THE BIOGRAPHY OF HON. ENGR. EMEKA EMMANUEL NWAOBI FNSE, FNHR, FNICE, FICMC, JP.
Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi was born into the Catholic family of Sir & Lady Marcel Mekowuhe Nwaobi of Ogbeowele Quarters, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
As a child, he grew up in Issele-Uku, his home town, where early in his life, he developed strong passion for western education, leading to his enrolment for his primary education at Adams Primary School, Issele-Uku, at a tender age.
Done with his primary education, he attended the Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Issele-Uku and later in 1988, he proceeded to St. Anthony’s College, Ubulu-Uku, where he completed his Secondary Education.
Yet, eager to make a remarkable headway in his pursuit of Western Education, Hon. Nwaobi got admitted into one of the most prestigious Universities in Nigeria, Enugu State University of Science and Technology [ESUT], where he obtained his Bachelor of Engineering Degree (Civil), in the Faculty of Engineering. Thereafter, he proceeded to Zamfara State for his mandatory National Youth Service.
In the practice of his choice profession, he wrote and passed the Professional Examination in Engineering, organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, (COREN), entitling him to use the prefix Engr., before his name.
Further, Engr. Nwaobi obtained a Certificate in Advanced Highway Construction and Transportation Management, from the University of Florida, USA.
On completion of the first phase of his studies, he veered into private practice, where he recorded tremendous success with the establishment of many companies he managed as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Certificates obtained by Engr. Emeka Nwaobi include:
(1) Certificate in Advanced Highway Construction and Transportation Management , from University of Florida, USA.
(2) Certificate in Legislative Strategic Management.
International Law Institute, Washington, USA.
(3) Certificate in Advanced Leadership Programme.
Moller Institute, Churchill College, University Of Cambridge, UK.
(4) Certificate in Leading Inclusive Development.
London School Of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
(5) Certificate in Understanding Legislative Drafting For Effective Legislative Business.
National Institute For Legislative And Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja.
(6) Masters in Engineering Management (MSc. Engineering Mgt.)
(7) PhD……..ongoing
(8) Fellow, Nigerian Society Of Engineers
(9) Fellow, Nigerian Institution Of Civil Engineers
(10) Fellow, Institute Of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators
(11) Fellow, FHNR.
Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi is also a Justice of the Peace (JP).
POLITICAL LIFE
Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi’s political life dated back to his days as undergraduate of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where he achieved an impossible feat, by becoming the President of the Civil Engineering Department at 300 level, thereby served in that capacity for two years contrary to the norm.
The tradition then was that the Departmental President must be a 400 level student, since Engineering is a five years Course. But, to maximise the potentials discovered in him, the rule was stepped down to enable the Department benefit from his store of knowledge and selfless services. And, sequel to his astonishing performance, the University Authorities duly recognised him and honoured him with the award of Best Departmental President.
Spurred by the desire to render genuine services to humanity, Engr. Emeka Nwaobi later in life, joined the circular politics, having registered as a card carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party. As a zealous, pragmatic, focused and committed party member, he was opportuned to serve the Delta State Government, as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, from 2010 – 2011.
On the 19th of January, 2016, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, following his election victory, was sworn-in as Member of the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Aniocha North State Constituency.
HON. ENGR. EMEKA NWAOBI POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
With a clear vision of his mandate and understanding of the task ahead of him, as the representative of the good people of Aniocha North in the government of Delta State, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi strategically aligned with His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, as well as his colleagues at the State House of Assembly, toward achieving the urgent infrastructural and human capital needs of the people of his constituency, that had hitherto suffered neglect.
Capitalising on his strong and favourable alliance with the state Governor, as he keyed into the Government’s unique SMART Agenda, Hon. Nwaobi started by organising the first ever Special Environmental Sanitation in the local government headquarters, where drainages were disilted, waste evacuated for a number of days to enable free flow of drainage water that usually cause destructive flood on major streets after rainfall.
Next, Nwaobi tackled headlong, the nauseating issue of deplorable roads that littered around his constituency. This he did, through intense lobbying of the state Government, to ease the movement of vehicles, especially commercial vehicles that transport both human and Agricultural products from one Community to another, where buying and selling take place in the local markets, as the people of Aniocha North Constituency thrive mainly on agrarian economy.
