Today, the sacred soil of Nnewi receives one of its most cherished sons. Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a man whose life reflected ambition, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to his people, is being laid to rest. This is not merely the burial of a man but the passing of a giant whose influence stretched far beyond the boundaries of Nnewi, touching Igboland and Nigeria at large.
To the people of Nnewi, we remind ourselves of the timeless wisdom:
“Gbuo dike, gbuo dike, ụbọchị agha achọba dike” — “Kill the warrior, and when the day of battle comes, you will search for him.”
Today, we feel the weight of those words. With his passing, we are left with the reality of insecurity creeping into our beloved Nnewi. When he stood as a shield for us, we barely noticed. Now that he is no longer here, his absence is profound.
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𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝
Despite the rumors, allegations, and deliberate attempts at character assassination, we cannot deny Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s contributions to his people. Let us cast aside the distractions of human imperfection and celebrate the undeniable legacy of a man who poured his heart into uplifting his homeland. Senator Ubah was not a perfect man—none of us are—but his flaws pale in comparison to his remarkable achievements.
Here was a man who ensured the safety of Nnewi during tumultuous times, risking his own life to protect his people. He was the man who subsidized fuel prices during a nationwide crisis, providing relief to countless Nigerians. He did not merely talk—he acted, and he acted with the love of his people in mind.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐢, 𝐈𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚
Development in Nnewi:
- 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Senator Ubah improved roads, schools, and markets, laying the groundwork for a better future for his community.
- 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲: Through the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, he supported thousands of families with scholarships and healthcare initiatives.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: He revitalized local industries, fostering self-sufficiency and creating jobs for Nnewi’s youth.
- 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: He played a pivotal role in enhancing access to electricity by championing the installation of solar-powered street lights across major roads in Nnewi, ensuring stable and sustainable energy for local businesses and improving the overall infrastructure of the community.
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞:
- 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲: Senator Ubah was an unwavering advocate for Igbo representation, fighting tirelessly for the region’s inclusion in national discussions.
- 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞: He championed Igbo heritage, Afaigboefunamba ensuring that our traditions were celebrated and preserved for future generations.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚:
- 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: As a senator, he sponsored bills to reform Nigeria’s economy and social framework.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬: In a time of economic hardship, his intervention to provide affordable fuel eased the suffering of many.
- 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: He was a bold voice demanding fairness and accountability in resource distribution.
𝐅𝐂 𝐈𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐢 𝐔𝐛𝐚𝐡: A Vision for Youth and Sports Development
In 2015, Senator Ubah purchased Gabros International Football Club and transformed it into FC Ifeanyi Ubah. For him, this was not just about sports; it was about empowerment, youth development, and fostering a sense of pride in Igbo excellence.
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩:
- 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐩: FC Ifeanyi Ubah became the first Anambra team to win the prestigious cup in 2016.
- International Representation: The club participated in the CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing the talents of young Nigerian players on a global stage.
- 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Through academies and talent programs, he provided opportunities for young people to develop their skills and pursue careers in football.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah was more than a club; it was a symbol of his vision for a thriving and unified Igboland.
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
Today, as we mourn the loss of this great man, we must confront the pettiness of his detractors. To those who speak ill of him, remember: perfection is not the measure of greatness. Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was not without flaws, but his flaws were human, and his contributions were monumental. He gave his life for the betterment of his people. Let us not repay his sacrifices with disrespect or ingratitude.
To those who remain critical, remember the Igbo proverb:
“Otu mkpịsị aka anaghi ezopụ aka ibe ya” — “One finger cannot lift a load alone.”
He was a pillar for us all, and now that he is gone, the weight of his absence is felt by everyone.
𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is gone. The soil of Nnewi has received its son. Igboland has lost a champion, and Nigeria has lost a patriot. His legacy, however, remains. It is carved in the roads he built, the lives he touched, and the dreams he ignited.
As his body is lowered into the earth today, let us honor his spirit. Let us rise above the distractions of negativity and give him the respect he so richly deserves. His life was a testament to what one person can achieve when driven by a love for their people.
Rest well, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
You were not just a man; you were a force of nature. Your people will miss you, but your legacy will endure. May your soul find eternal peace in the embrace of the Almighty. You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.
