By Kenneth Orusi

The town hall in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha north local government area of Delta State, was packed to capacity. Residents, young and old, had gathered to honor a man whose life had been dedicated to their welfare by Senator Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS).

As people stepped forward to share their testimonies, it became clear that Senator Nwoko’s legacy was etched not in the grandeur of political speeches, but in the lives he had touched.

The first to speak was Mrs. Ngozi Eze, a widow and farmer. “Before Senator Nwoko, we struggled to farm because our roads were terrible.

“Transporting cassava and yams to the market was almost impossible. Then he came, and the roads were fixed.

“Today, I can feed my children and send them to school. He gave us hope when we had none.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd as Mrs. Eze, wiped tears from her eyes. It was stories like hers that showcased the essence of Senator Nwoko’s leadership, a commitment to practical solutions for everyday problems.

Next was a young graduate, who identified himself simply as Chike. “I was one of the beneficiaries of Senator Nwoko’s scholarship programme” he began, holding up his degree certificate.

“I grew up in a small village where education seemed like an impossible dream. But through his Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, I got the chance to study engineering at the University of Lagos.

“Today, I work with an international company, and it’s all because of him. He didn’t just pay my school fees; he believed in my future.”

Senator Nwoko’s investments in education were among his most celebrated achievements.

Thousands of students across the State and beyond had benefited from his scholarships and mentorship programmes.

He firmly believed that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking potential.

Dr. Tunde Bello, a public health expert, shared another moving testimony.

“When Senator Nwoko launched his malaria eradication campaign, many dismissed it as overly ambitious. But today, countless lives have been saved because of his initiatives.

“From distributing Mosquito treated nets to funding groundbreaking research for a malaria vaccine, he showed us what it means to care for humanity.”

The malaria project had reached remote villages, providing resources to families who previously had no access to healthcare. For many, it wasn’t just a campaign; it was a lifeline.

The testimonies continued. Youth leaders praised his unwavering support for sports and innovation through STARS University.

Market women thanked him for microloans that boosted their businesses.

Environmental activists highlighted his tree-planting initiatives, which had transformed barren lands into lush green spaces.

Perhaps the most poignant moment came when a young girl, no older than 10, stepped forward.

“My daddy said Senator Nwoko built the school I go to,” she said shyly, clutching a drawing. “I drew this for him because he gave me a place to learn.”

The room fell silent as she handed her artwork, a simple sketch of a classroom, to one of Senator Nwoko’s aides. Her innocence and gratitude spoke volumes.

In every corner of the State, and across Nigeria, the testimonies about Senator Nwoko echoed the same truth: he is a leader who put people first.

His legacy wasn’t just in policies but in the countless lives he had transformed.

To those who knew him, he wasn’t just a senator; he was a beacon of hope and a symbol of what true leadership should be.

In 2019 and 2020 respectively, former governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Senator Nwoko’s birthday, described the former member of the House of Representatives as a “committed patriot” whose love for his state and country was commendable and worthy of emulation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, published by Ndokwa Reporters on December 23, 2019, and Vanguard Newspaper December 23, 2020, the governor thanked Nwoko, who represented Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003 for his contributions to the growth and development of Delta and his Idumuje-Ugboko community in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

“Prince Ned Nwoko has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various strata of the society and I urge you to continue to serve your people well without relenting.

“You have created several jobs and provided many opportunities for our people to utilize their potential and earn a decent means of livelihood through your investments and philanthropy.

“Over the years, you have maintained a large, devoted and loyal followership and bestrode Delta’s political scene like a colossus due to your famed generosity and large-heartedness.

“You have exhibited the traits of a man who is committed to doing everything possible to make life better for your people and not like those thinking of what they can get from the people.

“You have consistently impacted positively on the lives of people irrespective of tribe, religion, social status or political affiliation through your entrepreneurial drive.

“Your Malaria Eradication Project in Africa and the establishment of Stars University, Idumuje-Ugboko, are some of your entrepreneurial contributions to job and wealth creation for Deltans and Nigerians.

“You have continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various strata of the society and I urge you to continue to serve your people well without relenting.

“You have created several jobs and provided many opportunities for our people to utilize their potential and earn a decent means of livelihood through your investments and philanthropy.

“Through your generosity and large-heartedness, you have continued to maintain a large, devoted and loyal followership that bestrode the entire Delta and Nigeria,” he said.

Kenneth Orusi is, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of The Story and Chairman, ICC, Delta NUJ.