Politics
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu: Bringing Enterprise, Experience and Grassroots Leadership to Ezza South/Ikwo
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, popularly known by his traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, political leader, community mobiliser, philanthropist and development advocate seeking to represent the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His journey from entrepreneurship and community service to political leadership has been shaped by a commitment to enterprise, grassroots development, human capital and a firm belief that effective representation must translate into tangible opportunities for the people.
Hon. Chukwu hails from Enyim Agalagu, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was born into the distinguished family of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, a respected entrepreneur and founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
Growing up under a father whose life reflected discipline, enterprise, hard work and responsibility had a profound influence on him. From an early age, he learnt that success carries an obligation to society and that leadership is ultimately measured by the positive difference a person makes in the lives of others.
His family background also exposed him to the diversity of Nigeria. With maternal roots in Northern Nigeria and significant relationships across different parts of the country, he developed an appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse cultures, traditions and communities.
That national exposure, however, has never weakened his connection to his ancestral home. He has remained deeply rooted in Ikwo and maintains strong relationships with youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Education and Preparation for Public Leadership
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu holds a degree in Political Science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
His interest in democratic governance, elections and legislative institutions led him to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Elections and Party Politics.
He is also commencing a PhD programme at NILDS, further deepening his academic engagement with democratic institutions, elections, legislative governance and public leadership.
His academic training complements years of practical experience in business, political organisation, community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
For Chukwu, politics is not simply about occupying public office. It is about understanding the institutions of government and using them effectively to deliver meaningful development.
Entrepreneurship and Private-Sector Leadership
As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lykombop Nigeria Limited, Hon. Chukwu has been involved in infrastructure, transportation, technology, energy, investment facilitation and strategic development partnerships.
His entrepreneurial outlook is centred on identifying opportunities that can create jobs, attract investment, open markets and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
One of his notable technology initiatives is the Made in Nigeria Mobile App (MIN), conceived as a digital ecosystem designed to connect Nigerian manufacturers, producers, entrepreneurs and service providers with consumers and markets.
The initiative reflects his broader advocacy for local content, indigenous enterprise, digital inclusion, industrialisation and job creation.
His belief is straightforward: Nigeria must strengthen its capacity to produce, promote and consume Nigerian-made goods while creating an environment in which local businesses can grow.
Championing Technology and Sustainable Transportation
Chukwu’s development interests extend beyond conventional business into emerging technologies and sustainable transportation.
As Coordinator of the Electric Vehicles for Africa (EWEVA) initiative, he has promoted conversations around electric and alternative-energy transportation, charging infrastructure, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.
His engagements in this area have broadened his network across Africa and internationally while reinforcing his belief that African countries should not remain passive consumers of emerging technologies.
He advocates greater African participation in the industries, skills, infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the continent’s economic future.
Grassroots Development and Human Empowerment
For Hon. Chukwu, development begins with people.
Through the Ochiri Ozua Youth Foundation and various personal interventions, he has supported initiatives involving youth development, education, mentorship, economic empowerment and community advancement.
His approach to community leadership is based on accessibility. Despite his exposure to business, political and international circles, he remains comfortable engaging directly with ordinary citizens, community elders, young people and grassroots stakeholders.
Those who know him describe him as sociable, approachable and willing to interact freely with people regardless of their social standing.
He believes that leaders lose touch with their responsibilities when they become disconnected from the people they seek to serve.
From Community Engagement to Politics
Hon. Chukwu’s political journey evolved from years of community involvement, political participation and advocacy for development.
His experiences have given him exposure to party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, electoral competition, political negotiation and the complexities of democratic representation.
Over time, he became convinced that sustainable change requires not only private-sector initiatives and community interventions but also effective participation in the institutions where laws, budgets and national priorities are determined.
That conviction informed his decision to seek election to the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.
Following consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women and supporters, he emerged as the NDC candidate for the constituency after a competitive primary process.
For him, the nomination is not the destination. It is an opportunity to build a wider movement around effective representation, accountability and constituency development.
A Vision for Ezza South and Ikwo
At the centre of Chukwu’s political proposition is the belief that representation must go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly.
He believes an effective representative must understand the legislative process, contribute meaningfully to lawmaking and oversight, attract opportunities and interventions to the constituency, and remain accessible to the people throughout the tenure.
His development priorities include:
- Education and human-capital development;
- Youth and women empowerment;
- Agriculture and agro-processing;
- Healthcare;
- Infrastructure development;
- Technology and digital inclusion;
- Entrepreneurship and employment creation;
- Community security; and
- Greater economic opportunities for families and businesses.
He places particular emphasis on young people, whom he regards as the constituency’s greatest long-term asset.
His vision is to equip young people with education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurial opportunities and access to networks that can enable them to compete across Nigeria and internationally.
He also sees enormous potential in the agricultural strength of Ezza South and Ikwo. According to this vision, agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence production through better processing, storage, market access, infrastructure and investment.
Building Bridges Between Government and Enterprise
Chukwu’s private-sector experience has shaped his belief that government cannot solve every developmental challenge alone.
