Delta: Former SA On Non-Indigenes Affairs, Francis Onuora, A Man Tested, Trusted

The former Special Assistant to Governor Okowa of Delta State on Non-indigenous Affairs, Hon. Francis Onuora, may not be known by many, but those who know him are aware of his contributions to the growth and development of the state through his portfolio. 

He had a good time working with the state Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in his first four years of the administration of the state.

We should not forget that before he assumed this position, he was Chairman of all Chairmen of Ndigbo Traders Association (NTA) where he led them to profound success.

As he said in one of the interviews he granted the press on how he rates Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, he said, “Governor Okowa is a man of the people; he is a detribalised Deltan, a God-fearing leader whose leadership qualities are second to none.  In fact, l am happy to have worked with Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.”

It is no news that before Hon. Onuora assumed the mantle of leadership as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-indigenes, there was a serious leadership crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts, a socio-cultural umbrella of Igbo people in the state. This crisis was almost tearing Igbo people apart in the state.

This of course, became a source of worry not only to Hon. Onuora and many lovers of peace among his kinsmen, but the Governor, who has one of his government’s cardinal SMART agenda as “peace building and development of the state.”

With the synchronization of the mind and action, the Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa through the instrumentality of Hon. Francis Onuora waded into the matter. Of course, Hon Onuora did not work alone as he collaborated with the former Executive Assistant to Governor Okowa on Political Matters, Dr Emma Mafiana, the Special Adviser to Governor Okowa on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin  Uzor (JP),  other  interested groups within the Igbo nation  in the state and beyond.

On this ground, several meetings were held in both Ichida Hall in Marine Quarters and Government House Annex all in Warri where the leadership tussle was discussed, resolved and peace was brokered.

This, no doubt gave room for the successful conduction of election of the great  body which saw the emergence of Chief Michael Ezeh as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts. With this peaceful emergence of the President, the earlier peace, unity and love which existed among the people and enjoyed by them have come to stay.

While time will fail us to enumerate the outstanding contributions of Hon. Francis Onuora to Delta State, namely his people in particular and others in general, it is worthwhile to mention that as a political giant and lover of the state, he created along with others Ndigbo Political Forum (NPF), a political platform to galvanize and support any candidate of their choice of which Governor Okowa became the all.

The platform helped to inform Deltans especially the Igbo people on the need to further support Governor Okowa, considering his developmental strides in the state. No doubt, this forum helped a great deal to draw Governor Okowa closer to the people.

Thus, it is not surprising therefore that most of the benefits which Igbo people have enjoyed and still enjoying from the government today are the handiwork of the NPF.

Thus, the government can feel better the pulse of Igbo people as they get closer than ever before to the government of the state. In fact, one dares to say that the Igbo people in the state have not received attention especially in the areas of appointments of their people into political offices and other areas by state government in the past administrations of Delta State since its creation on the 21st of August, 1991 than this present government of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. This of course is the handiwork of Hon. Nze Francis Onuora.

Apart from the above, Hon. Onuora did not leave any stone unturned in ensuring his people have free, smooth and friendly business environment as he was and still proactive. Each time he sensed any quarrel between and among his kinsmen (people), he quickly waded into, resolving it.

It should not be forgotten that Hon. Francis Onuora is not like some SAs who were appointed and got all their monthly salaries and put them into their pockets. He is a philanthropist per excellence because of his love for humanity. Apart from his keen interest in building humanity, he also keyed into the directive of His Excellency in one of the appointees’ meetings with the Governor to “give back  to the needy around us no matter how little it may be.”

Apart from the donations he gives to different organisations especially the ones which seek help, he gives from his hard earnings to the less-privileged in the society. Hon. Onuora is a lover of sports and time without numbers he has motivated young and talented footballers by helping them with football kits and financial supports.

All these are to help and promote the cause of mankind. No wonder many organisations did not hesitate to give him awards hence today, Hon Onuora has bagged many awards due to his philanthropic gestures.

As he (Hon. Onuora ) said in one of  his donations  to an organisation in Warri, “l am supporting you with this sum of money not to blow my trumpet but to sincerely help humanity.”

As it stands, Hon Francis is still on with his noble deeds. At present, he is the President of Umunakwa Ifite in Oraifite Community, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.  

Without flattery, Hon. Francis Onuora is a man with leadership ideas and has done the state proud with his portfolio and today, Igbo people in Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts in particular and Nigeria in general and today the history of Ndigbo in Delta State will not be complete without mentioning Hon. Nze Francis Onuora in a hurry for his good deeds.