Ibe Okwara

Determined to fulfil my purpose. Believer, Husband, Father, Son & Brother. Federal House Member Arochukwu/Ohafia Fed Constituency #Phil4:13 #Jer29:11

[Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai @B_ELRUFAI]

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the National Legislative Roundtable on Teens and Youth Mental Health, themed "From Advocacy to Action: Shaping a National Teens and Youth Mental Health Policy for Nigeria." I was invited to attend by my elder brother, Hon. David Ogewu, Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in Benue State. One of my favourite parliamentarians, Hon. @IbeOkwara Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State was also in attendance.

Mental health is no longer a conversation we can afford to postpone. If we are serious about building a productive, resilient, and prosperous nation, we must also be intentional about the wellbeing of our young people.

I commend the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and The Initiative for Self Esteem Education and Advocacy for bringing together lawmakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to move this important conversation beyond awareness and towards action.

The future of our nation depends not only on the opportunities we create for our youth, but also on the support systems we build to help them thrive.

Signed
Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai
Member.
Kaduna North Federal Constituency
Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations.
July 14, 2026.

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@soccertorey Raherm Sterling

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@nzieobinna @OhafiaKa https://t.co/f5l9D033aA

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

⚠️ *HON. IBE OKWARA OSONWA ADVICE ON URGENT SAFETY ADVISORY TO ALL OHAFIA RESIDENTS AS POWER RESTORED TO OHAFIA INJECTION SUBSTATION*

In a major breakthrough for the community, grid power has officially been restored to the Ebem Injection Substation in Ohafia. The station was successfully re-energised last night at approximately 21:43 (9:43 PM), marking a massive milestone for the "Light Up Ohafia Project."

While the injection substation is now live, full power delivery to individual neighbourhoods will be rolled out in phases. Technical teams are actively working on the next steps:
 * Restoring and testing community transformers.
 * Repairing and reconnecting local distribution cables.
 * Gradually streaming electricity directly into homes and business premises.

With high-voltage electricity returning to the network, the community must prioritize safety to prevent avoidable accidents or casualties. 
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols immediately:
*1. Inspect Your Surroundings for Fallen Cables* Walk around your immediate environment and check for any sagging, loose, or completely fallen electricity cables.
 *Do not touch, step on, or go near any downed wires.* Treat every single cable as live and highly dangerous. Report any compromised lines to community leaders or utility officials immediately.
*2.Fix Faulty Internal Wiring* Before power reaches your doorstep, use this window to have a qualified electrician check your home or business. Repair any exposed wires, faulty switches, or damaged sockets within your property.

*3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics* To safeguard your electronics from potential initial power surges during the distribution testing phase, keep all heavy appliances (refrigerators, televisions, AC units, etc.) unplugged until a stable supply is confirmed in your area.

This is a dawn of a new era for Ohafia’s economy and daily life. Let us celebrate this milestone while staying safe and vigilant!

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@nzieobinna https://t.co/f5l9D033aA

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

⚠️ *HON. IBE OKWARA OSONWA ADVICE ON URGENT SAFETY ADVISORY TO ALL OHAFIA RESIDENTS AS POWER RESTORED TO OHAFIA INJECTION SUBSTATION*

In a major breakthrough for the community, grid power has officially been restored to the Ebem Injection Substation in Ohafia. The station was successfully re-energised last night at approximately 21:43 (9:43 PM), marking a massive milestone for the "Light Up Ohafia Project."

While the injection substation is now live, full power delivery to individual neighbourhoods will be rolled out in phases. Technical teams are actively working on the next steps:
 * Restoring and testing community transformers.
 * Repairing and reconnecting local distribution cables.
 * Gradually streaming electricity directly into homes and business premises.

With high-voltage electricity returning to the network, the community must prioritize safety to prevent avoidable accidents or casualties. 
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols immediately:
*1. Inspect Your Surroundings for Fallen Cables* Walk around your immediate environment and check for any sagging, loose, or completely fallen electricity cables.
 *Do not touch, step on, or go near any downed wires.* Treat every single cable as live and highly dangerous. Report any compromised lines to community leaders or utility officials immediately.
*2.Fix Faulty Internal Wiring* Before power reaches your doorstep, use this window to have a qualified electrician check your home or business. Repair any exposed wires, faulty switches, or damaged sockets within your property.

*3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics* To safeguard your electronics from potential initial power surges during the distribution testing phase, keep all heavy appliances (refrigerators, televisions, AC units, etc.) unplugged until a stable supply is confirmed in your area.

This is a dawn of a new era for Ohafia’s economy and daily life. Let us celebrate this milestone while staying safe and vigilant!

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Eight years.

For eight years, Ohafia has lived in darkness. Businesses that could not run. Young people who left because there was no power to build a life on. Families who watched the rest of the world move forward while the grid stayed silent.

