Council Mayor Leads Silent Transformation: Umunneochi Local Government on the Rise as an Emerging City
Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Sunny Afurobi, the Council Mayor, Umunneochi Local Government Area is shedding its once sleepy rural image and rapidly evolving into one of Abia State’s fastest-growing urban centers.
In a recent media briefing, Mayor Afurobi showcased a compelling scorecard highlighting significant progress across security, economic empowerment, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and community engagement.
He opened by emphasizing the crucial role of security in rebuilding the socio-economic fabric of Umunneochi, commending Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s initiatives to curb the insecurity that had long afflicted the region and its neighbors.
“I told my friends back in 2012, when kidnappings began rising in the East, that unless we acted decisively, it would destroy our economy. We have lost billions each year because people are afraid to return home,” the Mayor reflected.
According to Mayor Afurobi, insecurity has drained over ₦250 billion annually from the South East’s potential, especially in domestic tourism, homecomings, and cultural celebrations. He stressed that tackling security remains pivotal to reviving the Igbo economy.
To combat this, the Council has secured approval for a new military base on the Umunneochi–Anambra border as part of Operation Crush. This will be supported by advanced surveillance, solar-powered street lighting, and other security infrastructure designed to safeguard residents and deter crime.
On infrastructure, Mayor Afurobi proudly announced the full renovation of the Umunneochi Local Government Secretariat, once vulnerable to flooding, now a modern facility reflecting the pride of Ndi Ofe Mbanyi.
Further infrastructure gains include the state government’s construction of 11 kilometers of critical roads linking Ngodo to Mbala via Umuako key routes vital for commerce and mobility.
At the grassroots level, Mayor Afurobi highlighted personal empowerment efforts, such as providing ₦150,000 to a local woman to start a frying business at the new Polytechnic. Another initiative supports a woman selling Okpa wrapped in banana leaves instead of nylon, blending cultural preservation with eco-friendly innovation.
Though modest, these micro-interventions aim to create sustainable livelihoods and uplift families while celebrating local heritage.
A farmer himself, Mayor Afurobi has prioritized agriculture in Umunneochi’s revival. His administration distributed 1,000 bundles of high-yield “419” cassava cuttings to farmers to boost cassava processing and premium garri production.
Additionally, plans are in progress to establish a widespread piggery network with butchery centers across wards, promoting pork as an alternative protein source and easing farmer-herder tensions.
“We are not just planting cassava; we are building a circular economy from planting to processing to marketing. With the piggery project, we are generating jobs and diversifying our people’s protein sources,” the Mayor explained.
In education, Mayor Afurobi is leading a quality-driven renewal of public schools. Rather than push parents to private options, his approach focuses on upgrading government schools to naturally increase enrollment.
“Let’s fix our government schools and make them appealing. With free education and better infrastructure, more students will enroll naturally,” he affirmed.
Under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, numerous schools are undergoing renovation, accompanied by efforts to enhance teacher and school leadership management.
In healthcare, the Council and state government partnership has upgraded 15 primary healthcare centers, expanding community access to essential services.
Situated at the crossroads of Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Anambra states, Umunneochi faces unique challenges from cross-border disputes and criminal infiltration. Yet, Mayor Afurobi remains optimistic, noting that improved security cooperation is beginning to bear fruit.
With Hon. Sunny Afurobi at the helm, Umunneochi’s silent yet impactful transformation continues, positioning the area as a safer, more dynamic region and a leading example of grassroots-driven urban development in Abia State and beyond.
