“My motivation comes from a deep concern for the state of our communities.” Charles Ike.

A major aspirant to Imo House of Assembly Chief Charles Ike spoke to Umuaka Times about his ambition and how prepared he is for the job. If he wins, he will represent Njaba LGA at the Imo State House of Assembly.

Excerpts:

Good afternoon sir. May we know you sir?

Thank you for having me. My name is Chief Charles Chidi Ike, a proud son of Njaba Local Government Area in Imo State. I am a professional, community development advocate, and someone deeply committed to the development of our people.

You have indicated your interest to run for Imo State House of Assembly to represent Njaba LGA. Do you belong to any political party?

Yes I am a member of APC.

What really motivated you to seek for a public office to represent your people?

My motivation comes from a deep concern for the state of our communities. Growing up in Njaba, I witnessed both the strengths and the struggles of our people from both sides of Njaba River, such as poor infrastructure, youth unemployment, and limited access to quality education. I believe it’s time for a new kind of leadership that is people-focused, transparent, and action-driven.

Can you speak more on this please?

Njaba is not just where I come from, it’s home for me. Our people are hardworking, resilient, and full of potentials, yet we haven’t fully harnessed that potential due to lack of proper representation.

How do you feel about this ugly representation?

I feel a personal responsibility to give back and to ensure that the voices of Njaba people are heard clearly and strongly at the state level.

Many people feel politicians make promises but fail to deliver them to the people when elected. What makes you different?

Thank you very much Umuaka Times for this beautiful question. In fact, that is a special concern and it is valid. What makes me different is my track record of community involvement even before politics. I believe leadership is service, not a privilege. I am committed to accountability, regular engagement with constituents, and measurable progress not just promises.

If elected, what will be your top priorities for Njaba?

That is a good question from too. My priorities will focus on three key areas: Infrastructure: I will improve the quality of roads, electricity, and water supply to support both daily life and business growth in Njaba. Youth Empowerment: I will embark on opportunities through skills acquisition programs, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives.

Education and Healthcare: I will advocate for better funding and facilities for schools and health centres across Njaba.

Honestly your programs sound very nice, tell us how you plan to tackle youth unemployment in the area?

Youth unemployment is a major issue. I will collaborate with private sector partners and government agencies to bring vocational training, digital skills programs, and small business grants to Njaba start-ups because empowering our youth means empowering the future of our community.

Security is also a concern in many parts of Imo State today especially in Njaba LGA. What will you do about it?

Security is fundamental. I will support policies that strengthen community policing, improve collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups, and address the root causes of insecurity especially unemployment and lack of opportunities.

Tell us about the charity works you have so far done?

I have only assisted some individuals but not a public charity project. I hope to start that soon. Sometime ago when I was on a visit to Owerri, I met two children a male and female hawking pure water, one thing led to another and I began a conversation with them. The boy is from Ebonyi State and the girl is from Imo State. I ended up giving them scholarship and the two of them are now graduates.

You have a chieftaincy title. Please tell us a little about it.

My chieftaincy is from my dad and it was the late Eze Ojinnaka that crowned him. His chieftaincy name is Akudinanwa.

When I did the rituals of “igbukwaagada”, I took the title of Udo Akpo Enyi. My dad the late Chief Sylvester Ike was a politician also.

Can you explain what that means?

It means a lot in Igbo language. You know enyi means elephant and elephant is the biggest of all the animals in the wild. It is a very gentle animal and does not look for troubles. When you look for its trouble, it can match one to death.

You said your dad was a politician?

Yes he was a politician. My dad won an election to represent our people as a counselor but the Buhari and Idiagbon coup stopped their inauguration in 1984.

Have you held any position in the society before?

I have been a board member of Imo State Polytechnics Umuagwo for a period of 4 years.

During your tenure, how did you help the Njaba society then?

Yes during that time I tried in my own little way. I can remember very well that I helped some young Njaba children looking for admissions to the school. Prof Madu who was the VC then was very supportive.

How were you getting those who needed the admission then?

I went to some communities and announced it, urging young secondary school leavers to seek admission at the Imo Poly. Those who were interested reached out to me and we made it possible for them.

Finally, what message do you have for the people of Njaba?

My message is simple: this project is about all of us. Together we can build an Njaba that works for everyone, an Njaba with opportunities, growth, and pride. I ask for your support, your trust, and your partnership to make this vision a reality.

Thank you very much Chief Charles Ike. We wish you success in your project.

Thank you also Umuaka Times for this great opportunity.