Sequel to his dogged efforts in this regard, he secured the state Government’s approval for the total rehabilitation or outright reconstruction of the following Roads in Aniocha North:
1. Issele-Uku Junction, off Asaba/Benin Expressway to Afor Market Square.
2. Ukwunzu Road.
3. Issele-Uku/Issele-Mkpitime/
4. Issele-Uku/Onicha-Ugbo Road.
5. Obomkpa Road.
6. Issele-Uku/Ubulu-Okiti/Otulu Road.
7. Ogbeowele/Idumuinei Road, Issele-Uku.
8. Umu-Eze Street Road, Issele-Uku.
It is important to state categorically, that prior to his assumption of office, Hon. Nwaobi, through his personal efforts, had made accessible, many Roads in Aniocha North Constituency that constituted threats to both Vehicles and Pedestrians, especially during the rainy season. Some of the Communities that had their Roads graded through his personal efforts are:
1. Ukwunzu, which was later tarred on his assumption of office.
2. Ugboba, grading of internal Roads.
3. Obomkpa, grading of internal Roads.
4. Obomkpa/Ubulubu Road.
5. Ezi/Ogodor Road.
6. Ogodor, grading of internal Roads.
7. Ezi, grading of internal Roads.
8. Issele-Azagba, grading of internal Roads.
9. Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Unor Road.
10. Ogbalu Utolo Road, Issele-Uku.
11. Ukpai Road, Issele-Uku.
12. Onei Road, Ogbeidibo, Issele-Uku.
13. Nwaonye Road, Ogbe-Ofu, Issele-Uku.
14. St. Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church Road, Ogbe-Ofu, Issele-Uku.
15. Idumuinei Road, Issele-Uku.
16. Ugbodu/Ohe River Link Road, Ugbodu.
Hon. Nwaobi’s vision on Government provision of infrastructure to his Constituency is not limited to Roads, hence, taking due cognisance of rapid dilapidation of School Buildings in various Communities, under his Constituency projects, he paid adequate attention to construction and reconstruction of many School Buildings in order to create conducive teaching and learning environment. Consequently, the following Schools benefitted from the exercise:
1. Adams Primary School, Issele-Uku, a block of six Classrooms.
2. Enuofu Primary School, Issele-Mkpitime, two blocks of three Classrooms each.
3. Azagba Primary School, Issele-Azagba, a block of three Classrooms.
4. Ogbe-Utu Primary School, Issele-Uku, a block of six Classrooms.
5. Eziuzor Primary School, a block of three Classrooms.
6. Ugboko Primary School, Idumuje-Ugboko, a block of six Classrooms.
7. Diei Primary School, Idumu-Ogo, a block of six Classrooms.
8. Nkwor Primary School, Idumuje-Unor, a block of three Classrooms.
9. Ohe Primary School, Ugbodu, a block of six Classrooms, two blocks of three Classrooms each.
10. Aniugo Primary School, Aniofu, a block of six Classrooms.
11. Gbonoza Primary School, Onicha-Ugbo, a block of six Classrooms.
12. Ukpali Primary School, Obior, a block of three Classrooms.
13. Kanidinma Primary School, Onicha-Uku, a block of six Classrooms.
14. Martin College, Issele-Uku, two blocks of six Classrooms each and a block of Science Laboratory.
15. Ezi Secondary Commercial School, Ezi, two blocks of six Classrooms each, and a block for Library and ICT Centre.
16. Ezechima Grammar School Obior, a block of Classrooms and laboratory.
17. Olona Mixed Secondary School, Onicha-Olona, a block of six Classrooms.
18. Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Issele-Uku, massive renovation of the L-Shaped Storey Building, containing classrooms, Staff offices and convenience.
19. Issele-Uku Technical College, Issele-Uku. Construction of Classroom blocks and Workshop, construction of Library, fencing of School and supply of Equipment.
20. Provision of chairs and tables for Staff and Students of Obomkpa Mixed Secondary School, Obomkpa.
21. Provision of chairs and tables for staff and pupils of Ugboko Primary School, Idumuje-Ugboko.
22. General Hospital Issele-Uku, massive Renovation.
23. Primary Healthcare Centre, Onicha-Ugbo, massive Renovation.
24. Primary Healthcare Centre, Issele-Uku, construction of Staff Quarters.
25. State Magistrate Court, Onicha-Ugbo.
As part of his efforts towards attracting Social Amenities to his Constituency, that form the fulcrum around which quality of life revolves, Hon. Nwaobi facilitated the completion of, Issele-Uku Solar Water Project, through the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He ensured the supply of big power Generating Set, to augment the Solar Energy in pumping water from the 850ft Borehole, drilled for the water project.
