In a rare show of unity and appreciation, community, women, and youth leaders from the Ohuhu clan in Umuahia North, Abia State, converged on the residence of Chief Sam Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives, for a historic visit.
The gathering, which took place in Umuahia, was a testament to Onuigbo’s relentless efforts in attracting federal projects to the region.
Speaker after speaker, from traditional leaders to women and youth representatives from the two major units of Ohuhu—Okaiuga and Umuhu—expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the long-awaited Federal Secretariat project at Ekeoba, Ohuhu.
They also commended Chief Onuigbo, now the South East representative on the Board of the North East Development Commission, for his dedication and persistence in ensuring the project’s takeoff. 
Representing the two royal fathers, High Chief Onyekachi Ogbuja (for Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna) and Chief Ebenezer Okechukwu (for Eze Charles Ngwuli) described Onuigbo’s role in securing the project as “legendary.” They urged him to remain steadfast in ensuring its timely completion.
Women leaders, including Mrs. Chioma Josephine Orisa and Mrs. Nwakanma Anayochi, praised Onuigbo as a leader devoted to societal development. They appealed to him to safeguard the rights and privileges of the host community. Similarly, youth leader Comrade Chikezie Uchechukwu highlighted the employment opportunities the project would generate and urged Onuigbo to ensure local youth benefit.
Setting the tone for the gathering, renowned social critic and politician Chief Chinedum Obilor, popularly known as the “Fayose of Ohuhu land,” emphasized that the visit had no political undertone.
He described Onuigbo’s service as reminiscent of the legendary Dr. Michael Okpara and called on politicians to adopt a service-oriented approach.
Responding to the overwhelming expressions of appreciation, Chief Sam Onuigbo thanked the people of Ohuhu for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to public service.
“The reason for your visit today stems from your recognition of my modest but significant efforts to bring infrastructural development to our community,” he stated.
“As your representative, I sought and secured approval for the construction of a Federal Secretariat in Abia State, an effort that has finally come to fruition.”
Onuigbo traced the project’s origins to his tenure in the House of Representatives, specifically to an inquiry he raised on October 23, 2019, as a member of the Committee on Housing.
He recalled questioning the then Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), on why Abia State remained without a Federal Secretariat while younger states had theirs.
Fashola’s revelation that an earlier allocated land had been encroached upon spurred Onuigbo into action. He immediately engaged the then Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who provided an alternative site at Ekeoba, though the process stalled due to unresolved title documents and compensation issues.
Determined to see the project materialize, Onuigbo continued his advocacy even after leaving office. His efforts led to a critical meeting with the current governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on June 20, 2023—less than a month after Otti assumed office. The governor swiftly finalized compensation payments and issued the necessary title documents, paving the way for the project’s commencement. 
“Today, we are witnessing real progress, with equipment being deployed to the site. I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project’s takeoff and reaffirming his commitment to correcting the marginalization of the South East,” Onuigbo said.
Chief Onuigbo extended his appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for providing an enabling environment for the project, as well as to former Minister Fashola for his instrumental role.
He also commended the traditional ruler of the host community, His Royal Highness Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, the people of Ekeoba, and the entire Ohuhu clan for their patriotism in fostering a conducive atmosphere for the project.
“I urge you all to do everything within your power to protect this project and encourage the contractors to ensure its timely completion,” he charged the community.
Reaffirming his dedication to public service, Onuigbo assured the people that he would continue working towards the realization of other key infrastructural projects, including the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and the Ubakala–Umunwanwa–Udo–Achingali Road, both of which he attracted during his tenure in the National Assembly.
The visit underscored the deep appreciation of the Ohuhu people for Onuigbo’s relentless pursuit of development, marking a significant moment in the region’s political and infrastructural advancement.
LV