The Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mrs Helen Uche Aduga, has emerged Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi State chapter.
Aduga emerged alongside other council chairmen who were elected into the newly constituted executive committee of the association, which is expected to coordinate the collective interests of the state's 13 local government councils.
The new executive comprises the Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Chinedu Mkpuma, as Vice Chairman; his Ohaozara counterpart, Engr. Osbourn Umahi, as Secretary; the Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Chidi Nwode, as Treasurer; and the Abakaliki LGA Chairman, Chibueze Odigwe, as Publicity Secretary.
The emergence of the new leadership followed the reconstitution of the state chapter's executive and comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts to strengthen grassroots administration and accelerate development across the local government areas.
With Aduga at the helm, the association is expected to provide a common platform for the 13 council administrations to engage on issues affecting local governance, inter-governmental relations, service delivery and sustainable development.
The new leadership is also expected to align its activities with the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, particularly the implementation of policies and programmes under the People's Charter of Needs agenda.
The development is seen as significant to the state's grassroots governance architecture, given the statutory responsibilities of local governments in delivering basic services and responding to the needs of communities.
A source familiar with the development said the new executive would prioritise unity and stronger cooperation among the councils, while ensuring that issues affecting grassroots administration received collective attention.
The source said, “The new leadership is expected to strengthen collaboration among the local government areas and promote a coordinated approach to issues affecting grassroots development.”
The emergence of Aduga and her team is expected to further deepen cooperation among the council chairmen and strengthen their engagement with relevant stakeholders on matters concerning local government administration.
The association is also expected to serve as a platform for sharing experiences and best practices among the councils, particularly in areas of infrastructure, social services, revenue generation and community development.
The new executive is expected to commence its tenure with a focus on fostering unity among the councils and ensuring that local government administrations remain responsive to the needs of their respective constituents.
