…As ASNAT Endorses Candidature
By Ibe Ifeanyichukwu
The senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Owerri Zone, Prince Alex Mbata, has received a boost following his endorsement by the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Imo State Chapter, and the donation of a campaign office by the association’s Imo State and South-East Coordinator, Hon. Dozie Julius.
The endorsement and donation took place on October 22, 2026, at the Avu Artisans Cluster in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Speaking at the event, Julius, who is also the Sole Administrator of the Avu Artisans Cluster, disclosed that ASNAT members across the state had undertaken extensive consultations and carefully assessed the available candidates before deciding to endorse Prince Mbata for the Owerri Zone Senate seat.
The Imo State ASNAT chairman commended Mbata’s leadership qualities, describing him as an approachable individual who had distinguished himself through his endeavours and contributions to humanity.
He said the association considered Mbata qualified and prepared to represent the zone following what he described as a painstaking evaluation of the candidates.
“We, the members of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Imo State Chapter, after a painstaking process and evaluation of all the candidates, found Prince Alex Mbata to be the most qualified, most credible and most prepared to represent the zone,” he said.
Julius further described ASNAT as a formidable association with a large membership of artisans and technicians, expressing confidence that its endorsement and support would contribute to Mbata’s senatorial aspiration.
Responding through his Campaign Director-General, Hon. Ray Emeana, Prince Mbata expressed appreciation to Julius and ASNAT members for their endorsement and the donation of the campaign office.
Emeana described the gesture as thoughtful, particularly coming from what he called a formidable and well-organised association.
He explained that Mbata’s decision to contest for the Owerri Zone Senate seat was driven by his desire to promote effective representation, change the existing narrative and ensure that the people benefited from the dividends of democracy.
He also assured ASNAT members that Mbata, if elected, would partner with the association to advance the interests of artisans and technicians.
The Campaign Director-General called for support for the APC candidate, citing his humanitarian activities, empowerment programmes and community development projects undertaken in his personal capacity.
He expressed optimism that Mbata’s election would bring significant transformation to Owerri Zone.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Artisans, Chief Ethelbert Ukonu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing skilled workers and promoting the growth of the artisan sector.
Ukonu commended ASNAT members for maintaining a productive relationship with the government and for their decision to endorse Mbata’s senatorial ambition.
He encouraged the association to sustain its support for government programmes and policies aimed at developing the state.
Other speakers also commended ASNAT for its endorsement of Mbata, expressing expectations that he would provide effective representation for the zone. They pledged their support for his aspiration.
Prominent personalities at the ceremony included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Skill, Hon. Chidi Onyebuchi; Crown Prince Okey Okoro of Oforola Community; members of the Oha Avu-in-Council; Oha Everest Oguchuruba of Amakaohia, Uratta; Hon. Dan Ikpeazu; Hon. Chika Ibekwe; women and youth groups; and members of the Prince Alex Mbata (PAM) campaign organisation.
The highlights of the event were the commissioning of the campaign office donated by Julius and the unveiling of a campaign musical track dedicated to Mbata.
