Okpoko Residents Eulogise Hon. Afam Ogene Over Water Boreholes, School Classrooms, JAMB Centre Provision

By Our Correspondent

There was celebration in Okpoko community on Monday as residents trooped out in their numbers to witness the commissioning of solar-powered water boreholes, a JAMB examination centre, and new classroom blocks provided by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene.

The lawmaker delivered one solar borehole in each of the six wards of Okpoko. He also commissioned six classroom blocks at Girls Secondary School, Okpoko Ward 6, and a fully equipped JAMB centre to serve students in the area.

The event drew men, women and youths who praised the federal lawmaker for addressing basic needs that have troubled the community for years.

Very Rev. Monsignor Theophilus Ndubuisi Odukwe, Parish Priest of St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish, Okpoko Ward 3, assisted Ogene to commission the borehole. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ogbunkwa of SS Peter and Paul Parish, Nkutaku East Niger Layout, Ward 6, commissioned the JAMB centre.

Speaking during the commissioning, Ogene, who is caucus leader of NDC legislators in the House of Representatives, said the projects align with the values of the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.

“My choice of projects is inspired by the leadership philosophy of our NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who prioritises the welfare of ordinary people, and the future of children and the unborn generation,” Ogene said.

He is seeking re-election in 2027 on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

The clergy also applauded the lawmaker. Both Monsignor Odukwe and Fr. Ogbunkwa described the interventions as people-centered and timely, adding that they will ease hardship and empower young people.

For residents, the boreholes mean an end to daily struggles and expenses.

Mr. Isaac Akaniro said he used to spend over N500 every week buying water. Mrs. Angelina Okoli said she spent more than N3,000 monthly, and that going to buy water often made her children late for school.

“This borehole has rescued us from suffering,” said Chief Paulinus Ikechukwu Nwokedi. Others who expressed appreciation included Mr. Anyanwu Hyacinth, Mrs. Lauretta Ezerie, and Mr. Vincent Okeke.

Students were also excited. Samuel Aladele, SS1, and Chibuzor Nwibe, SS3, both of Apex International Secondary School, Okpoko, said the solar water facility in their school will improve hygiene.

The goodwill also translated to political pledges.

Hyacinth said he delivered 85% of votes for Ogene in Ogbaru Main Market and Shoe Site areas in the last election, and promised to push it to 95% in 2027.

Chief Nwokedi said he would mobilise for both Ogene and the NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, adding that “both candidates are very dear to the people of Okpoko.”