The Executive Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, security, education support, and grassroots development, declaring that these enduring legacies inspired his decision to mark his birthday with widows, community leaders, and political stakeholders at Amaeze Civic Center.
Speaking with journalists at the colourful gathering, Ajah explained that while friends had marked his birthday on his behalf in previous years, he deliberately chose this year’s celebration to be with the people who stood firmly by him during his political journey.
“This is the first time I am celebrating my birthday, and I chose to do it with widows and community stakeholders.
"It has never happened in Ivo before that all community chairmen and women leaders, despite having their children contesting, unanimously endorsed me for a second term.
"Even women in Abuja fasted and prayed for seven days for me. This celebration is my way of appreciating them,” he said.
Ajah stressed that the era of communal clashes, insecurity, and political rancour in Ivo is now history, attributing the prevailing peace and unity to deliberate leadership efforts.
“Before now, communities in Ivo fought themselves, women protested naked on the streets over insecurity, and elections were settled in court. Today, Ivo is at peace. People move freely at any time without fear. That peace is my greatest achievement, and I thank God for it,” he told reporters.
Beyond peace and security, Ajah highlighted his administration’s investment in human capital and infrastructure. According to him, over 100 Ivo students are currently on his scholarship in various universities, while more than 200 indigent students have benefitted from his WAEC sponsorship initiative.
He also cited the construction of a one-kilometer road, a modern market, and what he described as the “highest Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Southeast” as part of the signature projects designed to strengthen grassroots development.
“Money fades away, but legacy remains. The students I sponsored, the roads and markets I built, and the peace we restored are the true testimonies of leadership. These are things that will speak for me long after I leave office,” he said.
The birthday celebration drew community chairmen, traditional chiefs, women leaders, and political stakeholders, who described the chairman’s gesture as a rare demonstration of humility and people-centered governance.
Reaffirming his commitment to service, Ajah maintained that leadership is not about self-praise but about leaving behind policies and projects that uplift the grassroots and strengthen social harmony.
“I don’t need to celebrate in town. I need to celebrate with my people—the ones who stood for me, prayed for me, and worked for me. Leadership is about the legacy people will remember you for,” he concluded.
