Ibe Osonwa

Ibe Okwara-Osonwa

Ibe Okwara Osonwa
Occupation	Politician
Notable work	A member of Labour Party

is a Nigerian politician and member of the Federal House of Representatives from Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State in the 10th National Assembly.

Okwara Osonwa, a member of Labour Party won the nomination of his party to run for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency by consensus. In the February 25, 2023, House of Representatives election, Osonwa received 8,946 votes to beat the candidate of People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent Deputy Speaker of Abia State, Ifeanyi Uchendu and the candidate of APC Dan Okeke.

Ibe Okwara Osonwa was born on December 24, 1974, in London. He hails from Ebem Ohafia and received his early education at Federal Government College Okigwe, where he obtained his first school leaving certificate (FSLC). He pursued higher education at the University of North London, earning a degree in Accounting. Driven by his passion for education, he pursued a second degree in International Business. After completing the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Lagos State, Ibe Okwara embarked on a career in the Financial Sector. Known for his belief in equity and justice, he has been actively involved in addressing societal imbalances, particularly in the mistreatment of the elderly. Through his notable charity work, he has made a positive impact on society. In recognition of his services to community development, he was honored with the chieftaincy title of Oke-Abba Ohafia 1 by the Ohafia Council of Chiefs on April 16, 2022.

Career

Ibe Okwara’s professional journey began as an Advisory Analyst with Bromley Asset Management, where he played an active role in establishing the first mobile network in Nigeria (Econet). With years of experience in the financial sector, he went on to become a qualified SAP FICO consultant. He subsequently established his own private consultancy, offering financial advisory services to esteemed clients such as Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. His consultancy has delivered exceptional advice and solutions across diverse sectors, including telecommunications, oil and gas, media, manufacturing, business management, and construction. In 2016, Ibe Okwara co-founded People’s Grassroot Social Equality and Development Initiative Nigeria (PSGEDI), an initiative focused on empowering Nigerian youth through charitable donations. He is also a founding member of the People’s Equity Movement, a political platform advocating for the equal participation of young Nigerians in politics.

Family

Ibe Okwara was born into the family of Chief Okwara Osonwa Okwara and Chief Mrs. Grace Okwara. He is a devout Christian, a dedicated family man, and happily married to Abosede Okwara. Their blessed union has been enriched by the presence of three beautiful children.

Politics

As an economist, technocrat, and politician, Ibe Okwara represents the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives. He began his political journey as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and later transitioned to the Labour Party. On June 16, 2022, he was presented with a certificate of return by the Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as their candidate for the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency. In the subsequent House of Representatives election held on February 25, 2023, he emerged victorious, securing the seat.

Bills/Motions Moved

Ibe Okwara is a firm believer in equity and takes action to challenge the injustices he observes in society. In 2017, he initiated a foundation that provided food to the Gongola Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja. Through strategic partnerships with NGOs, he has organized free medical and healthcare outreaches in Arochukwu and Ohafia LGA, amounting to a contribution of US$3.5 million in 2018 and 2019. During the pandemic, his foundation distributed palliative materials to communities, and in response to distress calls, it provided relief materials to Nkporo communities affected by heavy flooding.

On October 18, 2020, during the decentralized social movement End SARS protests at the Lekki toll gate, Ibe Okwara Osonwa fearlessly spoke truth to power. With resilience and passion, he highlighted the urgent need to end the horrendous violence.

Legislative Achievements

● Quality and accessible Representation, related to legislation ensuring constituents' voices are heard in project selection. ● Bills to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ohafia Abia State (First Reading) ● Freight Forwarding Bill (First Reading) ● Co-Sponsored Nigerian Constitution Alteration bill to end the current presidential system and revert to the parliamentary system previously used in Nigeria’s First Republic. ● Motion on Urgent need for Erosion Control in Amekpu, Elu, Ebem, Ihechiowa in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency ● Co-Sponsor, Motion to Establish a military post in Isu to promote peace and other over a long lasting boundary dispute

Ibe Okwara’s vision is rooted in the pain and struggles experienced by his people. He perceives himself as a selfless servant leader entrusted with fighting for the interests of the people of the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency. His primary goal is to effectively serve the people and enhance their quality of life. His inclusive approach, integrity, and empathy drive him to involve the entire community in the decision making process. He values all voices, displays strong leadership skills, and sets long-term goals for his constituents while addressing their short-term needs. With a comprehensive policy manifesto, Ibe Okwara outlines his plans to foster positive change for his constituents and the wider federation of Nigeria. His objectives include supporting schemes for widows and the elderly, creating employment opportunities and empowering the youth, developing infrastructure for public schools and hospitals, providing interest-free loans for traders, promoting sports development, engaging regularly with constituents, and actively supporting developmental bills in the National Assembly.

Ibe Okwara’s primary responsibility is to represent the people of Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Governments. This involves engaging consistently with constituents, understanding their needs and concerns, advocating for policies and legislation that address those needs, and being accessible and responsive to their questions and concerns Addressing economic growth: Ibe Okwara aims to propose and support policies that stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract investment. He prioritizes creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, partnering with the private sector to drive innovation and emerging technologies, and promoting infrastructure development. Policy-making and legislation: Actively participating in the development and implementation of policies and legislation that benefit constituents and the nation at large. Ibe Okwara strives to make informed decisions that support good governance while upholding fundamental principles of equality, inclusiveness, and fairness.

Recognizing deficiencies in local and national healthcare systems, Ibe Okwara intends to propose and support policies that improve access to quality healthcare, disease prevention, mental health support, funding research, and investing in frontline workers. Enhancing public safety through social programs: Addressing public safety issues within the constituency, including police reform and mental health, by partnering with relevant agencies to implement policies and legislation that promote safety. The objective is to create a safer, more sustainable, and productive society for constituents.