The Senator representing Imo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze, FNSE, has urged residents of the zone to prioritize security as a critical foundation for sustainable development.
The Senator made the call during a community engagement with his kinsmen at Umualumoke Community in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, where he met community leaders, youths, women, and elders. While inspecting ongoing projects at St. Raphael’s Catholic Parish, Umualumoke, Senator Ndubueze expressed concern over past security challenges in the community. He regretted that the killing of a security agent within his residence had negatively affected investor confidence and disrupted construction work on the Okigwe–Ehime–Isiala Mbano road corridor passing through Umualumoke.
According to him, the incident necessitated an emergency session of the Senate, during which the Service Chiefs were directed to investigate and report back. He explained that the ensuing public outcry and security concerns led contractors to slow down work on the road project, resulting in delays.
The Senator appealed to community members to remain vigilant and prevent miscreants from exploiting political situations to instigate violence and derail development efforts.
Highlighting his achievements within two years in office, Senator Ndubueze noted that he has facilitated the establishment of a federal university, electricity substation projects, road rehabilitations, renovation of community health centres, installation of solar-powered streetlights, ICT centres, and water boreholes across the Okigwe Zone.
He also cited various empowerment initiatives, including skills acquisition programmes, overseas workshops, and the creation of thousands of employment opportunities. Recently, he appointed 124 legislative aides drawn from across the zone.
He encouraged residents to fully utilize these opportunities, emphasizing that his record of achievements within the same time frame remains unmatched by other aspirants to the Senate seat.
The visit attracted a large turnout of elders, women, and youth leaders. Also present was the Parish Priest of St. Raphael’s Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Ochiawuto, who conducted the Senator around the church premises and highlighted some of the parish’s pressing needs. Senator Ndubueze assured the priest that the concerns would be addressed.
Community leaders commended the Senator for making Okigwe Zone proud and pledged their continued support. Also, speaking on behalf of the community, the President-General of Umualumoke, Dr. Emmanuel Mbanusi, expressed gratitude for the Senator’s interventions and urged him to sustain his efforts toward improving the living standards of the people. Other speakers, including elders, women, and youth representatives, briefed the Senator on progress made in tackling insecurity through community vigilance and local security initiatives, while offering prayers for his continued success.
As part of the visit, Senator Ndubueze inspected the ongoing repair of the church’s overhead water tanker, confirmed the near completion of the ICT centre, and reaffirmed his commitment to the reconstruction of the Umualumoke–Umualaoma–Ikpem–Umualamai Road.
He also distributed gifts to community members. Members of the Senator’s entourage included Dr. Emmanuel Mbanusi and others.
Report by: Fredrick Njoku