Local Government is the Vehicle for Community Development, Hon. Ugoanusi Says, As Her ‘Change the Narrative’ Program Hits Ikwuano
In a rousing address during a strategic stakeholders’ engagement held in Ikwuano Local Government Area, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi, reaffirmed the critical role of local governments as the engine for grassroots development.
Speaking under the theme “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government Area for Good Governance,” Hon. Ugoanusi called for a complete reorientation in how local councils operate, stressing the urgent need to shift from stagnation to innovation, from inefficiency to accountability.
“Local government is the tier closest to the people,” she declared. “It is the foundation of governance and the primary vehicle through which the dividends of democracy are delivered to our communities. Yet for too long, it has been plagued by inefficiency and underperformance.”
Addressing an audience that included traditional rulers, community leaders, ward coordinators, and stakeholders across Ikwuano LGA, Hon. Ugoanusi pointed out persistent challenges such as poor resource management, low community engagement, and a lack of transparent governance. She, however, maintained that the time has come for proactive transformation.
“We must focus on what will work in our LGAs, not what will divide us,” she said. “The future of governance lies in building trust, developing capacity, and empowering grassroots leadership.”
She stressed the need for inclusive and participatory decision-making, access to information, people-focused development, and responsive communication between leaders and their communities. According to her, the time has come to adopt a leadership style that is transparent, accountable, and citizen-driven.
Hon. Ugoanusi further urged local leaders across the state to emulate the giant strides of Governor Alex Otti, whose reforms in transparency, infrastructure, and public service delivery have begun to reposition Abia on the path of sustainable development. She said that replicating the governor’s achievements at the local level would accelerate progress and renew public trust in grassroots governance.
She also emphasized the importance of leveraging digital tools to improve efficiency, as well as continuous capacity building among council officials, under the leadership of the LGA mayors.
“This transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone. It is a collective responsibility,” she said. “Together, we can build a more responsive, transparent, and efficient local government structure that meets the needs of our people.”
The event ended with enthusiastic support from stakeholders in Ikwuano, many of whom commended the initiative and pledged their readiness to align with the vision of a revitalized and community-focused local governance framework in Abia State.
Hon. Ugoanusi’s “Change the Narrative” campaign continues to gain momentum as it moves across LGAs in the state, sparking conversations and commitments to good governance at the grassroots.
The SSA on Environment, Prof Ijeoma Ihukwumere, SA on Digital Economy, Chibuzor Elizabeth, DGM ASEPA Umuahia Zone, Catheist Ambrose Jonah, the Immediate past Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Hon. Osinachi Nwaka amongst other dignitaries graced the event and also lent their voice to the call to action, for those at the third tier of government to see themselves as a veritable medium for development at the grassroots.
