By Chief Emmanuel Eboh
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, fondly known as “Ned,” stands as a towering symbol of visionary leadership and impactful representation.
As the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly, his influence transcends politics, encompassing development, empowerment, and an inspiring brand of public service.
Having known Senator Nwoko personally over the years, I am well positioned to attest to the depth of his character and the sincerity of his mission.
Nigerians generally hold him in high regard, recognizing in him a rare blend of intellect, humility, charisma, and action-oriented leadership, qualities sorely needed in a nation in search of transformational change.
A Prince of Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Nwoko made a significant entrance into public life in 1999 as a member of the House of Representatives for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
Long before that, however, he had distinguished himself internationally.
A graduate of the University of Keele and King’s College, University of London, with a master’s degree in law, he practiced as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and was once acclaimed the Best Black Lawyer of African Descent in London.
Senator Nwoko’s profile is both rich and versatile. His career spans multiple fields, law, business, education, environment, tourism, health, and philanthropy.
He is credited with initiating the Paris Club Loan refund, founding the first Sports University in sub-Saharan Africa, spearheading anti-malaria initiatives, and embarking on an Antarctic expedition for global environmental advocacy.
These experiences equipped him to serve with distinction when he assumed his senatorial role in June 2023.
In just over two years, Senator Nwoko has made indelible marks. His commitment to Delta North and Nigeria is evident in both action and results. He is not a senator of empty promises but of tangible achievements and fearless advocacy.
Despite being a first-time senator, Nwoko is widely respected and was recently adjudged the Best Performing Senator by an independent peer review. He serves on 16 strategic committees, an unprecedented feat, highlighting the trust and confidence his colleagues place in him.
He chairs the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, while also contributing to critical committees such as Defence, Finance, Communications, Constitutional Amendment, and Anti-Corruption.
A Track Record of Impact
Senator Nwoko’s developmental strides in Delta North are unmatched. Below are 30 landmark achievements that capture his ongoing contributions:
1. Sponsorship of 31 bills and 21 motions—a record in the 10th Senate.
2. Advocacy for the creation of Anioma State, now a central issue in Delta politics.
3. Attraction of ₦3.5 billion in federal projects to Delta North—the highest in history.
4. Installation of solar-powered street lights across various communities.
5. Empowerment of 2,000 youths through vocational training and ₦150,000 seed funding each.
6. Support for 1,000 market women, with grants of ₦100,000 per beneficiary.
7. Establishment of ICT centres to enhance digital access in local communities.
8. Construction of a town hall in Amai community.
9. Upgrading of primary health centres in Idumuje-Ugboko and Ezi.
10. Free medical outreach programmes across Delta North.
11. Provision of electricity transformers to numerous towns and villages.
12. Supply of agricultural equipment and seedlings to local farmers.
13. Building of new classroom blocks in public schools.
14. Construction of the Idumuje-Ugboko access road.
15. Rehabilitation of the Ogwashi-Uku water scheme, benefiting over 22 villages.
16. Solar-powered boreholes to improve water access.
17. Development of mini earth dams and erosion control projects.
18. Construction and upgrading of local markets.
19. Distribution of laptops and computers to students.
20. Construction of a mini-stadium in Issele-Uku, promoting grassroots sports.
21. Administrative block for Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.
22. Facilitation of the NDDC-backed coastal road traversing over 12 communities.
23. Upgrade of Federal College of Education, Asaba, to university status.
24. Attraction of the University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu—a South-South first.
25. Advocacy for rehabilitation of the Asaba-Benin expressway.
26. Campaign for national security and peaceful resolution of insurgency.
27. Advocacy against military interventions and for colonial reparations.
28. Member of the Constitutional Review Committee, representing Delta State.
29. First major Delta political figure to move from PDP to APC, endorsing President Tinubu’s leadership.
30. Restoration of Delta North’s national relevance through stellar representation.
These initiatives have earned Senator Nwoko widespread recognition and heartfelt appreciation from his constituents. Across Aniocha, Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, and Ika, his name is synonymous with progress and hope.
A Servant of the People
Beyond policy and politics, Senator Nwoko’s humanity distinguishes him. He is remarkably accessible and personable.
At his famed Mount Ned palace in Idumuje-Ugboko, he receives hundreds of visitors daily, offering both moral and material support.
In Abuja, he works late into the night, hosting guests from all walks of life—proof of his open-door policy and selfless commitment to public service.
Unlike many of his contemporaries who often exhibit aloofness and elitism, Nwoko remains grounded and empathetic. His humility is a refreshing departure from the arrogance that has come to define many in Nigeria’s political class.
Under his watch, Delta North is firmly on the national map, visible, respected, and scandal-free. The voice of Anioma now echoes boldly in the Senate chambers, advocating for justice, development, and inclusive governance.
Looking Ahead
With just over two years in office, it is clear that Senator Ned Nwoko is only beginning. His legislative journey holds even greater promise.
The people of Delta North are confident that with divine grace, the years ahead, beyond 2027, will bring even more transformative change under his leadership.
Indeed, Anioma is smiling, and Nigeria is watching.
