Bende, Abia State – October 1, 2026
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, has felicitated with Ndi Bende and all Nigerians, describing the anniversary as a moment of reflection, unity and renewed hope.
In his Independence Day message to the people of Bende, Hon. Karibe, a former Super Eagles star and former Commissioner for Sports in Abia State, congratulated Nigerians for their resilience and patriotism over 66 years of nationhood, while urging Ndi Bende to remain steadfast, united and optimistic about the future.
On his Independence Day celebration speech which was obtained by our senior correspondent (Amb. Monyeazor Oluebube Sunday) from his verified social media account, Hon. Karibe expressed deep appreciation to God for preserving Nigeria as one united nation despite years of challenges, economic turbulence and political uncertainties. He described Nigeria @66 as not just a celebration of age, but a celebration of resilience, diversity and the unbreakable spirit of over 200 million people.
According to the speech monitored by our correspondent, the former Bundesliga champion stated that the 66th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how far Nigeria has come and to recommit to building a nation where equity, justice and merit thrive. He specifically praised the founding fathers like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for laying the foundation for a sovereign Nigeria.
The NDC flag bearer further noted that Bende, being one of the most historically significant and largest Local Government Areas in Abia State, has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s unity and development, and therefore deserves quality federal presence and meaningful representation.
“I warmly felicitate with Ndi Bende and all Nigerians as we celebrate 66 years of our independence. Nigeria has come a long way, and Bende has been a proud part of that journey. This is a time to celebrate our unity in diversity and to renew our commitment to building the Bende and Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
Hon. Ojigwe used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to deliver quality, durable and people-centred projects if elected to represent Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027.According to his campaign, Bende deserves quality infrastructure that can stand the test of time, not projects that collapse shortly after commissioning.
He lamented that communities across Item, Igbere, Uzuakoli, Alayi and Ugwueke have endured roads and other constituency projects that often fail to meet expectations, particularly during the rainy season.
Hon. Karibe pledged that under his representation:
1. Roads will be built with standards: Proper drainage, construction standards and supervision, drawing from his exposure to quality infrastructure during his professional football career in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, Kaiserslautern, FC Köln and others.
2. Education beyond renovation: School interventions will go beyond cosmetic renovations to include desks, toilets, solar power, free JAMB/WAEC coaching centres and scholarships.
3. Functional water projects: Emphasis on functional, solar-powered and maintainable borehole systems rather than projects that stop working shortly after commissioning.
4. Project Monitoring Committees: Introduction of community-based monitoring involving elders and youths to confirm satisfactory completion before contractors receive final payments.
“Bende is one of Abia’s historically significant and largest local government areas. We deserve projects that our people can genuinely be proud of. My mantra is simple: No to substandard work in Bende,” he declared.
The former international, who earned 17 caps for the Super Eagles and won the Bundesliga with Kaiserslautern, said his legislative agenda will focus on youth empowerment, job creation, quality education, infrastructural renewal, improved healthcare, and attracting federal presence to Bende.
His supporters argue that Bende does not need a learner in the Green Chamber but a man tested in leadership who understands how to lobby and make Abuja listen to Bende.
Hon. Karibe, who has officially been confirmed as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer for Bende Federal Constituency for the 2027 election and whose name appears on INEC’s final list, also promised an open-door representation with constituency offices in Bende, Item and Igbere, quarterly town halls and transparent accounting of projects.
He concluded his Independence message with a call for unity:
“Ndi Bende, let us use this 66th Independence to recommit to peace, love and progress. A New Bende is possible, and under quality representation, Bende will be okay. Happy Independence Day!”
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