Councilor
Ibere Ward 2 In Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, Nigeria
( 2008 – 2010 Legislative Session).
Chief Unegbu Emmanuel Unegbu hails from Umulu Community, Ibere Ancient Kingdom, Ibere Clan, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, Nigeria. Born on June 23, 1970, he is a devoted Christian, a husband, and a father of five children (two daughters and three sons).
He pursued his academic journey at Calabar, Cross River State, where he graduated with a degree in Estate Management in 1995. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year (1995/1996), he served in Abeokuta, Ogun State. His passion for leadership and governance led him to further his education in Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Umudike Study Center, graduating in 2014.
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA).
Chieftaincy Titles & Traditional Recognition
Chief Unegbu is a highly respected traditional leader, holding seven (7) chieftaincy titles conferred upon him from different kingdoms across Abia State.
The first title, “Ikemba 1 of Ibere Ancient Kingdom,” was bestowed upon him on December 27, 2007, by his home community’s Eze in recognition of his exceptional contributions and leadership. This title remains one of the most prestigious and revered honors in the land.
Political Career & Achievements
Chief Unegbu served as a Councillor representing Ibere Ward 2 in Ikwuano Local Government Area from January 2008 to January 2010. During his tenure, he was elected as “The Majority Leader of the Council” by his fellow councillors, demonstrating his influence and commitment to legislative leadership.
Constituency & Community Development Initiatives
Ibere Clan, which he represented, comprises 14 villages out of the 57 villages that make up Ikwuano LGA. His representation significantly impacted Ibere Ward 2, the largest ward in Ikwuano LGA, consisting of the villages Umulu, Ngwugwo, Obuohia, Umuemenike, Iyalu, Obuoro, Itunta, and Nkalunta.
Notable Community Development Projects
Chief Unegbu’s tenure was marked by transformative community initiatives, including:
- Recognition & Documentation of Umulu Community – Secured official recognition for Umulu Community in Ikwuano LGA, ensuring its inclusion on the official map of Ibere Clan, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, and Nigeria through the Ikwuano Town Planning Authority.
- Educational Development – Facilitated the establishment of Umulu Community Migrant Farmers Primary School, the first and only government presence in the community, in collaboration with the Ikwuano Local Government Education Authority and Abia State Ministry of Education.
- Secured approval from Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) for school startup materials.
- Provided free school uniforms for the pioneer pupils.
- Electricity Expansion Project – Attracted federal electricity projects to Umulu Community, securing:
- High-tension poles, cables, accessories, and five (5) brand new 300kVA transformers.
- Connection of the Ndoro-Oboro to Itunta Ibere power grid, upgrading all wooden poles and substandard cables.
- Clean Water Access – Secured the installation of an industrial capacity borehole through the support of the Honorable Commissioner for Works, Abia State, providing:
- Four 1,000-gallon overhead tanks on a high-rise metal stand.
- Two-room water house and a 5kVA generator for continuous operation.
- Infrastructure & Road Grading – Attracted road construction equipment to Ibere Clan, ensuring:
- The grading of the Ngwugwo – Umulu – Obuohia Road (half a kilometer) for the first time in Umulu Community’s history.
- Environmental Protection & Mineral Exploration – Brought in state engineers to:
- Assess and control erosion sites in Umulu Community (funding was approved but pending implementation).
- Conduct soil testing for minerals such as kaolin, tin ore, salt deposits, and iron ore (although findings showed minimal quantities).
- Healthcare Expansion – Facilitated the establishment of two (2) health centers through the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Abuja program, sited in Umulu Community and Iyalu Community.
Empowerment & Social Welfare Initiatives
- Employment & Appointments:
- Secured government appointments for key community members as Personal Assistants (P.A.) to the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA.
- Facilitated the employment of teachers and drivers at Ikwuano LGA.
- Education Support:
- Printed and distributed customized exercise books, pencils, erasers, and rulers to every primary and secondary school in Ibere Ward 2.
- Digital & Communication Empowerment:
- Distributed 60 mobile phones with Airtel lines and wristwatches to community leaders and loyal party members.
- Women & Party Support:
- Purchased and distributed 100 original wax wrappers to widows and party members.
- Provided bags of rice and cash donations during Christmas celebrations (2008 & 2009) for all eight villages.
- Religious & Cultural Contributions:
- Led the renovation and equipping of Mt. Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Umulu Community, which included:
- Re-roofing, re-ceiling, and flooring.
- Installation of electricity and repainting.
- Provision of a complete set of musical instruments, including foreign drums, a keyboard, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and microphones
- Led the renovation and equipping of Mt. Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Umulu Community, which included:
Legacy & Impact
Chief Unegbu Emmanuel Unegbu remains a visionary leader, a champion of development, and a dedicated servant of his people. His unwavering commitment to community advancement, education, infrastructure, and governance continues to leave a lasting impact on Ibere Clan and beyond.