He argues that effective representation should create bridges between government institutions, communities, businesses, investors and development organisations.
Such partnerships, he believes, can unlock opportunities that may not be available through government funding alone.
His objective is therefore to position Ezza South and Ikwo to benefit from government programmes, private investment, technology, development partnerships and emerging economic opportunities.
A Bridge Across Communities and Generations
One of Chukwu’s defining characteristics is his ability to operate across different social, cultural and professional environments.
His roots are firmly established in Ikwo, while his maternal heritage and national exposure have given him relationships across different parts of Nigeria.
His business engagements have also connected him to national and international networks, while his grassroots activities have kept him closely connected to the communities he seeks to represent.
These experiences have shaped a worldview that is local in commitment but national in outlook.
He sees Ezza South and Ikwo as communities that should be connected to opportunities across Nigeria and the wider global economy.
The Man Behind the Public Profile
Away from politics and business, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu is a family man, husband and father.
He values friendship, loyalty, compassion and respect for people irrespective of their social standing.
His traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is an important part of his public identity and relationship with the grassroots. To him, traditional recognition is not merely a privilege but a responsibility to remain accessible, protect community interests and use one’s influence for the advancement of others.
His faith in God also remains central to his personal philosophy, with his journey in enterprise, community leadership and public service shaped by perseverance, divine grace and the support of people who have believed in him.
A New Proposition for Representation
As he seeks the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu presents himself as more than a politician seeking office.
He brings to the contest a combination of entrepreneurial experience, academic preparation, grassroots engagement, community leadership and national and international networks.
His message is built around a simple proposition:
Representation must be visible.
Representation must be accessible.
Representation must attract opportunities.
Representation must produce measurable results.
He believes that elected representatives must remain connected to the communities that gave them their mandate and must continually demonstrate the value of that mandate through action.
For Ezza South and Ikwo, his aspiration is to build a constituency where the people have a stronger voice in Abuja, young people have clearer pathways to opportunity, communities attract meaningful development, and elected leadership remains accountable to the people.
Guided by the values of hard work, courage, integrity, compassion, enterprise, loyalty and service, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, seeks to bring his experience and networks to the service of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and, ultimately, to the service of Nigeria.
His Philosophy
“Leadership is a sacred trust. Its true measure is not the position a person occupies, but the opportunities created, the lives improved and the legacy left for generations yet unborn.”
Politics
2027: Over 30,000 Enugu Teachers Endorse Mbah, Tinubu, Cite Welfare Improvements, Increased Education Funding
Teachers across public and private schools in Enugu State have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing improved welfare, timely promotions, increased education funding and other interventions by his administration.
The teachers also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose economic reforms, according to Mbah, had made more resources available to states to undertake major projects, including the construction of over 267 Smart Green Schools across the 260 political wards of Enugu State.
The teachers declared their support through a rally organised by the Teachers for Grassroots Movement (TGM), with over 12,000 members marching through parts of Enugu metropolis before converging on Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday for the endorsement event.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Theophilus Odo, described Mbah as a Godsend, highlighting measures taken by the governor to address longstanding challenges in the state’s education sector.
“On behalf of the NUT, I want to say that we are happy today because God has given us a caring governor, Peter Mbah,” Odo said.
He noted that Mbah had supported the domestication of harmonised retirement benefits for teachers even before becoming governor.
“The building of over 260 Smart Green Schools is a very positive change. Our teachers and children can now compete favourably with their peers in other places,” he said.
Odo added that the administration had commenced the recruitment of thousands of teachers while investing in professional development through symposiums and other training programmes.
“There are no outstanding promotions, and our salaries are coming at the appropriate time.
“So, we, the teachers, are endorsing our governor for a second term in office. The votes of our teachers are only for Governor Mbah,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nelson Agu, said private school teachers were participating in such a rally in the state for the first time to show support for what he described as Mbah’s revolution in the education sector.
He said the introduction of Smart Green Schools had challenged private school proprietors to upgrade their facilities and improve educational standards.
“When you came and started the idea of over 260 Smart Green Schools, we thought we were out of service. But we went and upgraded our schools to meet the required standards,” Agu said.
He also commended the administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state budget to education for three consecutive years.
“Importantly, the idea of allocating 33 per cent of the budget to the education sector for three consecutive years is something to laud your administration for,” he added.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State, Simeon Akaeme, said the Mbah administration had restored the dignity of teachers and improved their living conditions through investments in infrastructure and social services.
Similarly, the Director-General of TGM, Dr. Nwakaego Aja, described education as a pathway to liberation, self-reliance and economic development, particularly amid the systemic challenges confronting the country.
Aja assured the governor of the support of the movement’s over 30,000 members, saying the administration’s education reforms had demonstrated the role of education in driving economic growth.
“Through experiential learning and innovation, you brought answers to the quest by our nationalists, elevating education to a catalyst for economic development,” she said.
“We, the teachers, are not ingrates. We see what you are doing. You promised disruptive innovation, and you have delivered disruptive innovation. That is why we are here.
