The Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Ebere Nwogba, has been honoured with the “Best Peace Maker of the Year” award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of stability within Abakaliki and its surrounding communities.
The award was presented by the leadership of the Ebonyi State Foodstuff Dealers Association during the unveiling of key projects executed by the association, an event that drew traders, community leaders, market union executives, stakeholders, and dignitaries from across the state.
According to the association’s leadership, the honour was conferred on the council chairman in appreciation of his proactive interventions in resolving disputes among traders, addressing leadership disagreements within market unions, and promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect across the commercial landscape of Abakaliki.
They noted that the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in several markets within the local government area is largely attributable to the chairman’s responsive leadership style and his administration’s deliberate efforts to strengthen mechanisms for dispute resolution and stakeholder engagement.
Since assuming office, Hon. Nwogba has placed peacebuilding, security collaboration, and community engagement at the centre of governance. His administration has consistently worked with traditional rulers, market associations, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to prevent crises and ensure that disagreements are resolved through lawful and constructive dialogue.
Observers noted that in instances where internal disputes or leadership tussles threatened to disrupt commercial activities within major markets in the council area, the chairman intervened through mediation and consultations, facilitating amicable settlements that restored order and confidence among traders.
These interventions have helped sustain an environment conducive for business activities, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of traders whose economic survival depends on stability within the markets.
Beyond the commercial sector, the Abakaliki council chairman has also championed initiatives aimed at strengthening community cohesion and promoting harmonious relationships among residents.
Through periodic security meetings, stakeholder forums, and community outreach programmes, the local government administration has reinforced collaboration between citizens and security institutions in maintaining law and order.
Leaders of the Ebonyi State Foodstuff Dealers Association, while presenting the award, commended Hon. Nwogba for what they described as his “inclusive and responsive leadership,” noting that his open-door policy has encouraged traders and stakeholders to pursue peaceful engagement in resolving disputes rather than resorting to actions that could threaten public order.
They further expressed confidence that the chairman’s continued commitment to dialogue-driven governance would sustain the prevailing climate of peace and unity across Abakaliki Local Government Area.
Stakeholders at the event described the recognition as a reflection of the growing impact of the chairman’s peacebuilding initiatives, particularly within the trading community where stability remains a critical factor for economic growth and social harmony.
The award ceremony formed part of activities marking the association’s project unveiling programme, which highlighted the role of organized trader groups in supporting development and fostering cooperative relationships with government institutions.
With this latest recognition, observers say Hon. Nwogba’s administration continues to reinforce the importance of peace, inclusiveness, and collaborative leadership in advancing sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Chidubem Michael Okemini is the
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area.
