The Ipu West Autonomous Community, the largest oil-producing community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has paid a courtesy visit to the General Manager of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Venerable Dr. Joshua Onyeike.
The high-powered delegation, led by the Traditional Prime Minister of Ipu West, Chief Maxwell Chibuzor Nwagbara, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for the administration’s impactful developmental projects in Ukwa West, particularly in the oil-bearing communities.
Receiving the delegation at ASOPADEC headquarters, Venerable Dr. Onyeike, who described himself as a worthy son and servant of Asa land, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to grassroots development and community empowerment. He emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between ASOPADEC and host communities to foster sustainable development across Abia State.
Onyeike thanked the Ipu West community for their solidarity and assured them that the Commission would remain focused on delivering life-changing projects, especially in oil-producing areas. He also lauded Governor Otti’s unwavering support to ASOPADEC, urging the community to continue supporting the Governor’s people-oriented administration.
In a joint address signed by key community leaders, Chief Maxwell Nwagbara (Traditional Prime Minister), Chief Onyemachi Dimgba (CDC Chairman), Comrade Udochukwu Nwambu (Youth Leader), Mrs. Patience Reuben (Women Leader), Comrade Okah Collins (Youth Spokesman), Dr. Eleogu Lucky Nkem and Chief Rogers Nwachinyere (Senior Stakeholders), the Ipu West Autonomous Community conveyed heartfelt gratitude to both Governor Otti and the ASOPADEC GM.
They cited ongoing and completed projects such as the reconstruction of the Obehie–Umuokomiri Road, the Asa Civic Centre, and the ongoing Obehie–Umudobia–Owaza Road rehabilitation as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and responsive governance.
However, the community also used the opportunity to highlight pressing challenges, particularly the gully erosion menace in Amaukwu, Owaza, which they described as a serious threat to lives and property. They also appealed for increased attention to the welfare and empowerment of widows, women, and other vulnerable groups within the community.
“The people of Ipu West Autonomous Community are peace-loving, progressive, and supportive,” the community leaders stated. “We are also confident in the capacity of ASOPADEC under your watch to continue delivering responsive leadership that touches lives at the grassroots.”
According to one of the delegates, Dr. Eleogu Lucky Nkem, who described the engagement as a historic milestone in community–government collaboration, “the visit of Ipu West Autonomous Community to ASOPADEC marks a critical milestone in community-state relations in Abia State. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when leadership is visionary, communities are organized, and engagement is intentional.
“We trust that this engagement will yield positive outcomes and further cement the bonds of mutual respect and shared development between ASOPADEC and the oil-producing communities of Ukwa West, especially the ancient and resourceful Kingdom of Ipu West.”
