Gov. Otti Aide Ugoanusi Takes Changing the Narrative Campaign to Ukwa East
The Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, has taken the “Changing the Narrative” campaign on good governance to Ukwa East Local Government Area, urging stakeholders to embrace accountability, transparency, and inclusive leadership at the grassroots.
Delivering her address on the theme, “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government Area for Good Governance,” Ugoanusi emphasized that local government remains the institutional mechanism through which the state directly interfaces with citizens, with significant implications for national development, democratic legitimacy, and social stability.
She commended Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for what she described as visible strides in governance across Abia State, stressing the need for collective commitment to sustain and deepen the administration’s reforms at the grassroots level.
According to her, the present administration is built on the principles of accountability, transparency, participation, responsiveness, effectiveness, equality, and adherence to the rule of law. She noted that governance under Governor Otti is people-centered, development-driven in policy formulation, transparent in financial and administrative processes, and accountable to citizens rather than political patrons.
The Governor’s aide explained that changing the narrative at the local government level requires a deliberate shift from personality-driven administration to institution-based governance. She stressed that institutional reforms must strengthen administrative structures and enhance policy implementation frameworks.
Highlighting citizen participation as a cornerstone of effective local governance, Ugoanusi encouraged residents to actively engage in decision-making processes, monitor public projects, and hold officials accountable.
She also underscored the importance of inclusivity, calling for the integration of youth, women, and marginalized groups into governance structures.
She described the reform initiative as both an institutional necessity and a developmental imperative, urging public servants and community leaders in Ukwa East to be organized, structured, intentional, and diligent in the discharge of their duties.
Hon. Ugoanusi concluded by encouraging stakeholders to choose integrity over convenience and service over self-interest, reaffirming the Gov. Otti administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and sustaining the good governance narrative across Abia State.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Okey Kanu, commended Governor Alex Otti for his transformative leadership.
He stated that the governor has set a standard in transformative governance that has changed the narrative of the state across the 17 local government areas and 184 wards.
In her remarks, the immediate past Mayor of the council, Dame Ngozi Nwagbara, used a biblical anecdote to illustrate how the new Abia, under the leadership of Governor Otti, has shifted from being perceived as developmentally backward to becoming a fast-developing and celebrated state across the federation.
On her part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Maltida Anyamele, called for unity among leaders to sustain the quality of leadership the governor has established across the state.
She also encouraged the people of Ukwa East to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration in order to sustain the good leadership currently enjoyed in the state.
In her address, the Chief Medical Director of General Hospital, Aba, Dr. Nwamaka Kamanu, posited that today, people can proudly identify themselves as Abians outside the state—unlike in the past when some indigenes felt reluctant to disclose their identity due to the poor governance and leadership that once characterized the state.
She stated that the narrative has changed for the better since the emergence of Dr. Alex Otti, who, she noted, has been intentional in transforming the fortunes and image of Abia State.
In his vote of thanks, the Mayor of Ukwa East, Hon. Chibunna Akara, commended Hon. Ugoanusi for what he described as a timely and impactful programme.
He assured that the positive narrative being demonstrated at the state level would be sustained at the grassroots, particularly in Ukwa East.
The event was well attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, and members of the public who turned out enmasse to participate in the programme.
