The Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU) Women Federated has conferred a distinguished award of honour, “Ezi Enyi Uvoma,” on Rep. Sir Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the development of the Olokoro community and Abia State at large.
The award ceremony, held with grandeur, was a testament to Rep. Onuigbo’s lasting impact on the Olokoro community and beyond. The title “Ezi Enyi Uvoma,” which translates to “Good Friend of Uvoma,” was bestowed upon him as a symbol of appreciation for his dedication to public service, even beyond his tenure in political office.
The award was conferred on Rep. Sir Samuel Onuigbo during the 39th Annual August Meeting of the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU) Women Federated. The presentation was made by the OCDU President General, High Chief Dike Nzenwa, who was ably represented by the First Vice President of the association, Hon. Patrick Umekwe. Onuigbo’s citation was eloquently delivered by Ugwueze Lady Angela Ifeanacho Ph.D and highlighted his immense contributions to the community in the areas of infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and award of scholarships to deserving students.
In her remarks, the President General of the OCDU Women Federated, Deaconess Oluchi Atu, emphasized that the annual gathering served as a platform to honor individuals for their outstanding and selfless service to the community.
“This gathering is not just about celebrating those who have given so much to our community, but also about inspiring others to actively participate in our development programmes and projects,” she stated.
Deaconess Atu further noted that the meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for the women of the community to exchange ideas and address contemporary issues affecting both their immediate area and the broader zones at large.
In his acceptance speech, Rep. Sir Onuigbo expressed deep gratitude for the honour, highlighting the significance of being recognized for his genuine efforts outside of a politically charged period.
“I am profoundly encouraged by the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU) Women Federated with this Distinguished Award of Recognition of ‘Ezi Enyi Uvoma.’ I am touched because this wasn’t given during the election season when politicians are maneuvering for all sorts of awards in search of votes. I am neither in the Senate nor in the House of Representatives now, yet I was recognized for my past outstanding accomplishments in Olokoro Clan, Abia State, Nigeria, and globally. Secondly, it was given as an award earned and not an award purchased. I treasure it and give glory to Almighty God,” he stated.
Rep Sir Sam Onuigbo is a well-respected Nigerian politician with a career marked by significant contributions to Abia State, Nigeria, and globally. He served as Commissioner for Lands and Survey and Commissioner for Finance in Abia State between 2011-2013, roles through which he drove substantial development.
During the 6th House of Representatives, Onuigbo served as Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Speaker, where he distinguished himself as a diligent and effective leader. From 2015 to 2023, he represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he made his mark as Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change. His most notable achievement in this role was sponsoring Nigeria’s Climate Change Bill, a landmark legislation that was eventually signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2021 after rigorous efforts.
Rep Onuigbo facilitated the ongoing total reconstruction of the 50-kilometre Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene federal road; Achingalli-Udo na Obizi-Umunwanwa-Ubakala federal road destroyed over 54 years ago; the Federal Secretarat Umuahia; a massive Skills Acquisition Centre, Apumiri, Umuahia South; Erosion Control works at Amachara,Umuahia South and Okwe-Obuohia Road, Ikwuano; design of the Umuahia-Umudike 16 Kilometres Dualization Project with an interchange, etc.
In 2001, Rep founded a public secondary school (Ambassador’s College, Obuohia Ibere, Ikwuano) to end the misery of students trekking 12 kilometres to and from school every school day.
Rep. Onuigbo’s influence extends beyond Nigeria. In 2019, he was elected as Vice-President (Africa) of the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) International, underscoring his commitment to climate action on a global scale. His dedication to public service earned him a spot among the National Assembly’s Most Valuable Parliamentarians Hall of Fame for 2019-2023, making him one of only five National Assembly Members out of 469 lawmakers to receive this honour, along with several awards from Nigerian universities.
On November 27, 2023, he was recognised by the New York-based Business Insider magazine as one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change. Similarly, the 10th House of Representatives on November 28, 2023 recognised him as a Worthy Ambassador of the House.
In addition to his political achievements, Rep. Onuigbo’s educational background is extensive. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology; a Diploma in Law from the University of Lagos; and a certificate from an Executive Education Programme on Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.
He also attended the US Department of State Foreign Service Institute, Washington DC. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, London (FCIS), and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM). His career also includes nearly two decades of service at the United States Embassy (now U.S. Consulate-General) in Lagos, where he earned several multiple meritorious honour awards and two letters of commendations from two former US Ambassadors to Nigeria for his exemplary service.
Rep. Onuigbo’s recent award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Olokoro Clan and Abia State.
As he continues his mission of positively impacting lives, there is no doubt that more recognitions and new heights of achievement lie ahead. With such a remarkable track record and continuous dedication to public service, Rep. Sir Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo remains a beacon of hope and a true friend to his community and beyond.
