By Anthony Iwuoma
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For some time lately, I seem fixated on Okigwe Zone. I write from the depths of my heart because of the conviction that the zone has been left stranded at a forlorn bus stop. Her plight was made worse by her conniving offspring. This ought to be so. I am bent, unshaken, uncompromising, and unwavering on the need for Okigwe Zone to get it right and rise from its doldrums. And I will tell you why.
We are one of the three pillars of Imo State, yet when you travel our roads, you see neglect and desolation. When you look at our industries, you see absence. When you look at our youth, you see frustration. For too long, Okigwe has carried the weight of abandonment.
I cannot stand by and watch my people reduced to second-class citizens in their own state. I cannot watch Okigwe remain silent while others advance. That is why I am determined to see our zone thrive.
The future of Okigwe is tied to the decisions we make today. If we keep electing the wrong representatives, those who think of self before the people, those who whisper in Abuja instead of thundering for Okigwe, then our future will remain chained to the past.
But if we choose wisely, if we elect men and women of vision and courage, Okigwe will rise. Our children will have roads to walk on, industries to work in, and opportunities to dream with.
This is why I insist: the journey to Okigwe’s rebirth must begin at the ballot.
We are not poor. We are not weak. God blessed Okigwe with fertile lands, mineral wealth, brilliant minds, and a strategic location as the gateway between Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra.
But potential means nothing if it is wasted. And wasted it will remain unless we send the right representatives who will fight for roads, for industries, for schools, for jobs, for fairness, and a total transformation of the zone.
I am bent on Okigwe’s rise because I see in us the strength to be a leader in Imo and the Southeast, not the laggard we have been forced to be.
Every time I see the brilliance of our young people wasted because of unemployment, I feel a fire in my bones. Our sons and daughters should be innovators, traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs, not wanderers in search of crumbs.
But this cannot happen with leaders who go to the Senate or the House to enrich themselves while the people suffer. It can only happen with leaders who understand that the youth are the lifeblood of Okigwe’s future.
That is why I will not rest until Okigwe sends the right voices, the right fighters, the right visionaries to represent us.
No, Imo State cannot stand on two legs while one leg is broken. Owerri has seen growth. Orlu has seen development. Okigwe must not be left behind. Egbe bere, ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebela, nku kwaa ya. Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch, and if one says the other should not perch, let its wings break.
Justice demands that Okigwe rises. Fairness demands that Okigwe be included. And history will not forgive us if we waste this moment.
I insist on the total transformation of Okigwe Zone, not half-measures. In case anyone is in doubt, the zone occupies a vital place in the political, cultural, and economic history of Imo State, yet it remains the most underdeveloped region in the state, tending to ridicule. For decades, its human potential, natural resources, and strategic position have been left untapped.
Transformation of Okigwe is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a necessity for balanced development, equity, and the prosperity of the entire state.
Okigwe is blessed with fertile land, and by investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and agro-processing, Okigwe could become a hub for food production and mineral-based industries. This would not only improve the lives of its people but also strengthen the state’s economy.
Over the years, Okigwe has been marginalised in terms of state investment, leadership opportunities, and infrastructural development. The lack of a strong political voice has left its communities lagging. Transformation is, therefore, a moral obligation to redress decades of neglect and ensure that every zone in the state enjoys equitable growth.
Okigwe produces some of the brightest minds in education, business, and public service. Yet some political sharks manipulate the political space but remain timid where the zone should be discussed. Getting the right voices to represent and transform the zone would create local opportunities, inspire young people, and reduce brain drain by giving its citizens reasons to stay, invest, and build.
Geographically, Okigwe lies at the crossroads of Imo State, bridging Owerri and Orlu zones. Strengthening Okigwe would foster unity and balance, ensuring that no part of the state feels sidelined. A developed Okigwe would mean a stronger, more cohesive Imo State.
The transformation of Okigwe is not just about roads, schools, or hospitals; it is about justice, dignity, and vision. It is about giving a people the tools to stand tall and contribute meaningfully to the destiny of their state. It is about reimagining Okigwe not as a neglected outpost but as a dynamic engine of growth.
In short, transforming Okigwe zone is both a moral duty and a practical necessity. It will unlock economic opportunities, correct historical injustice, harness human capital, and build a more balanced Imo State. This will remain a pipedream if the same overwhelmed representatives occupy valuable seats.
My people, this is why I am bent on Okigwe getting it right. Our story must change, and the change begins with the choices we make at the ballot box.
If we choose wisely, Okigwe will no longer crawl; we will rise. We will no longer beg; we will build. We will no longer be silent; we will speak with thunder.
This is not just politics. This is our destiny. This is our future. This is our fight. And I tell you today: I will not stop, I will not bend, I will not rest until Okigwe rises and is transformed! Let all discerning constituents line up behind this vision.
Anthony Iwuoma is a seasoned journalist and public affairs analyst. He wrote from Owerri
