Gov. Otti’s Aide, Hon. Ugoanusi Takes Changing the Narrative Campaign to Umunneochi; Calls for Accountability, Participation, Integrity in Local Govt Administration
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, has taken her “Changing the Narrative” campaign to Umunneochi.
During the event held at the council headquarters on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, she called for a shift from rhetoric to action in local governance, urging stakeholders to embrace accountability, participation, and integrity as pillars of sustainable development.
Delivering a speech on “Changing the Narrative at the Local Government Area for Good Governance,” Ugoanusi stressed that governance should not be defined by promises but by measurable impact on citizens’ lives. She noted that true governance is reflected in improved infrastructure, access to quality education, functional healthcare systems, and expanded economic opportunities for residents.
Addressing community leaders, youths, and local officials, she emphasized that transforming governance begins with a change in mindset. According to her, leaders must move away from self-interest and instead focus on collective progress and service delivery.
“At the local government level, governance is closest to the people. This is where change is not theoretical but visible,” she said, highlighting that better schools, safer trading environments, and accessible healthcare are clear indicators of effective governance.
Ugoanusi outlined three key priorities necessary to drive transformation, including accountability, citizen participation, and integrity.
She urged leaders to make accountability a cultural norm, encouraged citizens to actively participate in governance, and advocated for a system where doing the right thing becomes standard practice.
She further noted that meaningful change would not come from speeches alone but from deliberate actions, urging citizens to demand better governance through constructive engagement while calling on leaders to demonstrate courage and transparency in decision-making.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Majority Leader and Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, described the programme as timely and commended Governor Alex Otti for his transformative leadership, particularly in education and infrastructure development.
The Special Adviser on Health to the governor, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, praised Gov. Otti’s administration’s efforts in expanding access to healthcare through the construction of modern primary healthcare centres, adding that plans were underway for a general hospital in the area.
Mrs. Grace Ibe, in her remarks, urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration, stressing that having a voter’s card is essential for participation in the 2027 elections.
Chief Oluebube Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Due Process, commended the administration for improving security in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi, noting that the areas have witnessed significant peace and stability.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy called for community ownership of government projects.
She reminded the people of Ummuneochi that when government projects which is supposed to serve the people is vandalized or destroyed, the people suffer more. She therefore urged them to project government projects within their domain.
On her part, Ms. Chibuzor Elizabeth Chijioke, the Special Assistant to the governor on Technology and Innovation, made a case for adoption of digital systems to enhance governance at the grassroots.
She said their is a need for adoption of digital governance at the grassroot as currently been done at the state, by migrating data management from analog to digital.
In his vote of thanks, the Mayor of Umunneochi, Hon. Sunny Afuruobi, applauded the governor’s leadership, stating that Abians are now proud of their identity due to the positive transformation across the state.
The event with an overwhelming crowd that had an overflow at venue was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, and citizens from across the local government area.
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