A former Senate Minority Whip in the 10th Assembly, Darlington Nwokocha, has been elected as Global President of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association.
Nwokocha was elected at the association’s Annual General Meeting held on Saturday at the 2025 National Triennial Delegates Elective Convention of UNIPORT Alumni Association, being held from June 20 to 22 in Umuahia, Abia State.
In his acceptance speech, made available to journalists on Sunday, the lawmaker called on members to unite in the interest of the institution and the association.
“With a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you, humbled by your confidence, inspired by our shared legacy, and committed to the next chapter of our collective journey.
Being elected president of this prestigious alumni association is not just an honour; it is a sacred trust, entrusted to me by a community of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders shaping industries, policies, and lives across the globe. I thank you profoundly for this mandate.
“My years in public service, spanning both State and National Assemblies, have taught me the power of collaboration, vision, and legacy. These are the values I bring to this new role.
“As a proud alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, I believe it is time we elevate our association to match the calibre of its members and the promise of its future, anchored on what I call the 3Rs-Reconnect! Reinvest! and Reposition!”
Emphasising the significance of unity, he said, ”Together, we will reconnect alumni across the globe, deepen engagement across generations of the alumni and build stronger bonds and mutual support. Reinvest by channelling our collective capacity to support the University’s academic excellence, infrastructure, and innovation.
Reposition to establish UNIPORT Alumni as a formidable global network, a strategic partner in nation-building, and a beacon of influence in academia, business, public service, and beyond.
“Let us be audacious in our vision and united in our execution. This is more than an association; it is a movement, one that will define the next era for UNIPORT and for us all. Thank you for your trust and together, let’s build greatness”, he urged.
The UNIPORT Alumni Association is the official global network of graduates from the University of Port Harcourt.
Through strategic programmes and collaborative initiatives, the alumni association supports the advancement of the university’s mission, enhances student experience, and contributes to national development.
Nwokocha represented Abia Central District on the platform of the Labour Party.
His election was, however, annulled by the Appeal Court.
The new UNIPORT Alumni President had previously served for eight successive years in the House of Representatives (2015 to 2023), representing Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, Abia State.
He served as Chairman, House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters and was also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character Commission.
