It was a celebration like no other in Ikeala Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA yesterday, 14th September. The atmosphere was electric. The joy was palpable.
Young and old, men and women, even children, flooded the borehole site in colourful attire. Their excitement to witness the completion and commissioning of the community’s first-ever solar-powered borehole by Senator Austin Akobundu was a mix of pleasure and disbelief. It was written all over their faces. The pictures say it best.
The timeline from request to reality was just one month!
The story began during their last month’s August Meeting, where Senator Akobundu attended as Special Guest. The people had told him of their dire need for a water borehole to ease the burden of water scarcity plaguing the community as they sent him their invitation. The request was both sudden and financially steep.
But Senator Akobundu doesn’t shy away from such needs, especially when it concerns a basic necessity of life. He could have avoided the August Meeting altogether to sidestep the commitment. Instead, as a compassionate and responsive leader, he not only honoured their invitation, he arrived with a team of engineers and equipment, ready to begin work immediately.
When Senator Akobundu announced he would install a solar-powered borehole so the community wouldn’t need fuel or rely on the area’s poor electricity supply, many were sceptical. Past politicians had made similar promises and vanished once their convoys left.
That doubt vanished when Senator Akobundu declared: “I came prepared.” He wasn’t there to make promises. He was there to start.
“Just show me where you want the borehole sited, and my team will flag off the project immediately,” he said. A stunned silence fell over the hall. Then, realizing it was real, the crowd erupted in jubilation. They led him to the site with dance and native calls of joy, and the project was flagged off on the spot.
The borehole was scheduled for completion in two weeks, with commissioning two weeks after.
That promise was kept yesterday, Monday, September 14, as Senator Austin Akobundu returned to Ikeala Nsulu to commission the borehole, exactly as promised.
Leaders, women, and youth poured commendations on the Senator. The crowd chanted “Ekwueme” (a man of his word) as water flowed for the first time. Senator Akobundu wouldn’t give what he wouldn’t take. He was the first to drink from the rushing taps as the people joined to fetch and drink from it.
For the community, it was historic: the first time a political leader made a promise and fulfilled it within the stated timeframe. In gratitude, they formally adopted Senator Akobundu as their son and pledged to support, work, and vote for him as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer for Abia Central Senatorial District and also follow his directives on other offices in the forthcoming general elections.
This is not just about water. It is also part of a larger Green Legacy being deliberately pursued by Senator Akobundu.
The borehole adds to his growing portfolio of solar-powered projects across the district. His solar streetlights have lit up communities, enhanced security, improved ambience, and boosted local businesses.
For these efforts, he was recently honored in Lagos with the Green Leadership Award at the 1st International and 3rd National Women Green Summit & Exhibition 2026 (WIGSE-26) Global Leadership Awards, hosted by the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A), recognizing his commitment to cleaner, safer energy.
Highlights of the event in Ikeala Nsulu included prayers for Senator Akobundu, a tape-cutting ceremony to declare the project commissioned, and cultural displays by the people.
