By Emmanuel
Uwadineke:
As the off-cycle
gubernatorial election in Anambra State inches closer and individuals make frantic
efforts to declare interests under various political parties, it is also essential
that Anambrians should also shine their eyes as it were, to be able to enthrone
someone with the highest degree of integrity, a visionary leader, a person of leadership
excellence and someone who has grip of the dreams and aspirations of the state
known as Light of the Nation or Home for All as it was previously call.
Anambra State has seen a
lot of unfulfilled promises including but not restricted to the very recent one
code named ‘African Dubai Taiwan’, and of course it will be a doom for the
commercial and industrial hub of the nation to re-embroil itself in
retrogression in all developmental indices due to avoidable mistake of choosing
the wrong candidate. Ideally the state needs a man or woman whose words are
like the words of the holy book, a fellow who sees black and calls it black and
white, white, a promise keeper. Anambra State has seen those who attached prefixes
of academic credentials to their names as if such is the only prerequisite for
leadership, but end up hoodwink the entire state. Indeed today evidence abound
as testament that there is more to leadership of a state as highly advanced as
Anambra State than those academic prefixes.
Anambrians have also
evaluated the capacities of the various political parties under which umbrellas
the state has been governed, many of these parties run Anambra as a captured
state or as a property to be bought and sold at their whims and caprices without
paying attention to the social contract between those who rule and the led,
security of lives and property are now left in the hands of non-state actors
and people in the state can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed; roads,
water, electricity, hospitals, education, environment are left to rot, as the
entire urban cities smell with refuse at every nook and cranny.
No wonder the news of the declaration
of interest for the governorship position of Anambra State by Prince Nicholas
Ukachukwu, has not only elicited infinite jubilation and wide spread
acceptability by the people of the state, it has also, of course, engendered
hope that Anambra State will rise again. The Osumenyi born Business Mogul and
philanthropist is a man of impeccable character, for apart from a thriving
business empire, he is a politician of great reputation. His path from
grassroots politics to national prominence has positioned him as a serious
contender for the office of governor, Anambra State come 2025. Prince
Ukachukwu is the only aspirant under APC
who has the capacity to dislodge Governor Soludo from the Government House in Awka.
The growing momentum
behind Ukachukwu's candidacy reflects a broader desire for change in Anambra's
political landscape. His campaign has successfully positioned him as a bridge
between the old and new political orders – experienced enough to navigate
governmental complexities yet fresh enough to represent change.
Governance is not all
about academics, it is about practical. Whatever Soludo has achieved, Ukachukwu
will do much more. And his approach to security in Anambra State will shock
you, the best of its kind. The kind we have not witnessed in Anambra State, but
he can’t introduce it without being at the helm of affairs, he has a lot of
approaches to it, even the issue road constructions, he is coming there with a
lot of difference. And it applies to other sectors that determine the indices
for governance.
Nicholas Ukachukwu is a Nigerian businessman,
philanthropist, and politician whose career has spanned decades, cutting across
business, real estate, and public service. Known for his political ambition and
strong ties to the southeast of Nigeria, Ukachukwu has built a reputation as a
persistent and influential figure in the country’s political scene.
With background in Business Administration, the
education he received has helped him with the knowledge and tools to navigate
the intricacies of Nigerian business environments, especially in the exceedingly
competitive real estate and oil sectors.
Ukachukwu’s companies are said to have
created numerous job opportunities across the country, contributing to economic
growth and development, particularly in southeastern Nigeria.
Ukachukwu’s political career is said to have
begun in the late 1990s when he recognized the need to extend his influence
beyond business and into the realm of public service. His entry into politics
was largely driven by a desire to effect change in his home state of Anambra
and improve the living conditions of the people.
In 1999, Ukachukwu contested for and won a
seat in the Nigerian
House of Representatives, representing the Orumba North/South
Federal Constituency of Anambra State under the platform of the People's
Democratic Party (PDP). As a member of the House of Representatives, Ukachukwu
was vocal on issues relating to youth empowerment, rural development, and
infrastructure. He used his legislative platform to advocate the improvement of
educational facilities and road infrastructure in his constituency.
Ukachukwu’s tenure in the House of
Representatives was marked by his commitment to constituency development
projects. He launched several initiatives aimed at providing basic amenities to
rural areas, including the installation of water boreholes, electrification
projects, and the construction of schools. His ability to effectively balance
his legislative duties with his business endeavors made him a well-respected
figure among his constituents.
