New Year Solidarity at Owo: Awgu Super Stakeholders, Led by Hon. Okolo, Reaffirm Unwavering Support for Gov. Mbah

By Hon. Tochukwu Chukwu

The year 2026 opened on a historic and symbolic note as the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, led an influential delegation of Awgu super stakeholders on a courtesy visit to the country home of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, in Owo, on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

The visit, undertaken in the spirit of the New Year, was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, appreciation, and collective support for Governor Mbah’s leadership and steadfast commitment to the transformation of Enugu State. It also underscored Awgu’s resolve to begin the year on a strong footing of unity, collaboration, and shared developmental vision.

Under the purposeful leadership of Hon. Okolo, the delegation conveyed heartfelt New Year greetings to the governor, applauding his results-driven governance style while reaffirming Awgu Local Government’s continued loyalty and partnership with the state administration. The engagement also featured constructive political and developmental discussions, reflecting Awgu’s readiness to remain an active stakeholder in Enugu State’s growth agenda.

The courtesy visit was notable for its depth and diversity, drawing together respected leaders from the political, traditional, religious, educational, and business communities—an uncommon convergence that highlighted Awgu’s inclusive leadership culture and shared commitment to progress.

Among the eminent personalities in attendance were the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; the Anglican Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunwike; and the Spiritual Director and Founder of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Camillus Mbaka.

Also present were the Chairman of the Awgu Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Igwe Cyprain Maduabuchi Nevobasi; former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Executive Director, South East Development Commission, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu; the Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Aloysius Nnabugwu Okolie and Fmr GOC 3 Div Armor, Gen. John Nwoga.

The delegation further included the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Mathins Chukwunwike; the Deputy Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh; the Member representing Awgu South Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Nwankwo; the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Prof. Benedette Ekwutosi Okoli; former Commissioner for health, Dr. Uche Uzochukwu; CEO Best western Hotels, Chief Izaac Egu; Member II of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB), Dr. Nwakaego Maria Ajah; the Vice Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, High Chief Amobi Edeh (Agubata) and a renowned stakeholder, Chief Chikwado Chukwunta, alongside other prominent traditional rulers and key stakeholders.

Political observers described the New Year visit as historic, noting that it reflected a rare convergence of Awgu’s leadership class behind a single cause. The engagement further reinforced Hon. Okolo’s standing as a unifying grassroots leader, whose inclusive approach continues to position Awgu strategically within Enugu State’s broader development framework.

As the New Year unfolds, the Owo courtesy visit stands as a clear message of intent—Awgu is united, appreciative of purposeful leadership, and firmly aligned with Governor Mbah’s vision for a prosperous, stable, and forward-looking Enugu State.