DIBIAGWU ATTENDS LATE HON. ETHELBERT NNANNA BURIAL, ANNOUNCES UZODIMMA’S AWARD OF EJEMEKWURU–AGWA–OBOKOFIA ROAD, DONATES ₦2M TO HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
Uwaorie, Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria
The Hon. Member representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Engr. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu (Ozuruigbo), attended the burial of Late Hon. Chief Sir. Ethelbert Nnanna Nze, popularly known as “Watch Out,” and announced a ₦2 million donation to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Uwaorie Parish.
The burial, held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Uwaorie Parish, on Friday, September 25, 2026, attracted mourners, friends, political associates and community leaders from across Imo State and the Southeast.
In his condolence speech at the church, Dibiagwu lamented the vacuum created by the death of Watch Out in Oguta, while acknowledging the deceased’s contributions to development as a former lawmaker in the Imo State House of Assembly.
The Founder of Imo Progressive Movement (IMP) and Frank & Gene Int'l Ltd, also condoled with the family, the church and the people of Agwa, assuring them of the prayers and support of the federal constituency whenever the need arises.
“Let me send my public condolences to the family of Watch Out. I have lost an icon of our time. The church and the entire Agwa clan should take heart. For the family, be rest assured that you have the prayers and support of the Federal Constituency. Please, Nnaemeka, don't hesitate to call on me when a need arises,” he said.
Following the financial appeals made by the Parish Priest, Fr. Jude Uche, after his homily, Dibiagwu announced a donation of ₦2 million for church projects. The priest had earlier recognised Dibiagwu’s contribution to the parish.
Dibiagwu, who is the House Committee Chairman on Regional Development, also announced that Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, had awarded the Ejemekwuru–Agwa–Obokofia Road, with work expected to commence in the first week of October.
“You know, when the Fr. was delivering his homily, he asked a question if Agwa is still among Imo State. The answer to the question is yes,” Dibiagwu said.
“At our level, we have been doing our best to improve governance in the Federal Constituency, and recently, I completed the renovation of a classroom block in Agwa Secondary School to ensure that the students return back to the original base.
“I want to let the cat out of the bag. His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has awarded the Ejemekwuru/Agwa/Obokofia Road and work is expected to commence from first week of October. But before that, there will be remedial work on the road because the burial of Bishop Dr. G. U. Nwaeze will be coming up on October 9, 2026,” he concluded.
The announcement comes amid existing calls for improved access along the Ejemekwuru–Agwa–Obokofia corridor. Reports in 2025 also documented rehabilitation activities on the Ejemekwuru–Agwa Road and described the road as an important route for communities in the area.
People at the event expressed appreciation following the donation, singing in praise of Dibiagwu, while Fr. Jude Uche also thanked him for the financial support to the church.
The late Hon. Ethelbert Nnanna Nze was a prominent administrator and politician in Oguta and Imo State. His public service began at the defunct Environmental Sanitation Authority, Aba, Abia State, where he worked as a cashier from 1982 to 1988.
Following the creation of Abia State on August 27, 1991, he moved to Imo State to work with Ada Palm Nigeria Limited, where he rose through the positions of Storekeeper, Account Clerk and Purchasing Officer to become Administrative Manager between 2000 and 2003.
Politically, Nnanna was a member of the 4th Assembly of the Imo State House of Assembly under the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa from 2003 to 2007, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was later appointed Transitional Committee Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area during the tenure of Chief Ikedi Ohakim as Governor of Imo State and subsequently appointed Special Assistant to the Governor on Contact and Mobilization.
Before his death, Watch Out held the position of Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of Mbano Agwa Autonomous Community.
Rt. Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu is seeking re-election for another four years. His attendance at the burial and donation to the church formed part of his engagements with constituents and community institutions.
Some of the key personalities who accompanied him to the burial were Hon. Engr. Gilbert Chiedozie, incumbent House Member of the 10th Assembly representing Oguta State Constituency; Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, Chairman, Oguta LGA; Hon. Williams Ezeikpe Ejiako, former SA to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs; Sir. Collins Ughala, SA to the Governor on Public Orientation, Comr. Jeff Nwaoha, former Entraco General Manager; and Hon. Obed Onyewuchi Obed, Oguta LGA APC Chairman, Mr. Bede Ayo, Chief of Staff to Rt. Hon. Dibiagwu, Mr. Desmond Orum, Chief Press Secretary to Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani.
Others were Hon. Christian Okoro Ogbonna, Councilor, Obudi/Aro Ward; Hon. Solomon Ikechukwu Awuzie, Councilor, Uwaorie Ward; Hon. Udochukwu Ogbonnaya Barry, Councilor, Mgbala/Ubah Ward; Mr. Onyebuchi Onyema, President-General, Mbano Agwa Autonomous Community; Mr. Hillary Uwa, President-General, Obudi-Agwa Autonomous Community; Comr. Prince Chidi Nwokeocha (Ezembi), President-General, Mgbala Autonomous Community; and Mr. Uzoma Zimero Kecy, among others.