Apart from his electoral pursuits, Ukachukwu
has played a significant role in national politics. As a member of the APC, he
has been involved in shaping the party’s policies, particularly concerning the
southeast region. He has used his platform to advocate for better
representation of southeastern Nigeria in national governance and to push for
federal projects that would benefit his region. His influence within the APC
has made him one of the party's key figures in Anambra State.
Ukachukwu’s wealth and business success have
allowed him to give back to his community through various philanthropic efforts.
He has been involved in numerous charitable activities, ranging from sponsoring
educational scholarships to providing healthcare services in underserved areas
of Anambra State. Ukachukwu’s philanthropy is driven by a deep commitment to
improving the lives of the less fortunate, particularly in rural areas where
access to basic services is limited.
One of his most significant contributions has
been in the area of education. Ukachukwu has provided scholarships
to hundreds of students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue
higher education both in Nigeria and abroad. His investments in education are
aimed at empowering the youth and equipping them with the tools to succeed in
an increasingly competitive world.
In addition to education, Ukachukwu has
supported healthcare initiatives, including funding the construction of health
centers in remote areas of Anambra. These centers provide essential medical
services to communities that would otherwise lack access to healthcare
facilities.
Nicholas Ukachukwu’s legacy is one of
determination, resilience, and service. From humble beginnings in Nnewi to
becoming a successful businessman and influential politician, his story serves
as an inspiration to many. His contributions to Nigeria’s real estate and oil
industries, coupled with his persistent political career, have positioned him
as a significant figure in southeastern Nigeria’s development.
Ukachukwu was Chairman of
Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and he proved his exceptional
administrative acumen by implementing infrastructural projects and social
welfare programs that transformed the council. It is said that his leadership
style, characterized by the elements of inclusive governance and
result-oriented policies, earned him widespread acclaim and established his
reputation as an effective administrator.
No wonder the Spiritual Head of Soul Revival
Outreach, Nnewi, Anambra State, Prophet Ikechukwu Uzukwu, at a function called
Ukachukwu a man with the best political structure in Anambra State under the
aegis of Ikukuoma Solidarity. Nicholas
Ukachukwu's entrance into the Anambra governorship race is seen as a
formidable challenger to Governor Charles Soludo marks a significant shift in
Anambra State's 2025 political landscape.
Of course, Governor Soludo
has struggled to keep faith with the citizens of the state, it is obvious the
people of Anambra state are not satisfied with his style of leadership and are
indeed justifiably in need of change of baton as the majority of opinions are
not in tandem with his aspiration for a second term in office. Nobody should also blame them for failure to
deliver the promised transformative agenda he sold to Ndi Anambra before his
election in 2021.
But Ukachukwu as a
seasoned administrator with tested credentials in both the private and public
sectors of service will skillfully capitalize on this perception, presenting
Ndi Anambra both at home and the diaspora with a clear cut vision and
agenda that combines his proven administrative experience with ambitious
development goals for the state.
Once given the chance, Education
would feature prominently in his agenda, with proposals for technical education
reform and university system enhancement drawing from his legislative
experience overseeing educational committees. His focus on skill acquisition
and youth empowerment programs aligns with the state's demographic realities
and the need to address unemployment.
Infrastructure
development, another cornerstone of his campaign, builds on his track record of
project execution in AMAC and his understanding of federal funding mechanisms
gained during his time in the House of Representatives. This combination of
experience positions him to effectively navigate both state-level
implementation and federal collaboration.
Therefore, I dare say, Prince
Nicholas Ukachukwu popularly known as Ikukuoma is a political giant, whom providence
has not allowed to ascent the thrown of leadership in Anambra State, but he has
been a kingmaker in the state. If you trace his history you would see his links
in various administrations in Anambra State, but all in good faith.
So he is a sort of a
unifier, he is such a person, what I may say, knows something about everything
and not everything about something. He is connected to all political parties, he
is connected to all senior political actors and junior political actors
including the grassroots. And his philanthropic attitude is unequalled.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) should come together and hand
over the flag to him. My advice to all of them is to come together as a family
and produce a consensus candidate in the person of Nicholas Ukachukwu. Those
leaders in APC, even though I am not a member of APC, As I write, I am just an
ordinary man, but I have passion for that party, looking at APC from a
distance, the leaders need to come together and play in one goal post, and that
one goal post is that goal post being manned by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and
if they take this step it will make so many people, like some of us that are
still considering where to enter, once he is there, you will see us en mass.
