Gov. Otti’s Aide, Hon. Ugoanusi Takes Changing the Narrative Program to Isiala Ngwa South; Advocates Mindset Transformation for Effective Local Governance
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi, has called for a total mindset transformation and renewed commitment towards strengthening governance at the grassroots level.
Hon. Ugoanusi made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government Area for Good Governance” during a sensitization program held in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
She emphasized that true national development begins at the local level, noting that the local government system remains the most critical tier of governance — being the closest to the people and directly responsible for community development, primary healthcare, education, and empowerment.
“Many citizens have even lost faith that their local government can deliver anything meaningful. It is time to rewrite that story,” she declared.
Hon. Ugoanusi commended the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for redefining governance and inspiring a new vision built on accountability, transparency, and efficiency. She noted that the governor’s reform-driven leadership has brought about a paradigm shift that prioritizes people-oriented development and grassroots inclusion.
Highlighting the key pillars of good governance, she identified transparency, participation, accountability, and innovation as essential values that must guide leadership at the local government level.
She explained that transparency involves making local government budgets open to the public; participation requires the active involvement of citizens, traditional rulers, women, and youths in decision-making; accountability ensures leadership is about trust and service, not titles or privilege; while innovation calls for embracing technology and partnerships to solve local problems creatively.
According to her, good governance demands integrity, empathy, and responsiveness from leaders.
“The people do not expect magic; they expect honesty. They do not demand perfection; they demand presence — leaders who listen, who care, and who deliver,” she added.
Addressing the youths, Hon. Ugoanusi urged them to overcome apathy and actively participate in local governance by attending council meetings, asking questions, volunteering, and even contesting elections. She maintained that governance cannot improve if responsible citizens remain silent.
She reminded leaders that “power is a trust” and leadership should be about serving better, not being served. According to her, if every local government becomes a model of transparency, productivity, and inclusion, Nigeria’s national story will inevitably change for the better.
“Good governance begins not in the capital city, but in our local government areas — in our streets, schools, markets, and communities,” Hon. Ugoanusi asserted.
Concluding her remarks, she called for collective responsibility in rebuilding trust and efficiency at the grassroots, urging all stakeholders to join hands in rewriting the story of local governance in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
In his contribution, the SSA on Cooperatives, Hon. Ishmeal Onuoha sensitize artisans and business owners on the enormous business and funding opportunities the state government has created to support SMEs in the state.
He also explained to those at the grassoot on how they can benefit to boost their businesses.
Also speaking at the event, the S.A to the Governor on Art and Culture, Hon. Matilda Ayamiele, charged the people of Isiala Ngwa South to get actively involved in governance. She reiterated that leadership is a collective responsibility, stressing that “every hand must be on deck to ensure good governance at the grassroots.”
On her part, the S.A on Technology and Innovation, Chibuzor Elizabeth Chijioke, called for the adoption of technology for improved service delivery at the local government level. She urged grassroots leaders to digitalize administrative processes to promote efficiency and transparency in governance.
Similarly, a prominent leader in the local government and 2023 House of Assembly candidate of the Labour Party, as well as CEO of Fortunewell Farms, Hon. Dannie Ubani, lent his voice to the call for inclusivity, urging every leader to actively participate in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
On his part, the MD/CEO Sperie Limited, Isinguzo Franklin called for youth involvement in leadership at the grassoot.
He urged the youth especially those at the grassroot to improve their worth by developing themselves.
In his closing remarks, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ugoanusi for initiating the timely and impactful program. He assured that the people of Isiala Ngwa South would continue to replicate the governance model of their son, Governor Alex Otti in their local council.
The event was well attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, council management officials, and members of the local community, all of whom commended the initiative as a progressive step toward transforming local governance in Abia State.
