Gov. Otti’s Aide Takes “Changing the Narrative” Campaign to Ukwa West, Advocates Transformative Grassroots Leadership
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Magdalene Ugoanusi, has extended the “Changing the Narrative” campaign to Ukwa West Local Government Area, calling for a new era of transformative and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.
Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders, community leaders, youth representatives, and women groups, Ugoanusi emphasized the urgent need to redefine governance at the local government level through improved service delivery, accountability, and citizen-focused development.
She stressed that governance should not be assessed based on campaign promises, but rather on tangible improvements in the lives of the people. According to her, local governments, as the closest tier of government to the citizens, must ensure that development initiatives are both impactful and measurable.
Ugoanusi further underscored that effective grassroots leadership must be built on integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to public service. She urged political office holders to view leadership as a responsibility to serve the people, rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, she called for the active involvement of traditional rulers, civil society organizations, women groups, and youth bodies in governance processes, noting that community participation enhances accountability and promotes sustainable development.
On youth empowerment, the Governor’s aide advocated increased investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation, describing young people as critical drivers of community development.
She also urged residents of Ukwa West to continue supporting the reform-driven administration of Alex Otti, noting that sustained collaboration between government and citizens is vital to consolidating ongoing developmental strides across the state.
The Honourable Member Representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, in his address call on his constituents to imbibe the principle of comparative advantage by utilizing their God given resources especially in the area of agriculture to better their lives as well as attract people to their communities for business.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, commended Governor Otti for his transformative leadership.
He noted that Abia State, once regarded as one of the dirtiest in the federation, has witnessed significant environmental improvements and is now among the cleanest states in the country.
Ogbonna also disclosed ongoing efforts by the state government to implement waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and economic value creation.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, called for stronger teamwork among local government leaders to enhance productivity. She emphasized the importance of environmental sanitation and discouraged indiscriminate tree felling, advocating tree planting as a measure to mitigate climate change.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Maltida Anyamele, stressed the need for regular capacity building for local government staff to improve efficiency. She also encouraged the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, including natural tourist sites and artifacts, describing them as potential revenue-generating assets if properly harnessed.
In her contribution, the Special Assistant on Technology and Innovation, Chibuzor Elizabeth Chijioke, advocated for the deployment of technology in local governance to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery.
The Keynote Speaker, Franklyn Isinguzo made a case for youth involvement in governance.
In opined that the youths constitute the critical mass of the state population and as such must be adequately involved in governance for greater impact.
He also stated that Gov. Otti has created the enabling environment for business and entrepreneurship to thrive in the state, he therefore charged young people to take advantage of the various opportunities created by the present administration to develop themselves to be self reliant.
In his vote of thanks, the Mayor of Ukwa West, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, expressed appreciation to the Governor’s aide for the initiative and assured that the council would adopt key recommendations from the engagement to drive improved governance and development in the area.
He also applauded Governor Alex Otti for his transformative leadership which has changed the narrative of the state for good.
He opined that with the visible development been experienced in every part of the state , the governor’s second term bid in 2027 is assured.
The event was well attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, council leaders, party faithfuls , Abia Arise, youths and women drawn from various communities of the council.
