By Chukwu Emmanuel Uchechukwu
Since the 1950s, when the federal system of government came into operation in Nigeria, local government administration has received mixed views on its existence.
Local governments, among other beneficial reasons, are created with the ultimate goal of bringing government closer to the people at the grassroots. In Nigeria particularly, the local government is aimed both to accelerate development and to enable the local population participate and hold those in power accountable for their governance roles.
However, there is an alarming misconception of this third tier of government, hence the reason a young leader said and I quote, ‘Local Governments in Nigeria is just ceremonial’.
In the contrary, I suggest that instead of using the betrayal of Judas to judge the remaining 11 one needs to say “some local governments are ceremonial” because as far as we have seen, the Local Government Chairman of Nkanu west (Hon. Nwabueze Nnamani) is developing Nkanu west Local Government Area to becoming the hub of Nkanu land which it has always been.
The Executive Chairman popularly known as “Ikeoha” among Nkanu west Indigenes has proven within his stay in office that indeed Nkanu west deserves a selfless leader who knows what it takes to lead the people of Nkanu.
Revamping the Local Government Secreteriate: Following his take over as the transitional Chairman, Hon. Nwabueze saw the need to give the Nkanu west Secreteriate located at Agbani a great look it deserves. He took a bold step by clearing out the grasses and fixing the office link roads in the Local Government Area. He went further by renovating some offices that belonged to some other government establishments that offer services to the citizens situated in the Secreteriate.
Being readily available to handle serious matters when it arises
Hon. Nwabueze proved that a leader should always be prepared when he took a first hand measures in the fight against Corona Virus when it was intense. He made sure he enlightened the people through organised radio programs and also by taking a surprise tour to health facilities to checkmate and encourage health workers in the zone.
Major renovation works were carried out at Umueze health centre and other health centres across the local government by Ikeoha,he also intervened with providing hospital equipments at newly built health centres at Obe and Ugwuafor.
Maintaining a rapid infrastructural growth in Nkanu West.
Hon. Nwabueze has maintained a steady rapid infrastructural growth in Nkanu West.
Some of these projects includes the Unity Monument at the Agbani round about, construction of a modern motor park in Agbani town,Ikeoha’s administration is currently constructing a bridge at Nvene River in Akegbe Ugwu. and other notable projects still under construction accross the Local Government.
Driving Towards a digital Nkanu West.
Hon. Nwabueze believes that the world has already gone digital and therefore to meet up with the demand of technology, mayor had equipped so many schools in Nkanu West with digital learning facilities.
Youth Engagement in active leadership.
Another notable thing that the mayor of Nkanu west has done is by engaging the youths in active leadership in the Local Government Area. This has notably filled the gap that had existed between the Local Government and the youths of various political wards in Nkanu west. This was achieved through his numerous town hall meetings with the youths and also through youth empowerment programs.
Improved Security in Nkanu West.
In line with Governor Ugwuanyi’s security vision for Enugu state. Hon. Nwabueze was never left behind in getting a good security score as Nkanu West has enjoyed heightened security presence since he took over. This is evidence through the rapid response of these security personnels to security issues when it rises.
Having given the above achievements of Hon. Nwabueze out of the numerous achievements which he has recorded within a short period he has been the chairman, one would wish that if he’s given more opportunities, he would confidently deliver good stewardship to the people.
Chukwu Emmanuel Uchenna writes from Nkanu West