The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu has stated tha the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government Area, Pst. Dike Nwankwo has demonstrated that leadership at the local level can be impactful and people oriented.
The Deputy Governor made this remarks on Tuesday at Okeikpe, Ukwa West Local Government Headquarters, as he commissioned landmark projects executed by the Executive Chairman.
Emetu, who commended the Chairman for the projects, highlighted that the Abia state government encouraged such initiatives, adding that real transformation begins at the grassroots.
He said, “under the leadership of the Governor, our focus is clear – prudent management of resources, institutional reforms and infrastructural improvements that go further to improve the live of our people. We believe that development must be inclusive.”
Earlier in his speech, the Executive Chairman, Pst. Dike Nwankwo stated that the day’s event was not about cutting ribbons, but restoring dignity to governance, rebuilding institutions, and reaffirming that leadership must answer to the needs of the people.
He stated that the impact of the New Abia initiative, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, has been clearly evident in Ukwa West, ranging from the extensive grading of rural roads and the planting of 10,000 improved plantain suckers to the rebuilding and remodeling of the Ukwa West Magistrate Court, as well as the perimeter fencing of the Local Government Council headquarters, and the furnishing of their new political block, thereby giving the administrative leadership a befitting working environment.
Nwankwo also disclosed that his administration has installed 14 motorised solar-powered boreholes, retouched and fenced the quarters of the Area Command, renovated the Divisional Police Officer’s quarters at Obehie, expanded the lock-up shops at Obehie junction from 36 to 76, and many others.
“We remain deeply grateful to our leader, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for efforts in creating an enabling environment where local governments can function with responsibility and measurable output”, he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, observed that since 1999, Ukwa West has never been visited more times for project commissionings or other engagements by a sitting Governor and Deputy Governor than during Otti’s administration, adding that the current state leadership has shown a strong commitment to the people of Ukwa West.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ikechukwu Uwanna, took the opportunity to encourage the people to get their voter’s card to enable them vote massively for Otti again in 2027. He commended the Executive Chairman for his good works, pointing out that he is fully representing Abia Governor in the area.
In his brief remarks, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Anyamigiobi Adiele noted that the commissioning of the projects would not have been possible without the support of Otti, who he described as a workaholic Governor. He, therefore, pledged the commitment of Ukwa West people towards the success of Gov Otti in 2027.
Labour Party loyalists, traditional rulers, women, staff members of the local government, and many other stakeholders were present to witness the commissioning of the five projects – the rebuilt Department of Works and Lands Building, rebuilt and remodelled Legislative Complex, rebuilt and remodelled Asa Multi-purpose Hall, completion of Area Commander’s building, and renovation of the Divisional Police Officer’s quarters.
