As the sun dipped behind the hazy harmattan curtain in Umuahia on December 31st, Representative Sam Onuigbo reflected on a year that proved to be a mix of challenges and triumphs. Gathered with family, political allies, and staff in his inner sitting room, the former National Lawmaker acknowledged the rollercoaster that 2023 had been, marked by both personal loss and professional victories.
Supreme Court Victory
On January 27, 2023, the Supreme Court affirmed Rep. Onuigbo as the legitimate APC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, solidifying his triumph in the face of coordinated challenges.
Global Leader on Climate Change
November 27, 2023, brought global recognition as Rep. Sam Onuigbo was named one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change by Business Insider, showcasing his commitment to environmental solutions.
Worthy Ambassador of the House of Representatives
Acknowledged as a worthy Ambassador of the House of Representatives by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD on November 28, 2023, Rep. Onuigbo’s influence reached new heights.
NEDC Appointment
Post his term in the House of Representatives, Onuigbo was appointed as the South-East representative on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission, later assuming the role of Chairman of the Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions.
9th Assembly MVP Hall of Fame Award
Recognized for the quality of his representation and his sponsorship of the intergenerational Climate Change Bill, Rep. Onuigbo was inducted into the Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame of the 9th Assembly.
History-maker with Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency
On June 12, 2023, Rep. Onuigbo became the first person to successfully represent the constituency twice, marking a historic achievement.
Knighthood
In recognition of years of service, Rep. Onuigbo and his wife were conferred with the Honorific Award of Knight of John Wesley by the Methodist Church Nigeria.
Championing Pan-African Parliamentary Action on Climate Change.
In May 2023, Onuigbo passionately urged African parliamentarians to mainstream climate change considerations in their activities during an event with stakeholders from across the continent.
Nigeria’s Energy Future and Presentation at the Kenyan Parliament.
During the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya, Onuigbo called on renewable energy investors to capitalize on Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, emphasizing the vast energy market in the country.
Feted by University Dons
University professors nationwide celebrated Rep. Sam Onuigbo as a worthy achiever for his selfless leadership and dedication to climate action.
A Visionary Leader Calls on Africa to Key into the Future.
In November 2023, Rep. Onuigbo published an article advocating for a strategic phasing out of fossil fuels in Africa, receiving widespread acclaim ahead of the global resolution at COP28.
Conferment of the Title of High Chief Samuel Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo, Odozi Obodo Gburugburu.
The year began with the conferment of the title “Odozi Obodo Gburugburu” on Rep. Onuigbo, a fitting description of his commitment to making the world a better place.
As the curtains fall on 2023, Rep. Sam Onuigbo’s journey continues, and we look forward to witnessing even greater exploits in 2024.
Babatunde A.