The Chief Liaison Officer of the Abia State Liaison Office in Abuja, Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo Bende, has called on the people of Bende to appreciate the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, for giving him the privilege to serve the state at large after the 2023 general elections.
Chinasa made the call on Sunday during the official flag-off of the Project Switch On Bende initiative held at Lohum Imenyi in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
He noted that although the people of Bende had prepared him for representation at the House of Representatives, the Governor’s confidence in him expanded his platform to impact lives across the state.
“Ndi Bende prepared me to serve them at the Federal House, but His Excellency gave me the privilege to serve Abia State at large. For that, I urge our people to thank and support him,” he said.
Chinasa explained that the Project Switch On Bende initiative was conceived out of a firm commitment to improving the lives of the people through sustainable development.
According to him, through the support of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under its Operation Light Up Niger Delta Programme, over 486 solar-powered streetlights have been successfully installed across Uzuakoli and Umuimenyi wards within a short period.
“This is only the beginning. Our mission is clear;to ensure that every ward, every community, and every street in Bende Federal Constituency feels the impact of light. Where there is light, there is security; where there is light, there is opportunity; and where there is light, there is life,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Johnson Chukwu, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides in Abia State, which he said have enabled meaningful progress across the state.
“It is a great pleasure to be here to celebrate my younger brother who has said ‘let there be light,’ and indeed there is light. The people of Bende—both South and North—must continue to support him. If in his personal capacity he can touch lives, then he deserves greater opportunity to do more,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Uwabonkoney Bassey, praised Chinasa for bringing visible development to the area.
“DOGO is the light—that is all I know,” the Mayor said.
In a similar vein, an aspirant for the Abia North Senatorial seat, Emeka Kalu, commended the initiative and pledged to replicate such efforts across the senatorial district.
“As he is lighting up Bende, we are committed to lighting up Abia North,” he noted.
In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Hon Ngozi Sandra Anya, called on women across the constituency to actively participate in the ongoing e-registration of Labour Party membership, emphasizing grassroots mobilization ahead of future political engagements.
“For Bende Federal Constituency, at the right time, we will speak,” she stated.
Also addressing the gathering, the member representing Isiala North/South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Hon. Ginger O. Onwusibe commended the initiative, noting that it was rare to see government appointees execute and commission impactful projects.
“This is my first time seeing a government appointee initiate, complete, and commission a project of this magnitude. Having served under past administrations, I can confidently say that Governor Otti’s performance in just a few years stands out,” he said, adding that both the Governor and President Bola Tinubu have demonstrated leadership deserving of continued support.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, commended Chinasa for aligning with the state government’s development agenda.
“This project aligns with the Abia State Government’s vision of lighting up the state through the Ministry of Public Utilities. The solar light initiative has already enabled traders to extend their business hours and increase productivity,” he said.
He further described Chinasa as one of Bende’s finest sons, urging the people to continue supporting progressive initiatives that drive development.
In his vote of thanks, the Director General of DOGO Foundation Mr. Chinasa Kalu expressed appreciation to the Governor, dignitaries, and stakeholders for their presence and support, noting that their participation underscored a shared commitment to the development of Bende.
The Project Switch On Bende initiative is expected to significantly enhance security, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents across the constituency.
