Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has inaugurated newly constructed classroom blocks and a solar-powered borehole as part of his constituency development initiatives.
The Labour Party lawmaker commissioned the projects during a ceremony attended by community leaders, students, and enthusiastic constituents.
Among the projects unveiled were a modern six-classroom block at Abia Primary School, Ohafia; a fully furnished three-classroom block at Abam High School; and another fully equipped three-classroom block at Ukwa Nkporo Community School.
Osonwa also inaugurated a solar-powered borehole in Umuye, Ihechiowa community — the first in the area, which has been without potable water for decades.
Speaking at the events, the lawmaker said his passion for education and community welfare inspired the interventions.
“Education is the bedrock of any society. This project is part of our commitment to building a better future for our children,” he said, decrying the poor state of infrastructure in many public schools across the constituency. He vowed to continue investing in education and other sectors to uplift living conditions in the area.
Osonwa emphasized the importance of inclusive development, noting that every part of the constituency deserves to feel the impact of good governance.
Traditional rulers and community leaders commended the lawmaker for fulfilling his campaign promises. The Ezieogo of Ukwa, HRM Ezeogo Mba Nkuma, and the Leader of the Ohafia Legislative Council, Hon. Arua Arua Anyim, praised Osonwa for the projects, which they said had brought relief to the people.
Anyim also appealed for more water projects in the area. In response, Rep. Osonwa assured the people that additional borehole projects were underway, with geological surveys already completed and contractors set to be mobilised.
At the unveiling of the borehole in Umuye, residents shed tears of joy, describing the project as a historic intervention.
According to a community leader, Okiyi Emeka Okpo, “This is a dream come true. Others tried and failed, but Hon. Ibe has broken the jinx.”
Traditional rulers including HRM Eze Ogo Martins Otada and HRH Eze Okoro Livinus described the water project as the first tangible government intervention in the community in decades.
During his visit to Abam, Osonwa was moved by the dilapidated state of some school buildings and immediately ordered the re-roofing of a block that had been abandoned for over 20 years.
“I will not stop until every child in this constituency learns in dignity,” he declared, while also commending Governor Alex Otti for supporting key infrastructure projects such as the Omenuko and Nmouri bridges, and the ongoing Abam–Arochukwu Road construction.
As a mark of appreciation, the people of Ohafia conferred on Rep. Osonwa the chieftaincy title of “Omeroha 1 of Abia Ohafia.”
In his acceptance speech, Osonwa reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development and pledged to continue advocating for the rehabilitation of the community’s access roads and other infrastructure needs.
