SSA To Gov Otti on Local Govt& Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Calls For Collaboration and Transparency Across All Levels of Government
….. As Her Change the Narrative Campaign Hits Isiala Ngwa North LGA
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Alex Otti, OFR on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi, has called for a transformative shift in the operations of Local Government Areas (LGAs), emphasizing the need for collaboration, transparency, and accountability to achieve effective governance.
Hon. Ugoanusi made the call today, Monday, 19th May, 2025, as her local government tour with the campaign ” Changing the Narrative for Good Governance at the Local Government Areas” continued at the Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area.
Hon. Ugoanusi, during her address at the event, reiterated the vital role of local governments as the closest tier of governance to the people. She stressed that LGAs must serve as the first point of contact for basic services like healthcare, education, and community development.
“We must recognise that local government is the engine room of development. Policies are implemented and progress is measured at the grassroots,” she stated. “Our focus should be on collaboration and partnership across all levels so that no one is left behind.”
Hon. Ugoanusi called for a collective mindset shift, encouraging government officials to work together across political divides and focus on functional systems that deliver results. She emphasised that every officer, regardless of who holds the position, must contribute to resource mobilisation, service delivery, and transparency.
The SSA outlined key strategies to change the narrative in local governance: leading by example with integrity and honesty, prioritising citizen engagement, building institutional capacity, and fostering partnerships between the state and LGAs.
“This platform enables both appointees and stakeholders to share best practices and ensure the grassroots are not left out in state development,” she said. “The success of any community is based on a synergy between key officers in that locality.”
In her concluding remarks, the governor’s aide on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs urged stakeholders to rethink their roles and work collectively to build a brighter future for their communities. “Together, we can change the narrative. Together, we can build a better future for our communities,” she concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the keynote speaker and member representing Ishiala Ngwa North/ South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ginger Onwusibe called on leaders at all levels of government to be selfless and put the interest of the people first. He added that no office is small to create impact, ” however, what is needed to create impact is collaboration and a good working relationship with my leaders across all levels of government,” he stated.
He called on leaders and followers in various levels of government to be united in purpose and create a good synergy, that’s how the story of those at the grassroots can change.
Other speakers, such as the Director-General, Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency ( ABSSAA), Chief Mrs Victoria Onwubuiko, the S.A to the Governor on Industry and SMEs, Mrs. Chinwe Kalu Uba, as well as the S.A on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Matilda Anyamele, all lend their voices to the call for attitudinal change by leaders at the grassroots. They called on those at the grassroots level to evolve and take advantage of ongoing programs at the state level to better themselves and that of their communities.
The well-attended event was graced by so many dignitaries, including The Hon.. Member Representing Ishiala Ngwa North/South, Rt. Hon.. Ginger Onwusibe, the Mayor of the Council, Amb. Innocent Uruakpa, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Ugochukwu Collins Iheonunekwu, the deputy-Mayor, Hon. Ahamdi Ahamba, D G, ABSSAA, Chief Mrs. Victoria Onwubuiko, the S.A to the Governor on Industry & SMEs, Mrs. Chinwe Kalu Uba, S.A to the governor on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Matilda Anyamele, the Head of Service, Isiala Ngwa South, Lady Ndidi Cosmos Ndukwe, members of the Isiala Ngwa Legislative Council, Party leaders, community leaders amongst others.