“We promise you this: we will take your good news to the communities, to the staff rooms, to every market, to every polling unit, and we will deliver. Our vote is for the All Progressives Congress (APC) from bottom to top,” she added.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Education and patron of TGM, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, described the endorsement by thousands of teachers as an indication of the broader support expected for Governor Mbah and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, he thanked the governor for prioritising education and investing resources in creating better opportunities for children across the state.
“On behalf of every teacher gathered here today, I have one message, and that is to thank you for believing and investing in the vision that it is through education that Enugu State will attain greater heights. You have committed so many resources to giving every Enugu child a future,” he said.
In his address, Governor Mbah said the endorsement was significant beyond the 2027 elections, stressing that the success of his administration’s development agenda depended largely on teachers and the education system.
“Today’s endorsement carries a particular significance, and that is because everything we do, all the promises we have made, all the projections we have made — growing Enugu’s economy, becoming one of the top three states in terms of GDP, making Enugu State the number one state in terms of investment, business, living and tourism — are in the hands of our teachers,” he said.
The governor said his administration’s investments in education included the construction of over 7,000 classrooms, the provision of 25,000 desktop computers and more than 5,000 tablets, as well as free feeding and uniforms for pupils.
He added that the government was focused on transforming the state’s education system rather than merely providing infrastructure and learning materials.
“For us, it is about transformation — transforming an education system. And that whole transformation, whether we fail or succeed, would lie largely in your hands,” Mbah said.
He expressed appreciation for teachers’ contributions to the state’s development, acknowledging the challenges they face in educating children and preparing them for the future.
“That is why, when I say that I see you and I value you, it comes from the depths of my heart because I understand what you go through to inculcate this knowledge into our children so that we can become that great state. So, we love you and appreciate you dearly,” he added.
The governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, described the endorsement as a strong affirmation of an administration that had placed education at the centre of its development agenda.
The rally was attended by senior government officials, political and community leaders, and other stakeholders.
…Says 2027 Election Will End Politics of Godfatherism, Privilege in Ebonyi
BY PETRUS OBI
Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, witnessed an extraordinary political reception as thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, on his return to the state.
From the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where a large crowd gathered to receive him, to Abakaliki, where another mammoth crowd assembled, Odii’s arrival generated considerable excitement among supporters, temporarily bringing activities in parts of the state capital to a standstill.
The reception took another dimension at a filling station in Abakaliki, where the PDP candidate reportedly treated supporters who gathered to welcome him to free fuel, with beneficiaries driving away with filled tanks.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Odii urged Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their places of origin, to prepare for what he described as a tough but decisive political battle ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He expressed confidence that the collective determination of the people would ultimately prevail, insisting that the forthcoming election represents a defining moment in the political history of the state.
According to him, his governorship ambition is not driven by personal interests but by a determination to rescue Ebonyi from years of missed opportunities and alleged mismanagement of public resources.
Odii described his Anyi G’ Emeya movement as a people-driven mission aimed at restoring accountable leadership, creating economic opportunities and building an inclusive government that works for every Ebonyi resident.
Cheering supporters
Free fuel for all
He assured supporters that the deployment of modern technology and competent technology experts to monitor electoral activities across polling units would make electoral manipulation increasingly difficult.
The PDP candidate consequently urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
Speaking further, Odii declared that his achievements in business had already placed him in a position to enjoy extraordinary comfort and luxury anywhere in the world without seeking political office.
He explained that he could have chosen a life of leisure, travelling in luxury yachts and private aircraft, rather than subjecting himself to the demands and challenges of political leadership.
However, he maintained that his decision to contest the governorship election was informed by a greater desire to create an Ebonyi State where opportunities would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the politically connected.
Odii said his vision was to build a society where children from poor families could aspire to become governors, ministers, lawmakers and other prominent public officeholders on the strength of their intelligence, competence, leadership qualities and personal accomplishments.
He condemned a political culture in which access to opportunities and public offices is perceived to depend on family connections, influential relatives, in-laws or powerful political godfathers.
The PDP standard-bearer insisted that Ebonyi must embrace a new political order where merit, fairness and equal opportunity, rather than privilege and political patronage, determine the future of its citizens.
He called on supporters to remain united and committed to the Anyi G’ Emeya movement, expressing optimism that the 2027 election would usher in a new era of leadership in Ebonyi State.
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
-
News3 days agoCurfew Continues as Soludo Sets Up Commission of Inquiry Over Aguleri–Umuoba Anam Clash
-
Crime5 days agoCourt Denies Alleged Fake Pastor Bail as Seven Witnesses Await Trial
-
Education3 days agoIhejirika Hails Mbah’s Infrastructure Drive as Coal City University Inaugurates Governing Council
-
News2 days agoEbonyi Cement Project: Where Is the Limestone Evidence?
-
Politics9 hours agoOdii Shuts Down Abakaliki, Buys Fuel for Thousands of Supporters at Grand Reception
-
News5 days agoNAF Crash Claims Pilot 16 Days After Wedding
-
Crime3 days agoEnugu Police Arrest Five Suspects, Recover Three Firearms, Six Rounds of Ammunition
-
News3 days agoInclusivity: NOUN Matriculates 70 Prison Inmates at Special Study Centre, Enugu