Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has commenced a ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia, where he is engaging residents, community leaders and traditional rulers on issues affecting the area.
Kalu, who announced his arrival in Ohafia on Thursday, said the tour would provide an opportunity to interact directly with the people and listen to their concerns.
The senator described Ohafia as a place with which he shares a longstanding personal relationship, saying his connection with the ancient kingdom goes beyond politics.
“Ohafia is home to me. My relationship with this ancient kingdom goes beyond politics. It is a bond of love, friendship and mutual respect,” Kalu said.
On arrival, the former governor said he chose to walk through the streets and interact directly with residents, exchanging greetings and listening to them.
“As I arrived today, I chose to walk through the streets, meet the people myself, exchange greetings, share in their warmth and listen to them. For me, there is no better way to reconnect with a people and a community that occupy such a special place in my heart,” he said.
Kalu later proceeded to Achichi Ohafia, where he met with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, known as O’no’ko’ Nde Ezieogo Ohafia.
The council is chaired by the Udumeze Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Oji Udonsi.
According to Kalu, discussions with the traditional rulers centred on the progress and development of Ohafia, Abia North Senatorial District and Abia State.
“At Achichi Ohafia, I met with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs (O’no’ko’ Nde Ezieogo Ohafia), chaired by the Udumeze Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Oji Udonsi.
“We had a heart-to-heart conversation on the progress and development of Ohafia, Abia North and Abia State in general,” he said.
The senator also recalled his longstanding ties with Achichi, noting that it was there he was conferred with the traditional title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.
He added that he belongs to an age grade in Ohafia, which he described as another reflection of his relationship with the people and their traditions.
“Achichi holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I was conferred with the revered title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom. Beyond the title, my relationship with Ohafia runs deep. I also belong to an age grade in Ohafia, a further reflection of the longstanding bond I share with the people and traditions of this great land,” Kalu stated.
The Abia North senator thanked the traditional rulers for what he described as their wisdom, leadership and commitment to maintaining peace, unity and justice across the 26 villages of Ohafia.
He stressed the importance of traditional institutions in grassroots development, conflict resolution and the preservation of the cultural heritage of communities.
“Our traditional institutions remain critical partners in the development of our communities and the preservation of the values and traditions that bind our people together,” he said.
Kalu said the reception he received during the visit reinforced his connection with the area, adding that he was pleased to return and interact directly with residents and traditional leaders.
“Ohafia is home to me, and it is always good to be home,” he said.
He concluded his message with the traditional salutation: “Ofurishi, kwenu woo!”