Yesterday, I inspected the Ohafia substation at Timber Shade, Ebem Ohafia, alongside the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday. And I can tell you plainly: the end of those eight years is now in sight. The cables have been drawn all the way through Ihechiowa to the Timber Shade substation. The project has crossed 75% completion. The technical audit is done. Power is set to be fully restored to Ohafia by the end of July 2026.

Restoring a regional power grid is a long fight. I was never willing to let our people sit in the dark and simply wait for it.

So we went to work on every front available. We took the electricity crisis to the floor of the House of Representatives. We dragged EEDC into a reconciliation process through the House Committee on Public Petitions. We pressed NERC relentlessly. We lit fifteen markets across both LGAs with solar streetlights so our traders and market women were never left in total darkness. We gave Amoba Village its first dedicated transformer in history.

Every one of those was a deliberate strike against the darkness while the larger battle was being won. And now that battle is 75% won.

This moment came through sustained advocacy and groundwork that the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and I laid together, and through the decisive intervention of His Excellency Governor Alex Otti @alexottiofr , who adopted the mission and backed it with the resources of the state under the Light Up Ohafia Project.

Uninterrupted power is not a luxury. It is the backbone of economic survival. After eight years, our people deserve nothing less.

The light is coming. We are almost home.

Kaa.

Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa (Oke Abba Ohafia)
MHR, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

⚠️ *HON. IBE OKWARA OSONWA ADVICE ON URGENT SAFETY ADVISORY TO ALL OHAFIA RESIDENTS AS POWER RESTORED TO OHAFIA INJECTION SUBSTATION*

In a major breakthrough for the community, grid power has officially been restored to the Ebem Injection Substation in Ohafia. The station was successfully re-energised last night at approximately 21:43 (9:43 PM), marking a massive milestone for the "Light Up Ohafia Project."

While the injection substation is now live, full power delivery to individual neighbourhoods will be rolled out in phases. Technical teams are actively working on the next steps:
 * Restoring and testing community transformers.
 * Repairing and reconnecting local distribution cables.
 * Gradually streaming electricity directly into homes and business premises.

With high-voltage electricity returning to the network, the community must prioritize safety to prevent avoidable accidents or casualties. 
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols immediately:
*1. Inspect Your Surroundings for Fallen Cables* Walk around your immediate environment and check for any sagging, loose, or completely fallen electricity cables.
 *Do not touch, step on, or go near any downed wires.* Treat every single cable as live and highly dangerous. Report any compromised lines to community leaders or utility officials immediately.
*2.Fix Faulty Internal Wiring* Before power reaches your doorstep, use this window to have a qualified electrician check your home or business. Repair any exposed wires, faulty switches, or damaged sockets within your property.

*3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics* To safeguard your electronics from potential initial power surges during the distribution testing phase, keep all heavy appliances (refrigerators, televisions, AC units, etc.) unplugged until a stable supply is confirmed in your area.

This is a dawn of a new era for Ohafia’s economy and daily life. Let us celebrate this milestone while staying safe and vigilant!

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@Sakaextra2 Anelka

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@NEDUszn8 Raheem Sterling

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@hikemann I appreciate your effort and dogged drive. So proud of what we have done so far. Kaa my brother

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Today, I successfully completed my screening by the Labour Party Screening Committee, clearing the way to formally contest the party primary election for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency seat.

I am grateful to the Screening Committee for their diligence and professionalism. The process was thorough and fair, as it should be.

To my constituents, my supporters, and the Labour Party family across Arochukwu/Ohafia, thank you for the prayers and the goodwill. The work that brought me to this moment is the same work that will carry us into the next term: people-focused service, integrity, and partnership with His Excellency Governor Otti for the continued progress of our constituency.

Onwards

Ibe Okwara Osonwa (Oke Abba Ohafia)
MHR Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Happy International Workers’ Day to all Nigerian workers!

Today, we honour your resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to nation‑building. Across every sector  public and private, formal and informal your hard work sustains families, strengthens communities, and drives Nigeria’s growth.We celebrate your contributions and sacrifice, and we recognise the dignity of labour in all its forms. May your efforts continue to be valued, your rights protected, and your work rewarded with progress, peace, and prosperity.Thank you for all you do. 

Happy Workers’ Day!

Ibe Okwara Osonwa (Oke Abba Ohafia)
MHR Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

At the recently concluded 2026 Labour Party National Elective Convention, I had the distinctive pleasure of moving the motion for the adoption of the mode of election and voting method for the 2026 Elective National Convention. This was the last motion of the day and came at a pivotal point where the Caretaker Committee had given their valour doctoral speech and the party was effectively without leadership for all of a few minutes. That was a privilege that I was humbly grateful to deliver. I thank my Leader, my mentor and my senior brother His Excellency @alexottiofr Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for the opportunity and his distinctive leadership and stewardship of our great party. 

Labour Party! Forward Ever!

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

UPDATE ON ELECTRICITY RESTORATION IN OHAFIA

From the beginning of my mandate, restoring electricity to Ohafia has remained a priority. I have continued to engage relevant authorities and follow up on this issue to see that concrete steps are taken to reconnect our communities to the national grid.

