EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY AGLOW TV WITH AMB. CHARLES IFEANYICHUKWU ISINTUME (PICO)
NDC Candidate for Njikoka 1 Constituency, Anambra State House of Assembly — 2027
Aglow TV:
May we know Sir?
I am Amb. Charles Ifeanyichukwu Isintume, popularly known as PICO, and traditionally recognised as Ifeabata Enugwu-Ukwu N'Umunri.
I am a proud son of Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, an educationist, entrepreneur, developer, philanthropist, community advocate, ambassador of peace and youth development, and above all, a servant of humanity.
I am a family man who strongly believes that the foundation of a progressive society lies in good upbringing, quality education, moral discipline, economic empowerment and responsible leadership.
As the Director of Praise-EL Gibor International Schools, I have devoted a significant part of my life to nurturing young minds, promoting educational excellence and developing the next generation of responsible citizens.
I have equally been involved in community development, humanitarian services, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and grassroots mobilisation.
My leadership philosophy is anchored on integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability, equity, fairness, justice and respect for the rule of law.
I believe that leadership is not about titles, privileges or personal enrichment. Leadership is service, and representation is responsibility.
Today, I am offering myself to serve the good people of Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi as their representative in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
I am not seeking political office merely to become an Honourable Member. I am seeking an opportunity to make representation meaningful, accessible, responsive and beneficial to our people.
In simple terms, PICO is an ordinary man with an extraordinary commitment to service, a grassroots advocate with a passion for humanity, and a firm believer that a better Njikoka 1 Constituency is possible.
Aglow TV:
What are the recognition and charisma of Amb. Charles Isintume (Pico)?
I believe that genuine recognition is not measured by the number of titles a person carries, but by the positive impact he makes in the lives of others.
Over the years, I have been privileged to serve humanity in different capacities, including educational leadership, community development, organisational administration, youth development and peace advocacy.
Among my leadership responsibilities are serving as the Deputy National Vice President, South East, of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS); Director of Praise-EL Gibor International Schools; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Progressive Minds for Education Foundation; Convener of The Victory Team; and State Coordinator of the ObiKwankwaso-Movement (OKM) in Anambra State.
I have also been privileged to hold the traditional title of Ifeabata Enugwu-Ukwu N'Umunri, a recognition that reminds me of my responsibilities to my community and society.
However, beyond these positions, I consider my greatest recognition to be the trust, goodwill and relationships I have built with people across different communities and walks of life.
Regarding charisma, I would rather allow the people who have interacted with me to assess my personality and leadership qualities.
Nevertheless, I believe my approach to leadership reflects certain principles.
I am approachable and accessible. I believe in listening before making decisions. I respect people's opinions, irrespective of their social, economic, religious or political backgrounds.
I believe in courage without arrogance, confidence without intimidation, humility without weakness, and firmness without injustice.
I am a strong advocate of due process and the rule of law. I do not believe that personal ambition should override collective interests or established procedures.
I also believe that a good leader must demonstrate compassion, emotional intelligence, discipline, resilience and the ability to unite people around a common purpose.
My charisma is not about commanding attention; it is about earning trust. My recognition is not about personal glorification; it is about the responsibilities that come with service.
For me, character remains the foundation of credible leadership.
That is why I strongly believe in the four Cs of leadership:
Competence, Commitment, Courage and Character.
These are the principles I aspire to demonstrate in public service.
Aglow TV:
What will Njikoka 1 Constituency benefit from you if you win the 2027 election?
First and foremost, I want to make it abundantly clear that my aspiration to represent Njikoka 1 Constituency is not driven by personal ambition alone. It is inspired by a genuine desire to redefine representation and restore public confidence in leadership.
I believe the people of Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi deserve representation that goes beyond election campaigns, political promises and occasional appearances at public functions.
My vision is anchored on three fundamental pillars:
1. Quality Representation
I will work towards giving the people of Njikoka 1 Constituency a strong, credible and effective voice in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
This means sponsoring and supporting people-oriented legislation, advocating for constituency development, and ensuring that the genuine concerns of our communities receive legislative attention.
I intend to establish a functional constituency liaison office and maintain regular town hall meetings where constituents can interact directly with their representative.
Our traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, persons with disabilities, traders, artisans and other stakeholders must have opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting their communities.
I will also use legislative advocacy and oversight to pursue improved roads, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, water supply, electricity and other essential public services.
I understand that a legislator does not personally execute every government project. However, a committed legislator can use legislation, oversight, representation and constructive engagement with relevant government agencies to attract attention and resources to constituency needs.
2. Human Capital Development
I strongly believe that the greatest resource of any society is its people.
Consequently, youth development, education, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment will occupy a central position in my representation.
One of my proposed initiatives is the PICO Youth Agenda — Our Future Is Now.
Through this initiative, I will work towards establishing a Youth Innovation and Skills Development Hub in Enugwu-Ukwu, with programmes accessible to youths from Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi.
The proposed hub will focus on digital literacy, coding, graphic design, data skills, solar installation, entrepreneurship and other market-relevant vocational skills.
I will pursue partnerships with educational institutions, technology organisations, development agencies and private-sector stakeholders to facilitate training, mentorship, start-up support and employment opportunities.
Education will also remain a priority through advocacy for scholarships, educational support programmes and improved learning opportunities for deserving students.
For women, traders and small-business owners, I will seek sustainable empowerment opportunities built around skills, business development and access to appropriate support programmes.
My philosophy is empowerment, not perpetual dependence; opportunity, not empty promises.
3. Accountability and Transparent Leadership
This is particularly important to me.
I believe that public office is a sacred trust, and every elected representative must remain accountable to the people who entrusted him with that responsibility.
If elected, I will promote openness in constituency representation, communicate legislative activities to constituents and provide periodic reports on my stewardship.
I will encourage public participation in identifying and prioritising constituency needs, while ensuring fairness in access to opportunities and programmes.
I will not regard the constituency as the private property of any individual, political party or interest group.
My responsibility will be to represent every constituent, irrespective of political affiliation, religious belief, village or social status.
Beyond these three pillars, I will continue to advocate for accessible healthcare, preventive health education and partnerships that support medical outreach programmes for vulnerable members of our communities.
I want to build a constituency where young people can see opportunities, women can participate meaningfully in development, our elderly are treated with dignity, and every citizen feels that government has a listening ear.
I am not promising miracles. I am promising commitment, accessibility, sincerity, purposeful advocacy and accountable representation.
I am not promising miracles. I am promising commitment, accessibility, sincerity, purposeful advocacy and accountable representation.
I will not claim that one legislator can solve every problem confronting our people. But I firmly believe that one committed, courageous and competent legislator can make a meaningful difference.
My ultimate ambition is that, at the end of my tenure, the people of Njikoka 1 will be able to point to measurable improvements in representation, opportunities and community development.
My mission is simple: Restoring Trust, Building the Future.
Njikoka 1 Constituency First. Always
