The Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chief Dr. Mrs. Euphemia Nneka Nwali, has urged the people of the council area to support the incoming administration, saying continuity and collective development should remain paramount as she prepares to hand over after two tenures in office.
Nwali made the call on Monday at a Validatory Session held to review the achievements, challenges and experiences of her administration as her tenure gradually draws to a close.
Addressing traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, members of the council's executive and legislative arms, community leaders, youths, women, stakeholders and other residents, Nwali said her impending exit from office should not be interpreted as the end of the development journey of Ezza South.
She likened leadership to a relay race, stressing that every administration has a responsibility to make its contribution to the development of society before handing over to its successor.
“As I prepare to hand over the mantle of leadership of Ezza South Local Government Area to the next democratically elected Executive Chairman, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and peace.
“Leadership is a relay race. One person takes the baton, runs his or her portion of the race and eventually hands it over to another. I am therefore not leaving office with the mindset that the journey ends with me. Rather, I see this transition as another opportunity for Ezza South to move forward," Nwali said.
The outgoing chairman urged her successor to consolidate the achievements of her administration, build on the foundations already laid and introduce fresh initiatives capable of accelerating development across the council area.
“My sincere prayer is that the incoming administration will build upon the foundations already laid, introduce new ideas, improve upon existing achievements and take Ezza South to even greater heights,” she said.
Nwali also appealed to residents and stakeholders to extend the necessary support, cooperation and constructive counsel to the incoming administration, irrespective of political differences.
“I encourage all our people to give the incoming administration the necessary support, cooperation and constructive advice required for good governance.
“The progress of Ezza South must always be greater than our individual interests," she said.
Reviewing her stewardship, Nwali said her administration had implemented projects and programmes across critical sectors, including road construction and rehabilitation, water supply, electricity, security, market development, empowerment and human capital development.
She said the interventions were targeted at improving living conditions and expanding opportunities for residents across the council area.
“These achievements are not mine alone. They are the collective achievements of a team and indeed of the entire people of Ezza South,” she said.
Nwali expressed appreciation to her vice chairman, councillors, supervisory councillors, political appointees and career staff, as well as traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, women, youths, stakeholders and security agencies for their contributions to the administration.
She equally acknowledged the support of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which provided the platform through which her administration came to power.
“I remain grateful to the leadership and members of our party for their support, cooperation, confidence and encouragement throughout my tenure,” she said.
The chairman particularly commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his support and guidance, which she said enabled the local government to complement the developmental programmes of the state government.
Nwali also expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for her support, encouragement and commitment to the welfare of the people.
However, the outgoing chairman acknowledged that her administration encountered challenges, including administrative difficulties, political pressures and competing demands from residents.
According to her, those challenges provided valuable lessons in public leadership, particularly the need for patience, courage, humility and sacrifice.
“Our experience has taught us that leadership requires patience, courage, humility, sacrifice and, above all, dependence on God,” she said.
Nwali maintained that no administration could satisfy every expectation, stressing that the ultimate measure of leadership should be the sincerity of purpose and determination to leave society better than it was found.
“No administration is perfect. What matters is the sincerity of purpose, the willingness to serve and the determination to leave society better than we met it,” she stated.
She identified listening to the people as one of the major lessons she learnt during her tenure, noting that government must remain responsive to the concerns and aspirations of citizens even when they disagree with particular policies or decisions.
“One of the greatest lessons I have learnt is that effective leadership requires listening to the people,” Nwali said.
As she prepares to exit office, the chairman called for forgiveness and reconciliation, urging stakeholders to focus on the broader interests of Ezza South rather than the successes or shortcomings of any individual administration.
She thanked the people of Ezza South for trusting her with the responsibility of leading the council for two tenures, acknowledging their prayers, support, criticisms, encouragement and patience throughout her years in office.
“I may not have been able to meet every expectation, but I can say with all humility that I gave this office my very best,” Nwali said.
She urged the incoming administration and the people of Ezza South to preserve the spirit of unity and ensure that the transition becomes a springboard for further development in the council area.
