Umoke Daniel becomes first Okpuitumo student to lead NAIS

In a historic win, Comrade Umoke Chinonso Daniel, a medical student at Ebonyi State University, has been elected National President of the National Association of Ikwo Noyo Students (NAIS), becoming the first indigene of Okpuitumo in Ikwo to hold the position.

The election was held on Saturday at the Ikwo Local Government Area headquarters in Onuebonyi Echara, drawing students of Ikwo origin from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Comrade Daniel, a native of Nsuba Ettam Okpuitumo, clinched the presidency in a landslide, marking a significant political breakthrough for his community within the association. 

NAIS is the umbrella student body representing the Ikwo Noyo clan, and its leadership plays a key role in advocating for student welfare, unity, and development across institutions.

His campaign focused on building a vibrant and inclusive student union. 

He pledged to enhance academic support, provide accessible mental health resources, and expand opportunities for extracurricular development. 

He also promised to engage students directly in decision-making through open communication.

Reacting to the outcome, Comrade Joebliss Nnamdi Ekechi, a former student leader and stakeholder, praised Mr Daniel’s emergence, calling it a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.

“This victory belongs to God and to you and your entire team,” Mr Ekechi said. “You fought, you believed amid long odds, and now you’re the president of Ikwo students—not just a section, but the entire people.”

He urged the president-elect to prioritise collaboration, adding: “Reach out to everyone—friends, former friends, and foes alike. Collaborate across the board because your office success is even more important than your victory at the polls. Represent us well!”

Also, congratulating Mr Daniel, Comrade Alefia Friday James, publisher of Asiwaju Media and pioneer chairman of the National Association of Okpuitumo Ikwo Students, expressed joy over the victory. 

He commended the efforts of key campaign supporters, including Joebliss Ekechi, Calista Igboji, and Obaru Ozoemena.

“Congratulations, Umoke Chinonso. Congratulations, Okpuitumo Ikwo,” Comrade Alefia said.

He also pledged an undisclosed contribution to the celebration fund.