Jones Onyereri’s campaign gathers momentum as Orlu stakeholders, traders and community leaders in Lagos engage him.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Imo West Senatorial District election, Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri, has held a series of engagements with community leaders, business people, traders, faith leaders and other stakeholders from Orlu Zone during a weekend of activities in Lagos. The engagements, according to Onyereri, were aimed at strengthening relationships with the people from the zone and discussing issues surrounding unity, enterprise, community development, faith and representation.

Onyereri, a former member of the House of Representatives, was the PDP’s nominee for Imo West in the party’s 2027 senatorial nomination process. His candidacy, alongside those of the party’s candidates for Imo East and Imo North, was subsequently formally recognized through the presentation of certificates of return by the PDP. Umuaka Times gathered that one of the major engagements during the weekend was an interactive meeting with Orlu Zone members of the Akuluno United Brothers Association (AUBA), led by its National President, High Chief Mike DuruEjiogu.

The meeting focused on the philosophy of Akuluno and the importance of members of the Igbo community investing in their communities, supporting indigenous businesses, creating economic opportunities and contributing to development at home.Onyereri also attended the second anniversary celebration of AUBA and the unveiling of the book, Akuluno: A Catalyst for the Development of Igboland at The Monarch Event Centre, Lekki Phase 2, Lagos.

Highly dependable sources disclosed to Umuaka Times that the September 26 event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and members of the Igbo community for an occasion that combined the association’s anniversary, its annual general meeting and the launch of the development-oriented publication. Reports on the event said the gathering focused on brotherhood, enterprise, networking, cultural identity and community development.

Speaking about the initiative, Onyereri, a highly educated political heavyweight in Orlu Zone and Imo State commended the leadership and members of AUBA for promoting a philosophy which, according to him, encourages successful Igbo men and women to look towards their communities and deploy their experience, resources and entrepreneurial capacity to support development in Igboland.The former federal lawmaker also paid a courtesy visit to Chief Mike Onuoha, popularly known as Eriri Ego, a prominent son and leader from Nwangele during the Lagos visit.The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on issues concerning the people of the area and the development of their communities.

Another major engagement was Onyereri’s visit to Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries.Onyereri described the visit as a spiritually significant moment, saying he received prayers and blessings from the cleric. He expressed appreciation for the prayers of religious leaders and said he continued to entrust his aspirations and journey to God.

The PDP candidate also met with members of the Alaba Traders Association from Orlu Zone at a meeting hosted by Chief Chidi Reginald Mbamara.The discussion provided an opportunity for traders and entrepreneurs to raise issues affecting their businesses and communities.According to Onyereri, traders constitute an important part of the economy and require an environment that promotes business expansion, employment opportunities and economic growth.He further met with executives and leaders of the Amaigbo Unity Forum, led by its President, Chief Donna Ejiogu. The meeting was hosted by Chief Vin Ndupu.

Discussions at the meeting largely centred on unity, community development and what Onyereri described as the collective responsibility of individuals and community leaders to contribute to the advancement of their people.The former lawmaker also visited Ugo John Kennedy Duru, Governor of the United Isu Progressive Union, where they discussed issues concerning Isu, Orlu Zone and community development.

Onyereri was accompanied on some of the engagements by members and leaders of his campaign organization, including Hon. Barr. Golden Nwosu, former Commissioner for Lands and former Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Campaign Council; Prince Marshal Okaforanyanwu, former State Chairman of APGA and first State Chairman of APC in Imo State and Director-General of the campaign organization; Chief Nnamdi Nsorom, former Chairman of Isu LGA Council and Secretary of the Campaign Council; Chief Luke Ekwueme, former Chairman of Ideato North LGA under APGA and APC and currently Labour Party Chairman and Deputy Director-General of the campaign organization; and Engr. OkeyOnyejiaka, former Chairman of Nwangele LGA Council.

Reflecting on the series of meetings, Onyereri said the engagements reinforced his belief that the development of communities requires cooperation among political leaders, business people, professionals, community organizations, religious institutions and other stakeholders.He said the central message from his interactions was the need for the people of Orlu Zone to harness their unity, enterprise, experience and collective commitment towards community development.He also expressed appreciation to the leaders, traders, business people, religious figures, friends and other stakeholders who received him and participated in the discussions.

According to him, the conversations provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the aspirations and concerns of the people, while further strengthening his stated commitment to what he described as purposeful, accessible and people-centred representation.Onyereri ended his message by quoting Proverbs 23:18 from the King James Version: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”