Anambra Mayor-Elect Unveils Councilorship Achievements
RAYMOND OZOJI reports
Barely a few days to his inauguration as the Executive Chairman and Mayor of Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu (Olutek) gave accounts of his achievements as the Councillor who represented Nnobi Ward 2 in the Idemili-South Legislative Council.
Ilogbenu, who spoke exclusively to our reporter, disclosed that his constituents in Nnobi Ward 2 felt the impact of his representation and stewardship at the Idemili-South Legislative Council, as he was able to attract road construction projects, educational support, human capital development programmes, healthcare interventions and a host of other developmental projects and initiatives to his constituency.
He said that, as a Councillor, Nnobi Ward 2 witnessed projects, interventions and initiatives aimed at addressing the critical needs of the people, particularly in the areas of road construction and the provision of solar-powered streetlights to open up internal village roads, enhance visibility and contribute to the security and safety of residents.
According to him, the interventions were undertaken within his two-year tenure as a Councillor.
Ilogbenu said that, under the Light-Up Ngo Project in Nnobi Ward 2, several roads were fully illuminated with high-quality solar-powered streetlights during his tenure.
According to him, the roads include Umuagu Hall through St. Christopher’s Anglican Church to the Nnobi–Alor boundary; Agbom Primary School Road to the Ngo boundary with Umuru, Ebenesi Nnobi; Umuagu Uhuoshi/Igwedo to Ezenweile Junction; Late Sunday Ajokwu, Umuagu, to Umuikechem Road; and Umueze/Umuikechem/Ndam through Dr. Wilson Azugo’s residence to Umuagu/Nnobi Divisional Police Station.
Others include Umuezeme/Ugoewulu through Agwuncha to the Nnobi/Nnokwa boundary; Umuegbu Hall through Rt. Hon. Charles Odedo to Ogbo Olu/Nnobi Hall; and Uhuoshi Road to St. Kelvin’s Catholic Church, Umuagu.
He further listed Umuezeme to Umuobia Road; Obinagu, Umuagu, to the rear of Nnobi Divisional Police Station; Umuezeme to Chukwunonso Hospital Road; the Obiaja–Mmiri Mgbo axis of Nnobi–Nkpor Road; and the full external illumination of the Umuagu Model Health Centre.
On healthcare interventions, Ilogbenu disclosed that his tenure attracted the installation of a solar power system capable of powering the Umuagu Health Centre.
He also said that palliative engineering works were carried out to address the destructive flooding around the health centre.
He added that he commenced the process of upgrading the Umuezeme/Ndam Health Post into a Primary Healthcare Centre, alongside the enrolment of constituents of Nnobi Ward 2 in the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme.
In the education sector, Ilogbenu disclosed that he sponsored more than 45 students for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE/WAEC) registration at a cost of about N1.5 million.
He also said he attracted the complete renovation of a four-classroom block at St. Simon’s Central Primary School, Ngo Nnobi.
On road construction, Ilogbenu told this journalist that he attracted the construction of the following roads in Ngo Nnobi:
1.3-kilometre Umuegbu Road to Ukpaka Ndam, sponsored by High Chief Emeka Agbanari, MFR (Ike Idemili), the Chief Executive Officer of Seaman Oil and Gas Company.
1.5-kilometre Sunday Ajokwu/Late Emma Nwokoye Road, Umuagu to Umuikechem, also sponsored by High Chief Emeka Agbanari, MFR (Ike Idemili), the Chief Executive Officer of Seaman Oil and Gas Company.
1-kilometre Okenwa Crescent, Umuagu to Umuikechem, sponsored by High Chief Ikechukwu Azugo (Okenwa Idemili).
Chief R.N. Akusoba Crescent in Umuegbu, Ngo Nnobi, sponsored by Chief Obinna Akusoba (Ojiewulu Nnobi).
According to him, all the roads were fully equipped with solar-powered streetlights.
He equally disclosed that approval had been given for the construction of a one-kilometre road in Umunebo-Eziagbom, Ngo Nnobi, which, he said, would be constructed by an illustrious son of Nnobi, Chief R.N. Okongwu.
Youth empowerment and human capital development were also critical aspects of his stewardship.
Ilogbenu revealed that more than 35 youths from Ngo Nnobi were enrolled and empowered through various skills-acquisition programmes under the Idemili South Youth Development Initiatives.
A constituent and President-General of Nnobi Welfare Organization, Chief Aloysius Olubialu, in an interview with this journalist, affirmed that Ilogbenu’s stewardship as a Councillor was impactful and beneficial to Ngo Nnobi.
He asserted that Ilogbenu was the first person to introduce the installation of streetlights in the area and also attracted several road construction projects.
The President-General, who described Ilogbenu as a man of peace, said he had galvanised stakeholders in Nnobi town and co-opted them into community development efforts, as demonstrated by the numerous road construction projects and other developmental programmes he attracted for the benefit of the people.
Another constituent, who identified himself as Very Rev. Fr. Martin Obum Ikeagu, PhD, the Episcopal Vicar, Iyiowa Region, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, corroborated the position of the President-General, adding that Ilogbenu’s stewardship as a Councillor had yielded positive impacts.
Ikeagu noted that Ilogbenu’s representation was anchored on accountability and good human relations.
He said that, as the Chairman of Ngo-Nnobi, Ilogbenu attracted development projects and facilitated road construction in areas where, according to him, residents had never believed roads would be constructed.
Rev. Fr. Ikeagu also noted that the peace-building initiatives and conflict-resolution efforts of Oluchukwu Ilogbenu could not be overemphasised, saying he had been able to reconcile factions and unite them for sustainable peace, progress and prosperity in Ngo Nnobi.
He stressed that Olutek had demonstrated effective representation and accountability, expressing confidence that he would perform well as Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area.
Ilogbenu Unveils Agenda as Mayor
Looking ahead to his administration as Chairman and Mayor of Idemili-South Local Government Area, Ilogbenu revealed that his government would focus primarily on education, healthcare and human capital development.
He said:“My key areas of interest are Education, Health, and Human Capital Development, with a clear focus on practical interventions that directly improve the lives of our people.
Education: Improve public schools through better facilities, learning materials, ICT infrastructure, and academic excellence programmes for pupils and teachers.
Health: Strengthen Primary Healthcare Centres with improved infrastructure, essential equipment and drugs, maternal and child healthcare support, and regular medical outreaches.
Human Capital Development: Equip youths and women with practical digital, vocational, agricultural and entrepreneurial skills while supporting small businesses and sustainable livelihoods.”
