The Mayor Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunny Afurobi has commended Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for what he described as a positive shift in the governance narrative of Abia State.
Speaking at a-one-day seminar titled “Changing the Narrative in the Local Government Areas for Good Governance,” organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, at the Umunneochi Local Government Council Hall, Mayor Afurobi said the “New Abia” being driven by the Labour Party led administration has restored the pride and dignity of the state, as Abians are now confident in identifying with their state.
He noted that Abia would have achieved greater development strides earlier, if a solid foundation had been laid by previous administrations, and lauded the administrative ingenuity of Governor Otti, which is responsible for the ongoing transformation.
The Mayor further appreciated Governor Otti, for the visible developments in different parts of Umunneochi and expressed confidence will reciprocate the kind gestures in the 2027 general elections.
He, therefore, urged eligible voters who have not yet collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to register and get their voters cards in preparation to support the Labour Party and it’s candidates.
Chief Afurobi also commended the people of Umunneochi for their massive turnout for the seminar, which was for the purpose of keeping people at the grassroots abreast of government activities and what is expected from the citizenry, describing it as timely.
Chief Afurobi further stated that as part of fulfilling his social contract with the people of Umunneochi, his administration is replicating the developmental strides of Governor Otti, in Umunneochi.
He listed some of his achievements to include the 360-degree rehabilitation of the council headquarters, Installation of 24 houyr Solar lighting, provision of Starlinnk Internet services in the Secretariat, and provision of modern office furniture, which he said has improved workers’ punctuality and productivity among other gains.
The Umunneochi Council Chairman mentioned other of his projects to include the construction of bridges and culverts in some communities of Umunneochi, provision of infrastructure at the military operational bases at Umuaku and Ndiawa, provision of street lighting in communities, Market development, Agricultural Revitalisation, Rural Road grading and maintenance, and seasonal clearing of road shoulders, among others.
He noted that all 11 wards in the local government area have felt the impact of good governance, while efforts are on ground to ensure that the remaining ward will sing a new song, and assured that his administration will remain open to receiving good ideas and suggestions that will enhance performance.
Earlier in her address, the Chief focal person, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoañusi, stated that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people, and hence needs quality administration through the collaboration of relevant stakeholders.
She emphasised that the present administration has impacted positively in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, adding that for the narratives to change, accountability must become a culture, participation a strength, and integrity an identity, and advocated for greater synergy.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Umunneochi in the Abia State House of Assembly and the Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Mathis Ume Nwachi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Azodo; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu; the representative of Umunneochi in GODA, Surveyor Ike Orika; and a member of the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Lady Grace Ibe, among others, commended Governor Otti’s achievements across various sectors in all the parts of the state, which has given his supporters the courage and boldness to talk in the state.
They noted that even the visually impaired can now perceive the impact of governance at the grassroots level, adding that Umunneochi has never experienced such development strides in the local government.
They extolled the Governor for approving the Construction of a General Hospital in Umunneochi, which is sited at Amuda, as well as his pledge to equally construct the Mmam Bridge among other people oriented projects, and pledged continued collaboration to achieve more for the people.
In his remarks, Eze Ernest Onwuka, speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, commended the Governor for his people oriented leadership which has defied all odds to get things done rightly asserting that Governor Otti is a blessing to Abia State. He expressed appreciation for the increase in traditional rulers’ monthly allowances, which he said has improved their welfare and livelihood, and pledged their continued support for Governor Otti.
In a vote of thanks, the Labour Party Chairman, Dr Jude Onwuahanze, while describing the seminar as a step in the direction which has yielded desired fruits and requested for its sustainability, and thanked the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi for always playing the role of a good father to all.
Hanto Daily News reports that participants included serving Councillors, Traditional Rulers and Ndi Ichie, Party Chieftains, Abia Arise leaders and other support groups, Town Union Leaders, Religious Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders, as well as other key Stakeholders.
