An All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, has expressed his optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill would achieve its intended objectives, particularly in infrastructure development, security enhancement, debt servicing, and macroeconomic stability.
Speaking with newsmen on the occasion of 2025 Christmas celebration in Ohafia, Ogbonna said the capital expenditure remains the backbone of the budget, targeting key sectors such as transport infrastructure, power, agriculture, housing, industrial development, and the digital economy, which he noted would stimulate private investment, create jobs, and boost productivity.
“With our collective responsibility and prayers, the 2026 budget will uplift the living standards of Nigerians and drive sustainable economic growth,” he added.
Ogbonna further urged his constituents to pray for President Tinubu and other leaders, including Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the APC national leadership led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Abia State APC leadership under Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu.
He also mentioned Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, alongside other party and constituency stakeholders, as key figures steering governance in Abia North and beyond.
Earlier in his Christmas message, Ogbonna urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to promote peace, love, and unity, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the prevailing socio-economic and political challenges facing the country, the APC chieftain said the season provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed commitment to values that foster national cohesion.
According to him, the birth of Jesus Christ ushered in core Christian ideals such as love, sacrifice, humility, peace, and good neighbourliness, which he described as virtues urgently needed in Nigeria today.
“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the essence of love, unity, selflessness, and moral rectitude as taught by Jesus Christ. As Nigerians, particularly the people of Arochukwu and Ohafia, we must reflect on these teachings and imbibe them in our daily lives,” he said.
He noted that beyond its religious significance, Christmas offers people of all faiths the opportunity to strengthen family bonds, celebrate life, and appreciate the gifts of love and friendship that make life meaningful and called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for political, religious, and traditional leaders, stressing that collective goodwill and intercessions are critical to national stability and progress.
He encouraged Nigerians to extend acts of kindness to those in need, noting that compassion and generosity remain the true spirit of Christmas, stating, “let our acts of kindness serve as a guiding light into a happier, more prosperous, and united new year”.
