Aguocha Charges UNAA to Champion Truth, Unity, National Development

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, has charged members of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Umuahia Branch, to remain steadfast in truth, unity and selfless service while contributing meaningfully to the development of Abia State and Nigeria.

Aguocha gave the charge on Friday, August 28, 2026, when the leadership and members of UNAA, Umuahia Branch, led by its President, Amb. Emmanuel Ememandu, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Umuohuru Nkwogwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The lawmaker, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general elections, expressed delight over the visit, describing UNAA as a “revered gathering of great repute” made up of highly intelligent scholars.

He noted that the Umuahia Branch of the association was part of his constituency by location, assuring the alumni of his readiness to collaborate with them on initiatives capable of benefiting its members and the wider society.

Aguocha disclosed that about 700 youths were currently benefiting from his scholarship scheme, including students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He said his strong belief in educational empowerment informed his decision to prioritise scholarships and other education-based interventions, stressing that investment in education produces a lasting impact on individuals, families and society.

While acknowledging the importance of material empowerment, the lawmaker said his philosophy was to provide young people with opportunities to acquire quality education and develop the capacity to become self-reliant.

The federal lawmaker also highlighted some of his legislative interventions and advocacies, particularly his call for the unconditional release and granting of amnesty to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and other detained members of the group.

Aguocha said his advocacy went beyond the issue, noting that he had consistently used his position at the National Assembly to champion matters affecting Ndigbo and the broader interests of the South-East.

He further disclosed that he had been advocating the creation of Ikwuano Federal Constituency and the division of the area into two state constituencies Ikwuano North and Ikwuano South based on demographic considerations and in line with similar arrangements in other parts of the country.

On constituency empowerment, Aguocha said he had facilitated the construction of houses for indigent women, particularly widows, across the constituency.

He also disclosed the establishment of a credit facility scheme for market women in various clans, through which beneficiaries would have access to revolving loans to strengthen their businesses and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

According to him, several farmers across the constituency had also benefited from the distribution of fertilisers under his empowerment programmes.

Aguocha further revealed that he had advocated for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano, which, according to him, had received approval from the Federal Government.

He also disclosed that he was pursuing the conversion of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, into a teaching hospital, while advocating the transformation of General Hospital, Amachara, into a Federal School of Midwifery.

He said the initiatives were aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving access to quality medical services and expanding opportunities for professional healthcare training in Abia State.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of all Standing and Ad Hoc House Committees of the Federal House of Representatives, said he had several other visions and aspirations for the constituency which he hoped to accomplish if re-elected in 2027.

Aguocha also urged members of the alumni association to support the re-election of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, arguing that continuity was necessary to consolidate the achievements of the present administration.

He said Abia had witnessed significant transformation since Otti assumed office in 2023, adding that the state had taken on a new outlook under the governor’s leadership.

According to him, the state needs continuity to sustain and build on the gains recorded in infrastructure, governance and other critical sectors.

Earlier, the President of UNAA, Umuahia Branch, Amb. Emmanuel Ememandu, said the visit was aimed at familiarising the association with the lawmaker and commending his advocacy for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as well as his consistent representation of the interests of the South-East.

Ememandu also used the occasion to present some of the association’s challenges, appealing to Aguocha to assist UNAA in acquiring an 18-seater bus to facilitate the movement of members during meetings, programmes and other activities within and outside Abia State.

The association further requested his support towards the construction of a permanent Secretariat and Alumni Centre in Umuahia.

According to the association, the proposed centre would serve as its permanent meeting venue while providing facilities for Computer-Based Tests (CBT), JAMB examinations and professional examinations.

Ememandu said the projects would not only strengthen the activities of UNAA but also provide valuable educational services to residents of Abia.

The association commended Aguocha for what it described as his resilience, hard work and legislative contributions, while expressing support for his political aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding to the requests, Aguocha assured the alumni association of his willingness to work collaboratively with the group towards actualising its proposed projects.

He also promised to engage the Abia State Government, particularly Governor Otti, on the association’s requests in an effort to secure additional support for the projects.

The lawmaker urged the alumni to remain committed to truth, unity and meaningful service, calling on them to join hands with other stakeholders in building a better Abia State and Nigeria.

In a vote of thanks, the Vice President of the Association, Barr. Okechukwu Okereke, commended Aguocha for his hospitality and what he described as quality representation of the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

Okereke assured the lawmaker of the association’s support for his re-election bid in 2027.

The association thereafter offered prayers for Aguocha, his family and his political aspirations, while assuring him of its support ahead of the 2027 general elections.