Methodist Church Arena Mbala Isuochi, in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State was agog as the people of Mbala/Achara Ward, trooped out in their numbers to participate in an interactive Town Hall meeting organised by the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi, Hon Sunny Afurobi.
Addressing the people, Chief Afurobi, explained that the Town Hall meeting is aimed at interacting with the citizenry on issues regarding the development of the area and the welfare of the people, adding that the gathering will be held in all the 12 wards of Umunneochi.
While reiterating that his administration is poised to guarantee greater democracy dividends to all parts of the council, Mayor Afurobi added that the meeting would also help relay Governor Otti’s achievements to the rural communities.
The Council Boss who acknowledged that Governor Alex Otti has changed the ugly developmental narrative of 24 years in the state, noted that Umunneochi local government council under him has made quality and remarkable Impacts that will affect life positively.
The Mayor mentioned some of Governor Otti’s projects in Umunneochi to include, limited to the Provision of Security, Construction of Ngodo/ Umuaku/Mbala road, where the project has reached advanced stage, the Umuelem to Ngada road construction, Ngodo to Lomara road, Umuelem to Ngada road, in addition to his midas touch in health, education, and empowerment of the people of Umunneochi through political appointments and employments.
He further named the dividends provided by Umunneochi Council to include, infrastructural transformations, rural roads maintenance, construction of bridge and culverts in different communities, provision of conducive environment for security personnel, Agricultural rejuvenation, Training of about Eighty Youths on ICT, Market development, street lights among others
Chief Afurobi who emphasised on collaborative approach to politics in Umunneochi, however called on Sons and daughters of Mbala/ Achara Ward to brace up to the challenge of coming up with a formidable political group in the ward to give greater opportunities to achieve more results politically in the town.
He appreciated the Member representing Isuikwuato /Umunneochi, Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Amobi Oga, the Member representing Umunneochi in the House of Assembly, Hon Mathias Ume Nwachi, for gracing the town hall meeting, declaring that as Law Markers, both Hon Amobi Oga and Hon Nwachi have done well in all ramifications.
He therefore called on the people to encourage and support the two Legislators to enable them continue serving their people efficiently stressing that they deserves more accolades.
The Council Boss further enjoined on all who have not gotten their permanent voter cards to make use of the remaining days in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to get theirs, while encouraging all Labour party members who have not registered in the ongoing online registration of Party Members to do so to become bona fide members of the party.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, and Member Greater Ohafia Development Agency, Chief Ike Orika, thanked the Mayor for organising the town hall meeting, pointing out that it created a convivial atmosphere that will bring more development to Mbala/Achara Ward.
In his goodwill message the member representing the people of Isuikwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chief Amobi Oga, who was represented by the Coordinator, Ugoabia Grassroot movement, Chief Eugine Ibe, appreciated the Mayor and the entire people of Umunneochi LGA, for always believing and identifying with him, assuring that he will continue discharging his duties with greater vigour for the good of all.
In his speech,the member representing the people of Umunneochi in the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hon Mathias Ume, who appreciated the Mbala/Achara Ward for their consistent support for him, pointed out that the ward played a critical role to his election victory in 2023 and urged them to continue their support as he will always remember them in his programmes.
In their separate remarks, the President General, Achara Town Development Union, Chief Ejike kingsley Okoro, the President, Mbezi Umuigwe Town Development, Chief Henry Ike, President, Mbezi Town Development Union, Hon Chief Godgive Chuks Eze, President Umuobasi Town Development Union, Chief Lucky Onwuka, President Umukparo Town Development Union, Pastor Chimechefulam Iro, the Ward Chairman, Labour party, Mbala Achara Ward, Ogbuehi Iyke Okpara, a critical Stakeholder from Lagos, High Chief Richard Ikpe, Member Abia Transport, Mrs Salome Onwu, among others all thanked the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi, for a well thought out idea of the Town hall meeting, which has afforded them the opportunity to discuss and share ideas together that will bring more development to various communities.
They also lauded the governor for his administrative ingenuity that has placed Abia tall in the comity of states.
In a vote of thanks, the Assistant State Secretary, Labour Party, Comrade Ibebuike Obialor, while appreciating all that graced the occasion for showing commitment, specially thanked the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi for making adequate provision for the gathering.
Hanto Daily News reports that before the Town Hall meeting, the Mayor had hosted all Government Elected and Appointed Officials, with all the Critical Stakeholders of Umunneochi LGA, at his Umukparo residence where topical sensitive issues for a better Umunneochi were discussed effectively.
Highlights of the event graced by the Traditional Ruler of Mbezi Autonomous Community, Eze Pharm. Nduchekwa Ike, Serving Councillors of Umunnochi, Ichies, and notable Community Leaders, were questions and answers from participants, cultural dance displays from different groups.
