Opinion: Why I Endorsed Engineer Eleanya Kalu for Ohafia Mayor

“He has the ideas, the energy, and the commitment to bring about the change that Ohafia so desperately needs.”  —Dr. Emeaba Emeaba

As the upcoming mayoral race in Ohafia Local Government Area promises to be one of the most open and contested in recent memory, I am casting my support behind Engineer (Chief) Eleanya Kalu. Out of a diverse field of candidates, Kalu stands out, despite having no prior experience in elected office. Ohafia’s City Hall is in dire need of fresh leadership—someone capable of challenging the entrenched status quo. I believe Kalu has the potential to bring about the kind of transformation that Ohafia desperately needs.

Ohafia is at a crossroads, and a reset is long overdue. Years of mismanagement have left crucial rural roads linking farming communities in disrepair. Kalu’s vision for addressing this is both practical and inspiring. His plan involves establishing a local Public Works Department (PWD) that will tackle the dilapidated roadways with what he calls “Operation Pave the Way.” This initiative would allow artisans, farmers, and small entrepreneurs to move freely between communities, generating jobs, boosting public safety, and fostering economic development in the process.

Kalu’s ability to articulate these priorities, combined with his fresh approach, positions him as the candidate most likely to bring lasting change. It’s true that electing someone with no prior government experience comes with some risk, but Kalu’s credentials—both as an engineer and a leader—offer strong reassurance that he is up to the challenge.

A New Era of Leadership

Kalu’s background as a seasoned engineer with Shell provides him with a unique edge. He is a product of a corporate culture that demands excellence, and this is evident in his commitment to practical solutions for Ohafia’s infrastructure woes. His proposal to create a self-sufficient PWD, staffed by local engineers, represents a significant departure from the failed, contractor-driven schemes of the past. By taking control of road-building efforts at the local level, Kalu aims to restore mobility between rural communities, offering farmers a reliable route to market and helping to reverse the trend of rural-urban migration.

The current state of Ohafia’s roads is nothing short of a crisis. Neglected for years, these vital arteries have deteriorated to the point where entire communities are cut off from economic opportunity. Kalu’s plan is ambitious, but it is precisely the kind of bold thinking that is needed to address this long-standing problem.

A Track Record of Success

Kalu is no stranger to navigating difficult challenges. His tenure at Shell and his leadership roles in various organizations demonstrate his ability to mobilize resources and deliver results. He was instrumental in a community-driven initiative that saw the major roadways in Abiriba, his hometown, paved. Acting as part of an advisory commission, Kalu helped raise millions of naira for the project, ensuring that every naira was spent wisely. This track record of accountability and success sets him apart from his opponents, many of whom have offered little more than empty promises.

A Focus on Fiscal Responsibility

In an era where Local Government resources are shrinking, Kalu’s focus on fiscal responsibility is particularly compelling. His commitment to doing more with less—especially in the face of Ohafia’s structural deficit—reflects a realistic and pragmatic approach to governance. Kalu’s experience with large-scale projects at Shell will undoubtedly serve him well in identifying and eliminating waste within Local Government operations, freeing up much-needed funds to tackle the pressing issue of road infrastructure.

The next mayor will face the daunting task of setting clear priorities for Ohafia—a task that recent administrations have repeatedly failed to achieve. Kalu has shown that he is ready to take on this challenge, with a clear vision for how to streamline government and focus on the issues that matter most.

A Balanced Vision for Ohafia

Kalu’s candidacy has garnered significant support from labor organizations and younger leaders, a testament to his ability to build coalitions and connect with a broad range of voters. His agenda defies easy categorization. On one hand, his approach to governance is fiscally conservative, but on the other, he embraces a progressive vision for social and economic development, particularly in rural areas.

In interviews and campaign appearances, Kalu has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of Ohafia’s challenges. He is not afraid to think outside the box and is prepared to have the difficult conversations that are necessary to move the Local Government forward. His ability to build alliances, his willingness to compromise, and his clear-eyed vision for what Ohafia can become make him the right choice at this critical juncture.

A Generational Shift

The upcoming election presents an opportunity for a generational change in leadership, and Kalu represents that shift. He is both tough and optimistic, qualities that will serve him well as he works to restore public trust in Local Government administration, and address the issues that have plagued Ohafia for years. With his balance of optimism and realism, Kalu is the candidate best suited to lead Ohafia into a new era of prosperity and efficiency.

For these reasons, I endorse Engineer Eleanya Kalu as the next mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area. He has the ideas, the energy, and the commitment to bring about the change that Ohafia so desperately needs.

♦Publisher of the Drum Magazine, Dr. Emeaba Emeaba is an author and entrepreneur based in Nigeria and the United States