BY NORBERT CHIAZOR.
Anioma brotherhood was not my main influence for rallying Prince Ned Nwoko to the senate.
His senatorial quest to me was much more than fidelity to a common ancestral brood. It was far beyond Idumuje solidarity.
As we say in Warri, I supported this boss/leader with my “full chest” for a catch of salient reasons:
The characteristics of Prince Ned Nwoko are scarce in the Nigerian market.
Nigeria’s wealthy men are seldom humble.
The typical highly placed politician here is not sensitive.
Most powerful and privileged Nigerians have no mercy.
For a mortal susceptible to flaws,this is not an anthology of Ned Nwoko’s sainthood.But you cannot encounter the famous Idumuje -Ugboko man without being profoundly impacted by his humanity.
Those who know Ned as he is fondly called,beyond public knowledge of his trademark snow white “agbada”,Anioma red cap,beautiful wives,exotic motors and mansions,will never fail to notice his easy lifestyle,marked by infectious joviality and sacrificial kindness.
Whether as entrepreneur,international lawyer,founder of first sports university in sub Saharan Africa,Arts and Tourism connoisseur,anti -Malaria environmentalist or the much advertised Antarctica explorer,Ned Nwoko has done much to change the world.
When he headed to the Nigerian senate in June, 2023, to represent Delta North at the National Assembly,he went prepared.
Seven months as Senator, Prince Ned Nwoko is making his Anioma constituents smile exuding colourful stand on the red chambers,addressing profound issues with penetrating insight and spell -binding charisma.
His impact are far beyond political rhetoric.
Last month, Senator Nwoko initiated the empowerment of 250 youths and women in a skills acquisition programme at Asaba,the capital of Delta and heartland of Anioma.Each beneficiary got a sum of #150,000, in a fulfilling poverty alleviation and wealth creation scheme.
He is set to give succour to over 1,000 people of Delta North senatorial district through direct implementation of conditional cash transfer of #50,000 each,under federal government’s social welfare. More are coming.
Today,he is one of the most quoted Senators of the 10th Assembly, leading in the articulation of the highest motions on the floor, with hyper active advocacy.
These include motions and views on sanctions over crude oil theft by dubious economic saboteurs, rehabilitation of Asaba -Benin road and East -West expressway,Gas flaring and compensation,security surveillance against criminal kidnappers terrorizing the people, peaceful resolution of IPOB and Boko Haram insurgency, non -military intervention in independent nations and within the country as well as repatriations against transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.
At NASS,Senator Nwoko is a potent voice on critical national issues like degradation ,health,employment, education,and infrastructural needs of Nigerians.
The Senator recently championed a bill on Voting Rights for Nigerians in the Diaspora as well as permanent seats in both chambers of the National Assembly,House of Representatives and senate.
This is one of the most patriotic moves in history by any Nigerian given the fact that it would make Africa’s largest democracy,allow its huge Diaspora population – millions of citizens to vote in her national elections.The Diasporic Nigerians have over the years been deprived of the opportunity to contribute to the political leadership process despite their monumental contributions to the economy.
On the 28th of November 2023, Senator Nwoko came up with a Bill for the Establishment of Waste Management and Malaria Eradication Agency. The proposed bill consummates the eselfless humanitarian efforts of Prince Nwoko, as a pioneering Environmentalist.
Even as a first timer at the Nigerian senate,the distinguished ranks among the most respected. He is a member of 16 strategic committees,an unprecedented trust,in recognition of the tremendous capacity of one man.
He is the vice chairman of senate committee on Environment,with membership in other committees.They include NDDC, NEPAD,TETFUND,Gas,Upstream Petroleum,Works,Finance, Defence, Police,Drugs and Narcotics , Communications,State and Local Governments,Primary Health Care Development and Disease Control, Constitutional Amendment,Anti-corruption and Economic crimes,Youth and Sports.
Senator Nwoko’s place in the senate so far is phenomenal.
Apart from the golden era of late Senator Nosike Ikpo in the second republic and the eventful sojourn of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa from 2011 to 2015 when history made him the first Anioma to govern Delta,no other senator from Delta North had made impressive showing like Ned Nwoko.An exemplary enigma.
Today he is offering excellent representation to Aniima people,with integrity and honour, to eclipse the embarrassing scandals and perennial ridicule that attended the immediate ugly past.
Senator Ned Nwoko has restored the lost glory of Anioma land. The people are happy from all quarters. Yet,it is just Morning at the senate.
With Anioma illustrious Senator, a beautiful future beckons to the people.
Chiazor is a Veteran Journalist/ Media leader.
