By Sebastine chukwuebuka Okafor.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Honourable Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, is a man who overcame numerous challenges to make his mark in politics. A devoted family man and embodiment of grace, he was elected under the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 elections, defeating a three-term incumbent with over sixty thousand votes.
Born in April 1982 to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nnamchi Atu of Umumba, Ndiaga Ugwuaji in Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State, his mother was a government teacher, and his father retired as a Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. He attended Community Primary School Ugwuaji and, due to his outstanding performance in basic science, proceeded to Special Science School Ihe in Awgu Local Government Area for his secondary education. He later earned a degree in Industrial Chemistry from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in 2006.
After completing his National Youth Service at Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti in 2008, Hon. Atu worked with United Geophysical Nigeria Limited (UGNL) in Agbor, Delta State. There, he led various projects and promoted environmentally friendly mining practices. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to resign and establish Chimfloxy Ideals in Enugu, a company that has significantly transformed the real estate sector in the South East by facilitating affordable housing.
Recognizing his leadership qualities, former Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, appointed him as an Executive Assistant and later as a Technical Assistant after the 2019 re-election. As a community leader, he chaired the Community Policing Initiative in Ugwuaji, effectively addressing security concerns and receiving commendations for enhancing safety in the area.
Hon. Atu has a long history of community service, including extending electricity to underserved parts of Ugwuaji, offering scholarships to underprivileged students at secondary and university levels, and financing the grading of neglected community roads since 2012. In 2021, he was honored with the chieftaincy title of Aharu-ama of Nkanuland, reflecting his dedication to community development. A committed church leader, he continues to inspire and support many in their spiritual journeys.
Since being sworn into the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, Hon. Atu has been proactive. He was the first among 286 first-time lawmakers to move a motion, addressing gully erosion along New Market/Ugwuonyema/9th Mile Road, which attracted federal attention. He has presented 16 bills and installed solar street lights in 19 areas within his constituency. Road construction projects in Obeagu and Ugwuaji communities are underway, and several rural and semi-urban roads have been graded in the past 18 months. Through the Chimaobi Sam Atu Foundation, he has funded WAEC fees for over 250 SS3 students from 28 public schools and awarded full university scholarships to some beneficiaries.
A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Hon. Atu has organized training programs benefiting numerous young individuals. In 2023, 159 school leavers and SS3 students were trained in chemical product production and marketing, while in 2024, 100 graduates received training in solar energy installations and marketing. He also sponsored the Coal City Under-15 tournament, which showcased local talents and led to the Enugu team representing the state at national and continental levels, achieving third place in the Continental School Under-15 tournament in Togo.
Currently, Hon. Atu serves as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Parliamentary Friendship Group between Nigeria and the Republic of Greece. He is also a member of several committees, including Appropriation, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Local Content, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Nutrition, Science Engineering, and Traditional Institutions. He is happily married to Lolo Ugoeze Ezinne Maureen Atu, and their union is blessed with children.
Let’s join the whole world in celebrating this exceptional legislative leader, whose steadfast dedication to education, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development has significantly transformed his community. His resolute efforts continue to inspire positive change and progress.