By Douglas Princemola
The political atmosphere in Imo State gained renewed momentum on Sunday, 30th November 2025, as the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Sir C O C Akaolisa KSJI, officially unveiled the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation ELF in Owerri. The foundation, he explained, is established to groom, mentor, and build emerging leaders who will uphold the values of loyalty, service, and administrative continuity within Imo States political landscape.
The unveiling ceremony, held at Cynthia Hall, Rockview Hotel, attracted notable political actors, party stakeholders, opinion leaders, and supporters from across the state. The event was chaired by Chief Barr Marcellinus Nlemigbo, while the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, was represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour. The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Sir Macdonald Ebere PhD, also graced the occasion as Special Guest.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the unveiling, Akaolisa stressed the importance of structured leadership in ensuring continuity in governance. He noted that anyone who aspires to succeed Governor Uzodimma must be prepared to align with an organized leadership system rooted in discipline, loyalty, and commitment to public service.
Akaolisa explained that the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation was created from the need to nurture a new class of leaders who understand the vision and developmental strides of the Uzodimma administration. He described the foundation as a platform where loyalty meets service, adding that effective leadership cannot thrive without values that promote stability, continuity, and progress.
He further stated that ELF will focus on political mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and service oriented governance. Imo needs leaders who are prepared, trained, and aligned with the states progress agenda, he said. This foundation is designed to identify such individuals and equip them to take responsibility when the time comes.
The event brought together political allies and supporters who commended Akaolisa for his loyalty to the Uzodimma administration and for establishing a platform dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders.
The launch of the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation is widely seen as a strategic development that may shape discussions around succession politics in Imo State as the political class begins to consider leadership beyond the Uzodimma era.
