Gov. Otti’s Aide, Hon. Ugoanusi Takes Changing the Narrative Campaign to Aba South; Canvasses Grassroots Participation, Security for Good Governance
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, has taken her “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government for Good Governance” campaign to Aba South Local Government Area, calling on stakeholders to embrace grassroots participation and collective responsibility in building safer, more prosperous and development-oriented communities.
Addressing party faithful, traditional rulers, local government officials, youth and women groups, market leaders and other stakeholders, Hon. Ugoanusi stressed that the future of governance lies in delivering visible results that directly impact the lives of the people rather than making empty political promises.
She noted that citizens now demand quality infrastructure, accessible healthcare, quality education and leaders who see public office as an opportunity to serve the people.
According to the Governor’s aide, changing the narrative at the local government level is about rebuilding trust between government and the governed by ensuring that development reaches every ward, community and household.
Hon. Ugoanusi emphasized the importance of grassroots participation in community security, maintaining that President-Generals, youth organizations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders must work together to protect lives and property.
She cited the recent successful rescue of kidnapped victims in Umuawa-Alaocha Community in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, as a practical example of what can be achieved when communities remain vigilant and united against insecurity.
The SSA commended the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for promoting accountability, transparency and people-centred governance across Abia State, adding that the gains recorded at the state level must be replicated in all the local government areas.
She further stated that the future of Abia would not be determined solely by policies formulated in government offices but by the quality of governance and development experienced in villages, markets, wards and local government councils.
Hon. Ugoanusi called for a new culture of governance anchored on service, accountability, performance and innovative leadership, stressing that local governments should become centres for youth empowerment, women’s economic development, agricultural support and active citizen participation.
She urged leaders at all levels to view power as a responsibility rather than a privilege, noting that genuine transformation requires courage, commitment and a shared vision for a better society.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended Hon. Ugoanusi for initiating the programme, describing it as timely and expedient in deepening grassroots governance and citizen engagement.
He reminded the people of Aba South that the political dynamics of the 2023 elections would differ from the forthcoming 2027 elections and urged eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Speaker charged residents to mobilise and actively participate in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards, stressing that active participation in the democratic process remains essential for sustaining good governance.
Rt. Hon. Emeruwa further called on the people to support the Labour Party massively in the 2027 elections to consolidate on what he described as the remarkable achievements of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, noting that sustained support would guarantee the continuity of the developmental strides being witnessed across Abia State.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, affirmed that the narrative in Abia State has indeed changed, adding that the state is no longer what it used to be. He pointed to the Smart School projects being executed across the state as evidence of the administration’s commitment to educational development.
According to him, beyond the physical infrastructure, the government has embarked on the recruitment of adequate teaching personnel to address the manpower deficit that had hitherto affected public schools across the state, thereby improving the quality of education.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, described local government as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that the “Changing the Narrative” initiative provides an effective platform for taking governance to the grassroots.
She reminded the people that Aba remains the commercial nerve centre of Abia State and acknowledged the numerous infrastructural projects undertaken by the present administration within the city. She urged residents to take ownership of these projects by ensuring their proper maintenance.
Prof. Iheukwumere also called on the people to take environmental sanitation seriously, urging community leaders and traditional rulers to discourage indiscriminate sand scooping from roads, warning that such activities could contribute to flooding and environmental degradation.
On her part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matilda Anyamele who is the keynote speaker, emphasized the need to cascade the developmental strides being witnessed at the state level to the grassroots.
She urged the people to actively participate in governance, noting that only an engaged and informed citizenry can effectively demand transparency, accountability and quality service delivery from public office holders.
She called the people of Aba South, especially leaders at the grassroot to replicate the Gov. Alex Otti’s model of leadership in their various communities and the council at large.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Hon. Elizabeth Chijioke, made a strong case for the adoption of technology in governance. She advocated for the deployment of digital tools in grassroots administration, stating that e-governance would enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability and improved service delivery at the local government level.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Anyanwu Obilor, appreciated Hon. Ugoanusi and her team for bringing the programme to the area and thanked Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for supporting the initiative.
The Mayor assured participants that many of the issues discussed had already been embraced by the Aba South administration, disclosing that the council had adopted e-governance and maintained a politically active and participatory population committed to grassroots development.
The event was also graced by the immediate past Mayor of Aba South, Chief Uche Nwaogu who was amongst dignataries that added glamour to the occasion.
The event also featured the unveiling of key political figures expected to represent their various constituencies in the 2027 general elections, with party faithful expressing optimism about the future of the Labour Party in Aba South and Abia State at large. The unveiling formed part of the broader mobilisation efforts aimed at consolidating the gains of the current administration and strengthening grassroots participation in the democratic process.
Adding colour and excitement to the occasion was the presence of the President of the Local Boys and his team, whose participation underscored the importance of youth inclusion and community engagement in the “Changing the Narrative” campaign. Their attendance, alongside various grassroots groups and stakeholders, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere that characterised the event.
The programme recorded a massive turnout, attracting local government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth organisations, market leaders, party faithful, residents of Aba South Local Government Area and other stakeholders. Participants commended the initiative and pledged their support for its objectives of promoting good governance, enhancing community participation and sustaining the developmental strides of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration across Abia State.
The well-attended event further reinforced the campaign’s central message that effective governance begins at the grassroots and that active citizen participation remains indispensable for achieving sustainable development, improved security and accountable leadership across Abia State.
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