Again, quite recently, Hon. Nwaobi has influenced the rehabilitation of Issele-Uku Water Reservoir, a project that has just been completed, under the sponsorship of United States Agency For International Development (USAID), in conjunction with the Delta State Ministry of Urban Water Board. This project now supplies portable drinking water to the residents of Aniocha North local government headquarters.
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT
Deeply concerned about the failing health of most of his Constituents, especially the old and indigents, who could not afford the services of the conventional Hospitals, due largely to financial constraints, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, single handedly sponsored free Medical Treatments for these Category of Persons, using the Anioma Medical Professionals Forum Incorporated.
The exercise, where over 2,550 Constituents among which 85 free Surgeries were carried, with various Health challenges benefitted, in the following areas:
Free medical consultation
Free eye screening
Free laboratory test
Free distribution of drugs
Free distribution of Eye Lens
Free minor Surgical Procedures such as: Hernia repairs, Appendectomy.
Free Dental Examination
Health talk on Diabetes and Hypertension.
General Counselling and Referral.
YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME
Hon. Nwaobi’s Youths Empowerment Programme is the first of its kind in Aniocha North Constituency, that has helped establish so many Youths with life sustaining Skills in different fields of Economy, and integrate them well into the Society. Some of the Beneficiaries are not only self reliant presently, through the judicious use of their Empowerment, but have become Employers of Labour, thereby reducing in Aniocha North, the common problem of Youths Unemployment throughout the country.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Hon Nwaobi’s Annual Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme is designed to assist indigent Students of Aniocha North Origin, who are studying in the Tertiary Institutions, offset their School Bills that may impede the progress of their Educational studies.
DONATION OF COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MATERIALS
During the heat of Covid-19 Pandemic, Hon. Nwaobi was the first Government Office holding individual to donate Cartons of Hand Sanitizers, Face Masks, Hand Gloves and other preventive materials to the General Hospital Issele-Uku, for onward distribution to all the Health Centres in Aniocha North Constituency, while he privately donated foodstuffs and cash to indigent families to alleviate the sufferings posed by the Covid-19 lockdown.
SECURITY AID
To assist with the security of lives and property of his people, Hon. Nwaobi provided a Hilux Van to Issele-Uku Vigilance Group, with a cash grant of N500,000.00 for ease of their operations.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
As a Legislator, whose primary function is to contribute positively in making good Laws for the overall wellbeing of the entire Citizens of Delta State, Hon. Nwaobi, with all sense of purpose, has contributed immensely to the various appropriation Laws of the state.
In the discharge of his Legislative assignment, he has Sponsored and Co-sponsored numerous Bills that have helped in the smooth administration of the State Government. Some of these important Bills include:
1. Delta State Prohibition of Non Engineers from Practicing Engineering Bill.
2. Delta State Highly Infectious Diseases (Emergency ,Prevention and Management) Bill.
3. Delta State Special Offences Bill
4. Delta State Building and Civil Engineering (Construction) Materials Quality Control Laboratory Bill.
5. Delta State Forceful Entry and Illegal Occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent Conduct in Relation to landed Properties Bill.
6. Delta State Anti-Grazing Bill.
7. Delta State Consumer Protection Agency Bill.
Others are:
1. Delta State Public Finance Management Bill.
2. Delta State College of Health Technology Bill.
3. Delta State College of Nursing and Midwifery Bill.
4. Delta State Environmental Conservation Management Bill.
5. Delta State Electric Power Sector Reform Bill.
6. Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill.
7. Delta State House of Assembly Service (Establishment) Bill.
8. Delta State Public Procurement Bill, and so many others.
9. Delta State Anti Terrorism Law 2016
10. Delta State Agency For control of HIV/Aids Law 2016
11. Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority Law.
12. Delta State Investment Development Agency Law
13. Delta State Private Education Institutions Bill.
14. Delta State Regulation of Smoking in Public Places Bill.
15. Delta State Hotels and Restaurants Bill.
16. Delta State Forestry Development (Private Participation) and Forestry Trust Fund Bill.
Beside sponsoring and co-sponsoring of bills, Hon. Nwaobi, in his capacity has served as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Chairman, House Committee on Youths and Sports Development and currently, the Chairman, House Committee on Works as well as member of various committees of the State House of Assembly.
Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi is a Ranking Member of the Delta State House Assembly, with a lot of untapped potentials, experience and influence that put into further practice, stands unique asset, not only to the State as a vibrant Legislator, but to his Aniocha North Constituency, whose interests he has always represented with unwavering passion.