I appreciate the responsiveness and commitment of the Abia State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, in taking decisive steps to address this challenge.

I am pleased to share that significant progress is being recorded.

Project Scope
Construction and restoration of a 20km high-tension 33kV transmission line from Ohafia Injection Substation to Ihechiowa.

Progress So Far
Work has advanced steadily, with pole erection and stringing of overhead lines now reaching Umuchi, Ihechiowa, connecting Arochukwu LGA to the national grid.

* Over 18km of the line has been completed
* Approximately 2km remains

At the Ebem Injection Substation axis (from the roundabout):

* 8 units of 40-ft special poles have been installed
* 24 poles are still pending
* Stringing has not yet commenced on this axis

Next Steps

* Completion of the remaining 2km stretch
* Installation of outstanding poles at Ebem
* Commencement and completion of stringing works on that axis

Work is ongoing, and I will continue to follow through until this project is completed and electricity supply is restored across Ohafia and neighbouring communities.

The target remains to commission this project in line with the third anniversary of the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti.

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Recap of the empowerment

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

I recently delivered a transformative empowerment programme for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, with active participation from constituents across all wards.

At the Ohafia LGA Secretariat, Ebem Ohafia, constituents gathered in high spirits, and the event was honoured by the presence of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who delivered an address. I appreciate his continued commitment to Ohafia and the constituency, and his consistent support for initiatives that directly impact our people. The programme was also attended by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North & South; Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, Mayor of Ohafia; Engr. Obinna Odum, Director-General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority; Martins Okey Justice, Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment to the Governor of Abia State; and Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Bourdex, alongside other stakeholders.

This programme followed a broad process, with over 15,000 constituents indicating interest. From this, beneficiaries were selected across all wards.

Support delivered today included motorcycles, tricycle trucks, mini buses, sewing machines, refrigerators, air pressure machines, generators, grinding machines, and food items. We also deployed a grader and payload loader to strengthen rural access and support agricultural activity.

Today’s intervention builds on earlier empowerments and projects already completed across the constituency. We have delivered ICT vocational training where young people received laptops and certificates to boost digital skills and employability. In education, fully furnished classroom blocks have been commissioned in Abam, Ukwa Nkporo, and Abia Ohafia, and a solar‑powered borehole was inaugurated in Umuye, Ihechiowa, bringing clean water to communities long without it.

Across infrastructure and human capacity initiatives, from classroom construction to water access and youth empowerment, these are tangible results that reflect our sustained focus on the everyday needs of our people. We have maintained this pace despite funding challenges from the federal government, because our priority remains clear: practical results that reach our people.

I will continue to prioritise programmes that support livelihoods and expand opportunity across the constituency.

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

@Mr_Zecks

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Yesterday, I joined family, friends, and a grateful nation in Umuahia to bid a final farewell to a father figure, mentor, and kinsman, Late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.

I had the honour of joining the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the Abia–Akwa Ibom boundary to receive his body into the state. From there, we proceeded in solemn procession to the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, where the State Burial was held in his honour.

The occasion drew distinguished leaders from across the country, including our Leader and Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR; the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; alongside other senior government officials and dignitaries who came to pay their last respects.

The atmosphere was filled with reverence, reflection, and gratitude to God for a life that impacted generations. Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was not just a global evangelist; he was our own, a proud son of Ohafia who carried our name with dignity and faith wherever he went.

As I witnessed the outpouring of honour from across Nigeria, I was reminded again that his life was one of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christ. His voice may now be silent, but his message continues to speak in the lives he touched.

For me, this is deeply personal. I have not just lost a spiritual leader, but a father figure whose influence helped shape my values and faith.

We take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and finished well.

May God grant his soul eternal rest, and may his legacy continue to guide us.

Rest on, Papa Uma Ukpai.

Hon. Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa
Member, House of Representatives
Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency

[Ibe Okwara @ibeokwara]

Today, I joined colleagues on the Committee on Nigeria/Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group for a productive engagement at the Swiss Embassy, graciously hosted by Patrick Egloff, the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria.

We received a delegation that included Marc Jost, Swiss MP and member of the Swiss–Africa Friendship Group on his first delegation visit, and Eduard Heger, former Prime Minister of Slovakia.

The meeting comes ahead of the planned visit of the Vice President of Switzerland, with a series of activities scheduled in Abuja before the delegation proceeds to Lagos and then Abidjan.

Our discussions were open and constructive. We exchanged experiences and explored key issues, including artificial intelligence, disinformation, and the role of leadership in shaping public trust. A key theme was how shared experiences across countries can help us become better role models in governance and public service.

Former Prime Minister Heger emphasised the need to focus on a positive agenda, noting that leadership must be anchored on consistency and long-term thinking, especially in democratic systems. He also reflected on lessons from Slovakia’s past, including periods of disintegration, and how countries like Nigeria can learn from history by acknowledging challenges and building forward with clarity and purpose.

Engagements like this remain important as we strengthen bilateral ties and deepen mutual understanding between our nations.