BREAKING: First Female SUG Presidential Aspirant Emerge In AE-FUNAI

Ugama Benedicta Kelechi, a 400 level student of Languages and Linguistics at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ebonyi state, has declared her candidacy for the position of Student Union Government (SUG) President come Febuary 2024.

Benedicta, who stands as the first-ever female Students Union Presidential candidate for this prestigious Institution, AE-FUNAI, outlined her motivations and key ambitions in an exclusive interview with Asiwaju Media.

Benedicta’s candidacy is fueled by a keen observation of past SUG administrations, identifying a persistent challenge of financial instability and inadequate resource management. Her primary objective is to introduce transparency, accountability, and efficient financial management.

“What Motivated me was my Zeal to lead and Create a Change in the Students Union Government. I have been able to analyze the past leadership of the Union and I figured out one problem, and that is lack of Financial stability and good Management of the available resources.”

She noted that “The fact that each Leader comes with his own Agenda or plans is one of the things that bothers me, why because those big plans will end up not being achieved by that administration. The problem is not because the Leader is incapacitated, but because Most times there is no funds to Achieve those plans and it makes any administration look like a failure.”

“One of the things I hope to achieve if I Succeed as the SUG President of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ebonyi state is not just transparency, accountability, inclusivity, infrastructural development, and Sustainers, but Financial management and investment to serve as sources of income for the Union.” She added. 

As the first female SUG President aspirant, Benedicta outlined her ambitious goals across academic, social, and infrastructural dimensions.

Academically, she pledges to address issues such as the late upload of results, provision of academic materials, and fair payment of indigenous school fees.

“Academically, we will create a means of achieving academic success and purposes. We will focus on Work on late upload of results, Provision of Academic Materials, Payment of indigenous school fees, etc”

Socially, Kelechi plans to collaborate closely with the Director of Socials to rejuvenate social activities, organize competitions, and lift the ban on night parties within the campus.

“Socially, My office will work Very closely with the Director of Socials to see that We promote Social activities within the Campus, organize Competitions and Lift the ban of night parties within the Campus.”

Infrastructural development is one of the Major goal of being a leader of an organization. While trying to protect the interest of the Union and it members, We will focusing on building Toilets, situate waste bin at a More appropriate places, fix the light issues within the Campus, Build the SUG complex, Among others.

On the infrastructural front, she emphasizes the importance of building toilets, situating waste bins appropriately, fixing lighting issues, and constructing the SUG complex.

“Infrastructural development is one of the Major goal of being a leader of an organization. While trying to protect the interest of the Union and it members, We will focusing on building Toilets, situate waste bin at a More appropriate places, fix the light issues within the Campus, Build the SUG complex, Among others.”

According to her, she aspires to gender-neutral leadership, and she acknowledges the historical significance of her potential victory in inspiring female students to actively participate in decision-making processes. She sees her candidacy as a pivotal moment that could inspire many ladies to become integral parts of the government.

“The truth is that the issue of Gender on Campus is a serious one that is mostly overlooked. But I think that organizing Gender-sensitive programmes will help sensitize and Create an enabling and supportive  environment for all students.”

Benedicta pledged to collaborate with other student leaders and university authorities to implement her proposed changes when elected. Effective division of labor and checks and balances are at the forefront of her strategy for successful governance.

“One thing I like Most in leadership is teamwork, it makes it easy for a Leader to achieve a lot of plans and Makes other student leaders and the Management feel among and not neglected.”

“Most times, one of the biggest issues that our past leaders had was lack of team Management. This is when there is no appropriate division of labour and checks and balances.” She added.

In promoting transparency, accountability, and effective communication within the Student Union Government when elected, Benedicta advocates for inclusivity, teamwork, and checks and balances. These measures, she believes, will prevent any feeling of neglect or cheating within the union.

“The truth is that the only Way to promote transparency, accountability, and effective communication in government is through inclusivity and team Work. Also, when there are checks and balances Within the Arms of the Union, then no one will feel Cheated”.

One of her overarching goals when elected is to foster a sense of community within the university. She pledges to protect every student’s interests and welfare, enhancing the overall student experience.

“My major goal is fostering a sense of Community within the University. Every student interest and Welfare will be protected when Necessary.”