Immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has credited her achievements and the calm experienced in the ministry during her tenure to the “free hand” given to her by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a grand homecoming reception organised in her honour by the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Onyejeocha expressed appreciation to the President for trusting her and giving her the chance to serve on the Federal Executive Council.
She also hinted strongly at her next political move, suggesting she may soon declare her ambition ahead of the 2027 elections, as pressure grows from her constituents for her to return to the National Assembly.
The former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives highlighted key initiatives she supported while in office, especially federal interventions that addressed long-standing erosion problems in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.
She further mentioned projects including educational facilities, youth employment programmes, scholarships, and annual medical outreach efforts as part of her contributions to the constituency.
While calling for continued backing of President Tinubu, Onyejeocha criticised what she described as moves by certain political actors to weaken her influence in Umunneochi.
“There are not enough demons to stop me,” she declared, reaffirming her belief in divine support and her resolve to achieve her political goals.
She revealed that although some supporters had offered to buy her nomination forms, she had already arranged for them herself. However, she suggested that such funds could instead be channelled toward her yearly free medical outreach if her supporters insist.
In recognition of her efforts, traditional rulers in Umunneochi awarded her the chieftaincy title “Anyanwu Nenye Ihe I” (the sun that gives light).
Speaking for the monarchs, Chairman of the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers’ Advisory Council, Eze Franklin Ohalezim, described Onyejeocha as an exceptional leader and a major asset to both her constituency and the Igbo community. He noted her role in bringing federal institutions such as the Federal School of Aviation and the Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, along with other development efforts like medical outreaches and scholarship programmes.
Also speaking, Abia State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, praised Onyejeocha as “an epitome of hard work and integrity,” adding that her record in public service is without scandal.
“She has made Ndigbo proud,” he said, encouraging stakeholders to support her for higher office.
Representing President Tinubu, APC National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa, applauded her performance and assured party members of a fair and transparent primary process ahead of upcoming elections. He also urged her constituents to back her future ambitions.
The event also saw President Tinubu receive the chieftaincy title “Ikeoha” (Strength of the People).
Notable attendees included Abia State Renewed Hope Ambassador Chief Henry Ikoh, Coordinator of City Boy Movement Don Lulu, former House of Representatives member Emeka Atuma, former Chairman of Isuikwuato LGA Hon. Chima Agbaeze, and other APC figures and political stakeholders from across party lines.
