Abia Governor’s Aide, Hon. Ugoanusi Takes “Changing the Narrative” Programme to Aba North, Calls for Transformative Grassroots Leadership
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Abia State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi, has taken her grassroots reorientation campaign, “Changing the Narrative,” to Aba North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the programme held in Aba North on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Hon. Ugoanusi emphasized that local government remains the closest tier of government to the people and the most critical platform for delivering the dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
She stated that when roads are bad, healthcare systems fail, or sanitation deteriorates, it is the local government that citizens naturally hold responsible, stressing that this reality places enormous responsibility on grassroots leaders to perform effectively.
According to her, many local governments across the state have battled negative perceptions such as inefficiency, abandoned projects, youth disengagement, and weak accountability over the years, adding however that these narratives can be changed through deliberate action, transparent leadership, and collective responsibility.
Hon. Ugoanusi commended the reform-driven leadership of the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, noting that his administration has redefined governance as service that listens, includes, engages, and truly touches lives.
“Good governance is about listening to the people, including everyone, engaging the youths, remaining accountable, and inspiring hope,” she said.
Also speaking, the SSA to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, called on the people of Aba North to get involved in governance.
She also urged residents to embrace environmentally friendly living and cultivate habits that will ensure environmental protection, public health, and safety.
The SSA on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, on his part, called for all hands to be on deck to move the state forward. He urged residents to queue behind the transformative leadership of the state government under Governor Alex Otti.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Iheke, thanked Hon. Ugoanusi for the timely programme and assured that most of the outcomes discussed during the engagement would be considered by his council.
The event was well attended by traditional rulers, who expressed satisfaction with the deliberations, as well as community leaders, local government officials, stakeholders, and members of the general public from the council area.
