The Senator representing Imo North Senatorial District (Okigwe Zone) at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze, FNSE, has reaffirmed that patriotic, selfless service remains the most sustainable pathway to the development of Okigwe Zone. The Senator made this known during the inauguration of 124 legislative aides drawn from across the senatorial district, held on December 23, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
Although unavoidably absent, Senator Ndubueze addressed the gathering via a telephone conversation, during which he highlighted his legislative engagements and development initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of his constituents. In his address, Senator Ndubueze expressed deep appreciation to the people of Okigwe Zone for their unwavering support over the years. He emphasized the significance of collective responsibility and inclusive service. “I wish to extend my greetings to every one of you for all your support, directly and indirectly. Bringing everyone together today is very important and significant. If your name is here, it means you are recognized,” he said.
The Senator charged the newly inaugurated aides and stakeholders to approach their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication, stressing that leadership must be anchored on service rather than personal gain. “Let us see ourselves as working for all of us — for the Senatorial District as a whole — and not for Ndubueze as an individual. The issue of money should be washed off completely. Anyone who is here should come with a whole heart to serve our people,” he added.
Senator Ndubueze reiterated that any personal benefits accruing from public office were consistently reinvested into the development of Okigwe Zone. He expressed pride in his tenure at the National Assembly, citing landmark achievements such as the Federal University of Okigwe and the Mobitra Electricity Substation, which he described as transformative projects with long-term socio-economic impact. “I am proud to be in the Senate because I have been able to attract critical development projects to the Zone,” he said, noting that education and power infrastructure remain key drivers of sustainable development.
Earlier in the programme, the moderator, Dr Emmanuel Mbanusi, invited prominent leaders and stakeholders to deliver goodwill messages. Speaking, Mr Jeff Azubuine thanked God for the opportunity given to Senator Ndubueze to serve, recalling the collective efforts invested in marketing his candidacy to the electorate. He noted that the Senator’s performance had justified the confidence reposed in him and maintained that supporting his return to the Senate was the most fitting way to appreciate his leadership.
Similarly, Tony Black Maduka described Senator Ndubueze’s performance as outstanding and superior to that of his predecessors, stressing that encouraging his re-election would be a just reward for his achievements. In his remarks, Chief Mathew Mbachu commended the Senator’s transparency and accountability, describing it as uncommon for a serving Senator to consistently return to his constituents to render stewardship accounts. He observed that the decision to attract a federal university to the Zone was driven by Senator Ndubueze’s belief that education remains the foundation of societal progress.
Also speaking, Hon. Sir Acho Asiegbu praised the Senator’s leadership style, noting that it prioritizes collective interest over personal ambition. He commended his sustained efforts toward improving the welfare of constituents. While Hon. Chief Iyke Awulonu position corroborated the views expressed by others. Chief Awulonu while his appreciation to Ndubueze, urged all hands to be on desk in returning the Senator back to the Senate.
Arc. MacAnthony who had earlier admonished the attendees to uphold seniority and observe due protocol. Reflected on Senator Ndubueze's political journey, later delivered the vote of thanks. This is Dr Emmanuel Mbanusi recounted that Senator Patrick Ndubueze's political journey actually began in 2005 and spanned different political platforms, including the PDP and Accord Party, before his return to the PDP. He noted that despite political challenges, the Senator remained focused and resilient.
Dr Mbanusi highlighted that coordinators who had worked with Senator Ndubueze over the years were consistently rewarded when opportunities arose. He cited one of the largest empowerment programmes held at the Okigwe Township Stadium, which had the state governor in attendance. According to him, beneficiaries included coordinators and their families, who received empowerment items such as tricycles (keke), buses, and other forms of support, including assistance to widows of deceased coordinators.
Meanwhile Hon. Greg Owuamanam who is the campaign Director-general (DG) of Senator Patrick Ndubueze's "Divine Project" had earlier advised the 124 legislative aides from across the wards in Okigwe Zone, urging to be good ambassadors of the Senator by defending his words and actions. He noted that it's inconsistent for anyone of them to be at a place where the Senator comes under verbal attack without them responding.
He stated that the manner of response must be to present information of the Senator's achievements and laudable giant strides. He urged the newly inaugurated aides to carry everyone along in their service, especially on former aides who had worked with the Senator. He enjoined the aides from Onuimo Local Government Area, the host community of the Federal University of Okigwe, to demonstrate exceptional commitment and responsibility as a mark of appreciation to the Senator.
At the end the 124 legislative aides formally took their oath of office and pledging their loyalty and commitment to the vision and service agenda of Senator Patrick Ndubueze, reaffirming their resolve to work for the progress, unity, and development of Okigwe Zone. Among notable observers at the event was Hon. Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu, who, alongside other leaders, keenly followed the proceedings and acknowledged the Senator’s giant strides.
Report By Fredrick Njoku