Wife of the Deputy Governor(c) flanked by the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Smart Ihuoma, SSA to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi and others during the sensitization.
The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said that changing the narrative in the local government administration requires the collective effort of all stakeholders for good governance to thrive.
Mrs. Otti represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, today at the Umuahia North Council Headquarters explained that the local government administration has witnessed misuse, lack of transparency and accountability pointing out that with the collective will of all the stakeholders, good governance can surmount the challenges.
She expressed that the theme “changing the local government narrative for good governance” is timely and underscores Governor Alex Otti’s vision for the new Abia.
According to her, “to change the narrative, trust; good stewardship and economic empowerment are required for good governance to thrive”.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said that Governor Otti is committed to redefining every sector of Abia workforce for effective service delivery including the local government administration.
“One thing about Governor Otti is his love for democratic processes, he want people from the grassroot to benefit massively from his governance.
So changing the narrative require a shift in our mindset for excellence to thrive,” Ajagba said.
Meanwhile the convener of the sensitization program and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi said that for too long the narrative surrounding local government has been one of inefficiency, corruption, and neglect.
“Our efforts as leaders is to change the narrative because local government administration is the first point of contact for citizens seeking basic services like healthcare, education and sensitization. It is the engine room of development, where policies are implemented and progress measured”.
Ugoanusi noted that good governance is not just about service delivery; it is also about creating enabling environment for economic growth, social justice, and human capital development.
In their separate contributions, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Uzo Nwachukwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Mrs. Agbonma Ukaobasi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matilda Anyamele, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Hon. Chinwe Kalu-Uba, the Director General, Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie and Lady Lydia Onuoha of the Abia State Universal Basic Education, all call for attitudinal change to drive the new Abia of our dream.
However, the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Hon. Smart Ihuoma commended the convener for choosing his council to kickstart the sensitization and promised to lend his support towards the realization of efficient and robust development at the grassroot level.
