Changing the Narrative: Gov. Otti’s Aide, Hon. Ugoanusi Takes “Changing the Narrative” Campaign to Obingwa
In a renewed effort to strengthen grassroots administration and reposition local governments as engines of sustainable development, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, has taken her “Changing the Narrative” campaign to Obingwa Local Government Area.
Hon. Ugoanusi made the call while addressing stakeholders at a public engagement themed “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government Level for Good Governance.” She described local government as the foundation of Nigeria’s federal system and the closest tier of governance to the people, stressing that its effectiveness or failure has direct consequences for national development, democratic legitimacy, and social stability.
Using a compelling analogy, she likened governance to a building whose strength depends on its foundation, noting that weak local government structures ultimately endanger the entire system.
According to her, persistent underdevelopment at the grassroots is largely the result of leadership failures driven by sentiment, tribalism, and incompetence, rather than merit, diligence, and discipline.
She cautioned against leadership anchored on ethnic or clan considerations, emphasizing that good governance transcends geography, ethnicity, and culture. Excellence, structure, responsibility, and intentionality, she said, must define public service if meaningful and sustainable development is to be achieved at the local level.
Hon. Ugoanusi credited the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, with reinvigorating the principles of good governance—accountability, transparency, participation, responsiveness, equity, and respect for the rule of law—adding that these principles must be fully entrenched at the grassroots to reverse years of institutional decay.
She therefore called for a paradigm shift from personality-driven administration to institution-based governance, stressing the need for capacity building, merit-based recruitment, continuous professional development, and regular performance evaluation. She also emphasized participatory governance through town hall meetings, ward development committees, and community-based monitoring systems, as well as fiscal responsibility, transparency, and inclusivity, with deliberate efforts to integrate women, youths, and marginalized groups into decision-making processes.
Concluding her address, Hon. Ugoanusi charged stakeholders to embrace diligence, discipline, structure, and intentionality, urging them to collectively rewrite the narrative of local governance through accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery.
Speaking thereafter, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, identified security as the cornerstone of any meaningful development narrative. He noted that Abia State is witnessing rapid transformation due to the proactive and visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti, particularly in the areas of security and infrastructural development.
He added that, the positive shift in the state’s development trajectory is a direct result of the governor’s commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for governance and economic growth.
On his part, the immediate past Mayor of the council and SSA to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Eric Ekwuibe, commended Hon. Ugoanusi for the timely initiative and also thanked the governor for setting the high standard in governance that could serve as template for leaders at all level to emulate.
The SSA to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, commended the Obingwa Local Government leadership for maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, and called for the adoption of environmentally friendly practices at the grassroots to promote public health and safety.
The SSA to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinyere Nwaka, called on women to become more actively involved in politics and governance, stressing that inclusive participation is essential for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the SSA to the Governor on Public Affairs, Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, commended Hon. Ugoanusi for the timely initiative, describing it as a critical step toward awakening grassroots participation in governance, and urged participants to take the message of good governance back to their respective communities.
Similarly, the SSA to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr. George Chidozie, described Obingwa as a politically conscious local government area and expressed satisfaction with the performance of its leadership since the inception of the Dr. Alex Otti administration.
He noted that, people-centred projects at the local level are already contributing to a positive shift in the governance narrative.
In her contribution, the Managing Director/CEO of the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA), High-Chief Victoria Onwubiko, called for behavioural change among citizens, particularly at the grassroots.
She noted that, the transformation being witnessed in Abia State is a product of a new governance mindset and ethical orientation, and urging citizens to support governance reforms with responsible civic behaviour.
In her remark, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matilda Anyamele, urged communities to protect and preserve their cultural heritage, noting that culture, when properly managed and projected, can serve as a powerful tool for economic development.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Hon. Elizabeth Chijioke, emphasized the need for local governments to embrace technology in governance, noting that as the state government has adopted digital solutions, local governments must also evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly globalized world.
In his address, the keynote speaker, Mr. Franklin Isinguzo, called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects of the current administration.
He noted that good governance would remain elusive if citizens are not actively involved and urged grassroots communities to take ownership of governance processes.
In his vote of thanks, the Mayor of Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ugoanusi for bringing the programme to the council.
He acknowledged that Governor Alex Otti’s infrastructural development across the state has changed the governance narrative, adding that the critical task now is sustaining the gains achieved.
He urged all stakeholders to place public interest above personal interest in order to consolidate the positive governance trajectory in the state.
The event was well attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders from across Obingwa Local Government Area.
