The Executive Mayor Umunneochi Local Government Area, Hon Chief Sunny Afurobi has assured the people that Umunneochi occupies a strategic and critical place in the infrastructural development agenda of the Dr Alex Otti administration in the State.
Referencing to a demand circulating the social via an indigene of the area who challenged Governor to immediately construct the Mmam bridge like he did at the Omenuko bridge for Arochukwu and Ohafia people, Chief Afurobi pointed out that while it is true that Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs are benefiting from notable infrastructure development, it is equally factual that Umunneochi has not been sidelined and has also benefitted from the present Governor.
“That said, fairness and balance require that we also acknowledge and commend Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for the measurable and consequential interventions already made in Umunneochi Local Government Area, even as we continue to advocate strongly for more.
“It is important to situate this discussion within the reality that the Governor has been in office for just over two years and secondly, the needs/priorities of LGAs and communities differ,” he pointed out.
While accepting that advocacy for more development, especially, critical infrastructure like the Mmam Bridge remains legitimate and necessary, the Executive Mayor enjoined people to anchor on fairness, accuracy, and acknowledgment of progress already made as make public utterances.
He used the opportunity to name some of the attainments made so far by the Governor to include restoration of security, road infrastructural development, and intervention in the umuchieze cattle market.
“Prior to May 2023, Umunneochi had become largely inaccessible due to widespread kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime. One of the earliest and most decisive actions of Governor Alex Chioma Otti was the reorganization of the security architecture, which restored safety and confidence.
“The launch of the joint security outfit Operation Crush marked a turning point. Today, more than sixteen (16) operational security vehicles are deployed daily in Umunneochi, manned by combined teams of the Army, Police, Civil Defense, Immigration, and other agencies. These operations are heavily funded and logistically sustained, largely at the expense of the State Government, with support from the Local Government. This level of sustained security investment is not common across all LGAs.
Recognizing the security risks associated with the Umuchieze cattle market, the government invested significant resources in fencing, infrastructural upgrades, and surveillance systems. These interventions have substantially reduced threats and enhanced safety,” the Mayor wrote.
According to him,
Under Governor Otti, approximately eighteen (18) primary healthcare centers in Umunneochi have been renovated, retrofitted, and fully equipped with many already functional and providing essential healthcare services to our people.
“Plans are underway for a General Hospital in Umunneochi, with an attached School of Nursing, land identified and acquired, and to be located at Amuda.
“This is a major healthcare and human-capacity investment facilitated through sustained engagement by Umunneochi stakeholders within the government,” he stated.
In Education, he made it clear that Umunneochi has benefitted from the state’s education reforms, including the construction of new schools and smart schools in multiple locations.
Mayor Afurobi added: “Following the 2025 teacher census—which revealed severe staffing shortages—Umunneochi received a fair allocation of newly recruited teachers, with assurances of further deployments.”
While reminding such people that Umunneochi Indigenes have included in appointments into key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring representation and meaningful participation in governance, he further revealed, that a Proposed Cattle Ranch and Agro-Investment will soon spring up in the area.
“There is an ongoing process toward establishing a large-scale cattle ranch and processing facility in Umunneochi through foreign investment. This project, currently at the land acquisition and negotiation stage, is projected to attract multimillion-naira investments, create employment, and stabilize livestock activities in Umuchieze/Umunneochi,” Chief Afurobi noted.
In the area of Road Infrastructure Projects, Chief Afurobi disclosed that, “Several road projects are ongoing, including the Ngodo–Umuaku–Mbala road, Umuelem–Ngada, Ndiawa–Ngodo, and Ngodo through back of Orie–Ndiawa roads are all ongoing with some nearing completion.
He further pointed out that his administration in the Local Government has actively complemented state efforts through prudent fund management and targeted projects.
“These include completed bridges and culverts, erosion control, security-enhancing roadside clearing, solar streetlights with surveillance cameras, full upgrade of the LGA headquarters, ICT training for youths, modern evening markets across zones, agricultural projects, rural road grading, compensation for economic trees, and ongoing security infrastructure, including a military operational base at Umuaku,” Chief Afurobi pointed out.
The Umunneochi Mayor noted that during the February 2025 flag-off of the Ngodo–Umuaku–Mbala road, the Governor committed to the construction of the Mmam Bridge, adding that follow-up engagements have already been held with the Commissioner for Works by him and other stakeholders, with assurances of action.
He therefore restated that Umunneochi is not lagging behind, nor is it peripheral to this administration and urged those raising such concerns to first acknowledge the achievements recorded by the Dr Otti led administration in the area which are very conspicuous for all to see.
“Our collective interest is best served by constructive engagement, continued support, and principled advocacy,” he concluded.
