AFIKPO WOMEN SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE; ADOPT GOVERNOR NWIFURU AS SOLE CANDIDATE FOR 2027 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; DECLARE PERFORMANCE “BEYOND EXPECTATION”
By Sunday Nkama
Afikpo Local Government headquarters in Ebonyi State pulsed with unity and uncompromising conviction on Tuesday as thousands of women, adorned in dignity and purpose, converged in a historic display of solidarity for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and his wife, Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
Their resounding verdict was clear, thunderous, and unanimous: Governor Nwifuru merited a second term.
The women, under the aegis of Inyom Ehugbo in conjunction with Afikpo Female Stakeholders, rose as one. They formally endorsed the Governor, for another four years, proclaiming that his administration had “performed beyond expectation” and had redefined the gold standard of inclusive, people-centered governance in Ebonyi State.
The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, expressed joy at witnessing the gathering of Afikpo women as they rallied to endorse her principal for a second term in office.
She described the Governor as a visionary and legendary leader whose remarkable achievements had left an indelible mark on the state, setting a standard of service that had continue to inspire hope and progress.
Princess Obila urged the women to remain steadfast in their support, expressing confidence that their collective resolve would usher in another era of transformative leadership and sustained development for Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the Chairperson of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Keziah Uduma Nwachi, expressed her profound appreciation to Governor Nwifuru, extolling his people-oriented leadership, which had elevated Afikpo women to a pride of place they had long deserved.
She disclosed that the Governor’s landmark achievements had compelled the women to converge not only to endorse him for the 2027 governorship election, but to adopt him as their sole and undisputed candidate.
“We are mothers. We are stakeholders. We are witnesses to transformation in our communities. Under Governor Nwifuru, our roads have been unshackled, our markets are blossoming, our children are receiving scholarships, our health facilities are breathing again, and our retirees have been paid their gratuity. He has performed beyond expectation, and for that reason, he deserves a second term,” she proclaimed to the applause of the crowd.
In their separate speeches, female stakeholders including Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ukamaka Igariwey, wife of the Member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency; Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Okoro, Head of Service; Lady Nnenna Ekuma, Auditor General of the State; Comrade Immaculata Elem Ibe, Coordinator, Afikpo North East DC; Prof. Lois Nnenna Amari Omaka, HOD, Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, EBSU; Lady Patience Gabby Idam, Coordinator, Onwa Oferekpe Foundation, Afikpo LGA; and Lady Martina Egwu, wife of a former House of Assembly member, affirmed that the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda had yielded tangible dividends for women, youths, and vulnerable families across Afikpo and beyond.
Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Amari Omaka captured the sentiment succinctly:
“By empirical evidence and visible impact, Gov. Nwifuru has performed beyond expectation and therefore deserves a second term in office. Leadership is judged by results, and the results we have witnessed in three years inspire unshakable confidence. We are not divided. The women of Afikpo stand united.”
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Nwachi Timothy A. U., pledged his full support for the historic endorsement. He spotlighted the Governor’s transformational strides in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
“The Governor’s developmental footprints in Afikpo are indelible and undeniable. We are witnessing a renaissance. For continuity, stability, and accelerated progress, I lend my full voice to the call for a second term for His Excellency,” the Chairman affirmed.
The endorsement of the Governor for a second term and his adoption as the sole candidate of the Women of Afikpo LGA reached a crescendo with a formal motion moved by Hon. Helen Oluchi Ama, former Leader of Afikpo Legislative Council, and seconded by Hon. Chinyere Egwu, former Majority Leader. The motion was put to a voice vote by the wife of the member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ukamaka Igariwey, and was adopted unanimously by the entire gathering of Afikpo women.
The endorsement climaxed with the signing of a formal resolution by the leadership of Inyom Ehugbo and Afikpo Female Stakeholders — a sacred vote of confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s stewardship.
Responding to the overwhelming show of love, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, Chief of Staff, Government House Abakaliki, who represented the State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, expressed profound gratitude for what he saw on the ground.
He assured the women that their trust would not be taken for granted, and that the administration of Gov. Nwifuru would remain committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to Afikpo and all of Ebonyi State.
He particularly commended the rare display of unity and urged the women to preserve the spirit that had defined the day.
“This remarkable unity you have demonstrated is the very foundation upon which great societies are built. Let this bond remain unbroken. Let your voice continue to speak with one accord, for together you are the pillars of progress in Afikpo and Ebonyi State,” he admonished, to resounding approval.
