By FELIX EKWU
Senator Prince Chinedu Munir Nwoko, a native of Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State is 64 years old.
Born on December 21, 1960, Senator Nwoko, the incumbent member representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly has become a pride to the Anioma Nation he has passionately and committedly promoted, defended and represented even as a member of the House of Representatives representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003. No wonder, he is fondly called the ‘Great Prince of Anioma Nation’.
As he is joined by family members, friends, well-wishers, and political and business associates from across the globe, it is pertinent to note that like a golden fish that has no hiding place, Senator Nwoko, the renowned Nigerian lawyer, philanthropist cum politician has continued to demonstrate exceptional talent, brilliance, honesty and selflessness in serving his people and humanity and as such cannot remain unnoticed like a bright fish in a vast ocean.
Senator Nwoko’s achievements and influence make him a visible figure in society, especially in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, where many of his colleagues, even the old timers, have remained amazed and dazzled by his exceptional display of eloquence in his presentation of people’s oriented bills and contributions motions and debates. In November 2024, Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, during an interview with Senator Ned Nwoko expressed his amazement over the number of bills and motions the University of Keele, Staffordshire UK trained first degree in Law and History graduate and holder of King’s College London LLM in Maritime and Commercial Law had achieved in just eighteen months as a first timer in the Nigerian Senate.
So far, his tenure as a senator has been marked by a commitment to both legislative duties and community service, reflecting his broader vision for development and empowerment in his region.
Ned Nwoko is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and health, as well as for his political engagements. His public persona and activities likely contribute to the idea that he is always in the spotlight, drawing attention due to his contributions and lifestyle.
As a giver and developer, he has focused on several key areas:
1. Education: Nwoko has actively supported educational initiatives, providing scholarships and funding for schools, particularly in underserved communities. He believes in empowering the youth through education. Apart from being the founder of Sports University, located at Idumuje Ugboko, the first sports University in sub-Saharan Africa, Ned Nwoko 2022 acceded to the request by Professor Olomeruom Okonta, the proprietor of Anioma Open University a part of the Sports University is used as one of the learning centres for the Anioma Open University.
2. Health Care: His philanthropic works extend to health care, including efforts to improve access to medical services and support for health campaigns, particularly in rural areas. Worthy of note was in January 2020, when he undertook a symbolic expedition to Antarctica to flag off a Malaria Eradication Project. In this particular expedition, Ned Nwoko proudly mounted the Nigerian flag to create malaria eradication awareness in Africa.
3. Community Development: Nwoko has invested in community development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions in his home state of Delta and beyond. It was in recognition of this that, in 2019, he was honoured as AFRICA COMMUNITY DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR for his commitment to community development within and outside Nigeria.
4. Support for the Less Privileged: He has been involved in various initiatives to uplift the less privileged, providing financial assistance and resources to those in need. In November 2024, Ned Nwoko bankrolled the empowerment of over 300 Youths and Women with N100,000 Each in Delta North during a capacity-building and entrepreneurship program held in Asaba, the headquarters of Delta State. Ned Nwoko has furthered the push for Sustainable Support for Unemployed, Vulnerable Nigerians by advocating for a data-driven social security structure that would ensure sustainable support for unemployed and vulnerable citizens.
Ned Nwoko’s approach to giving emphasizes a commitment to social responsibility and the belief that those in positions of privilege should contribute to the betterment of society.
As it is commonly said, ‘When a song is sweet you play it twice’. As Senator Ned Nwoko basks in the euphoria of his 64th birth anniversary, the vast majority of people he has positively impacted especially those from Delta North will count it all joy that God Almighty has continued to demonstrate His mercies and grace upon a man with the renewed vigour and preparedness for the actualisation for the creation of an Anioma State from the present Delta State.