Right Honourable Uchenna Okafor is a stellar model of humility who served with distinction as the Speaker of the Seventh Anambra State House of Assembly. His word was his bond when he assured from the beginning that the interest of Ndi Anambra would be placed over every other consideration in his leadership of the House.
The confidence reposed in him by his colleagues in electing him as Speaker was never compromised under his watch. He led from the front as the esteemed seventh Assembly passed twenty-seven bills. The patriotism he put forward in the exercise of his duties clearly marks him out as a leader to watch.
Born on April 3, 1977 to the family of Agbogidi in Isiudala village, Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, Rt. Hon. Okafor was indeed a child of destiny. His late father, Hon. Simeon Nweke Okafor, served as a parliamentarian in the old Anambra State House of Assembly in Enugu.
Uche’s father was also a renowned headmaster who afforded him the backup to distinguishing himself academically. He was Head Boy of Trans-Ekulu Primary School, Enugu and Senior Prefect of St. Patricks College, Emene.
Hon. Okafor bagged Second Class Honours (Upper Division) Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration and Local Governmentd from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). His excellence distinguished him and he was retained as a Research Assistant in the Department of Public Administration of the University. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Sustainable Development from Middlesex University, London, England. It is noteworthy that his research potential earned him the recommendation to study for a doctorate degree, a programme he had to defer due to family commitments.
The speaker’s rapid career progression took him to many establishments including Haringey, Barking and Dagenham, Hillingdon and Oxford City Councils all in
London, England where he served as a specialist in different development oriented programmes. He is a member of the Political Science Studies Association, Newcastle, member, National Association of Neighbourhood Management, London, member, Chartered Institute of Housing, Coventry, and amember, Oxford Institute of Research and Development all in the United Kingdom. He is also a ember of the Nigeria Political Science Association.
Having armed himself with sound academic qualifications and professional-cum-career experience, he came back to Anambra State to help develop the homeland. In 2015, he was elected into the Anambra State House of Assembly to represent Ayamelum State Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
It is on record that Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor, through his effective representation, transformed the communities in Ayamelum Local Government. Through his intervention, the absence of electricity in Ayamelum was addressed. Also, the issue of bad roads was equally tackled. These have led to rapid industrialization, easy evacuation of farm produce, and ample job creation.
He empowered his constituents through his personal scholarship scheme, rehabilitating boreholes, engendering university admissions, guaranteeing civil service employment, promoting sports festivals, and undertaking youth development programmes.
On the floor of the house, Rt. Hon. Okafor sponsored many people oriented motions including the motion to establish Anambra International Food Market to be located in the three Senatorial Zones of the State, the motion for the construction of the Omor-Umerum road with an extension to Awba-Ofemili in Awka North LGA, the motion to address the plight of Umerum, Umumbo and Omasi-Uno that had no access road to their Local Government Headquarters during the rainy season. He was instrumental to addressing the Herdsmen-Farmers Crisis in Ayamelum.
It was in appreciation of these achievements that he unanimously re-elected in 2019 for a second term in the State House of Assembly. He was then elected unopposed by
his colleagues in the State House of Assembly on June 12, 2019 as the Speaker of the Seventh Anambra State House of Assembly.
As Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor discharged his responsibilities with uncommon ability and knowledge. He ensured a harmonious relationship with the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature which he led.
A devout Catholic, Uchenna is happily married to Pharm Amaka Okafor and they are blessed with four children.
Truly, Anambra State, the Light of the Nation, has a shining star in Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor.
Written by MEMBERS OF DOMUS
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