ekwunife visited the community on Wednesday as part of her ongoing engagement tour ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the gathering, Prince Dr. Emeka Eze expressed confidence in Ekwunife’s leadership capacity, legislative experience and record of service, declaring that returning her to the Senate would be more beneficial to Anambra Central than electing any other aspirant.
He maintained that her return to the National Assembly would provide the senatorial district with greater opportunities for development, effective representation and access to federal government interventions.
According to him, Ekwunife has distinguished herself through developmental projects and people-oriented programmes, particularly in Ukpo, where her contributions to community development and residents’ welfare are evident.
He urged the electorate to look beyond political sentiments and assess aspirants based on competence, verifiable achievements and their capacity to advance the collective interests of Anambra Central.
Responding, Ekwunife expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler of Ukpo, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze (Okofia VI), who is also the Eze Umudunukofia and Clan Head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom, as well as the entire community for their warm reception and support.
Although the traditional ruler was absent from the gathering, the senator particularly acknowledged his goodwill, recalling that he had conferred on her the traditional title of Ifekaolaedo, which she described as exceptionally dear to her heart.
She also commended Prince Dr. Emeka Eze for his support, describing him as intelligent, dogged and well-mannered.
Highlighting her interventions in Ukpo, Ekwunife listed several projects and empowerment programmes she said she facilitated across education, infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment and social welfare.
In the education sector, she disclosed that she facilitated the supply of textbooks and stationery to Central School, Ukpo, and Walter Eze Memorial Secondary School. She also facilitated the construction of four classroom blocks, an office and toilet facilities at St. Mary’s Primary School, Ukpo.
Other educational interventions included the construction of classroom blocks at Community Girls Secondary School, Ukpo, the rebuilding of dilapidated and burnt classrooms at Girls Secondary School, Ukpo, and the reconstruction of the school’s fallen perimeter fence.
She further highlighted the supply of six tricycles to the community to support transportation and economic activities, alongside the provision of generators to assist local businesses.
On infrastructure and security, Ekwunife said she facilitated erosion control projects across communities in Dunukofia Local Government Area and the installation of Ukpo’s first solar-powered streetlights to improve security and visibility at night.
In the healthcare sector, she cited three free medical outreach programmes conducted at Ekwueme Hall, Ukpo, during which residents received medical attention and free drugs.
She also disclosed that seven beneficiaries from Ukpo received Federal Government grants of ₦703,000 each through her facilitation. The beneficiaries included Roseline Chinyere Chukwuma, Ezeatu Chinyere B., Esther Oluchukwu, Okafor Chuka Moses, Agu Chenna P., Cyril Charles and Sunday Okoye.
Additionally, the senator stated that she facilitated employment opportunities for 57 persons from the community, describing the interventions as part of her commitment to grassroots development and improved living conditions.
Addressing the political future of the district, Ekwunife described the 11th National Assembly as an important opportunity for Anambra Central to secure effective representation, strategic positioning and greater dividends of democracy.
She urged residents to support APC candidates at all levels, arguing that the party’s policies and programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would provide further opportunities for development in the South-East.
She also pointed to federal infrastructure projects, social intervention programmes, political appointments and resource allocation as areas through which she believes the region could benefit from continued support for the APC.
Prominent personalities at the event included Prince Dr. Emeka Eze, Hon. Ossy Egwuatu, Arc. Okey Chukwuogo, Chief Augustine Muomife, Chief Arthur Mbuba, Hon. Vin Onyeka, Dr. Chidi Chidebe, Dr. Kene Chinedu, Dr. Ify Chinwuko, Hon. Nneka Nwankwo and Dr. Oby Obiagboso, among other dignitaries.
