The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, has intensified calls for improved governance at the grassroot.
She urged local government actors and stakeholders in Ugwunagbo to align with the ongoing development reforms of current administration ably led by Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Speaking during an engagement with local government leadership, traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youths and party faithful in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Hon. Ugoanusi emphasized the need to “change the narrative” of governance at the local level in order to sustain and deepen the progress being recorded in Abia State.
She noted that while the state government has recorded visible improvements in infrastructure, institutional reforms and service delivery, the true measure of governance lies in the impact felt by ordinary people at the grassroots.
Hon. Ugoanusi stressed that local governments must not lag behind in the current wave of reforms, insisting that development at the state level must reflect meaningfully in communities across the state.
She further challenged stakeholders to move beyond basic progress and aim for excellence, stressing that governance should not only focus on project execution but also on long-term transformation of lives, especially among farmers, artisans, women and unemployed youths.
According to her, “good governance is not the destination but the starting point,” adding that leaders must resist complacency and continuously push for higher standards of accountability, inclusiveness and innovation in public service delivery.
The governor’s aide called for renewed partnership between the mayor and the members of his local government, where accountability becomes a daily practice rather than a response to crisis, and where members of the communities actively participate in shaping the development outcomes.
She also highlighted the importance of reconnecting governance to the grassroots, noting that ordinary citizens remain the true benchmark for measuring progress in any society.
Hon. Ugoanusi concluded by urging stakeholders in Ugwunagbo to commit to building a system where excellence, integrity and sustainable progress become the defining culture of governance.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Chiemela Uzoije, called for honesty in governance, describing it as a basic requirement for effective leadership and performance in government.
He applauded Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as an honest leader committed to improving the lives of Abians through credible performance and people-oriented policies.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State HMB, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, also commended the governor for his developmental strides and called on people at the grassroots to actively participate in governance.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Maltida Anyamele, emphasized teamwork and responsibility among grassroots leaders, noting that synergy and commitment remain key to changing the governance narrative at the local level.
Hon. Elizabeth Chijioke, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, advocated for the deployment of technology in grassroots governance.
She noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has embraced digital governance and urged leaders at the grassroot to adopt technology-driven solutions in serving the people.
In his vote of thanks, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo, Hon. Iheanacho Wabara, appreciated Hon. Ugoanusi and her team for organizing what he described as a timely and impactful engagement.
He assured her that, Ugwunagbo remains fully aligned with the transformative leadership of Governor Alex Otti and called on residents to support the governor’s re-election bid, citing strategic road projects and other developmental initiatives that have improved connectivity within the council area.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, council leaders, youths, women groups and members of the community.
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