NEWS
Aba North Mayor Reaffirms Inclusive Leadership, Welcomes Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum
The Executive Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring residents from different ethnic groups and backgrounds of equal recognition, cooperation and participation in the affairs of the local government.
The Mayor gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum in Abia State, led by its leader, Obong Imoh Obasi, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The visit brought together members of the Akwa Ibom community in Aba and provided an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the local government administration and the forum, particularly on issues concerning the welfare and participation of non-indigenous residents in the development of Aba North.
Addressing the delegation, Mayor Iheke said his administration remained open to working with all tribes, clans and communities residing within Aba North, irrespective of their state of origin.
He emphasised that the diversity of Aba North remained one of its strengths, noting that residents from different parts of Nigeria contribute significantly to the economic and social development of the area.
The Mayor assured the Akwa Ibom community that his administration would continue to operate an inclusive system of governance where residents are given room to participate, contribute ideas and pursue legitimate interests without discrimination.
He also welcomed greater collaboration between the local government and the Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum, particularly in areas that would promote peaceful coexistence, community development and the welfare of residents.
Earlier, the leader of the Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum, Obong Imoh Obasi, expressed appreciation to the Mayor for receiving the delegation and maintaining an open-door approach to community engagement.
Obasi recalled his involvement in the mobilisation of support and voters for Dr. Alex Otti during the 2023 elections, highlighting the forum’s participation in the political process that preceded the emergence of the current administration in Abia State.
He also disclosed that the forum was making plans to pay a visit to Governor Alex Otti as part of its efforts to strengthen its relationship with the state government.
The forum leader further announced plans for the forthcoming Akwa Ibom Day celebration in Aba, scheduled to take place on October 3, 2026, at the Aba Town Hall.
According to him, the event is expected to provide an avenue for Akwa Ibom indigenes living in Abia to celebrate their cultural heritage, strengthen unity within the community and deepen their relationship with other residents of the state.
He also disclosed plans to formally launch the funding initiative for the forum’s proposed town hall in Aba.
The proposed facility is expected to serve as a community centre dedicated to the welfare, social activities and collective interests of Akwa Ibom indigenes residing in Abia State.
Obasi also spoke extensively about his longstanding connection with Abia State, revealing that he has been a resident of the state since 1990.
He disclosed that his ties to Abia have also been strengthened through marriage to an Ohafia woman, adding that his children have grown up deeply connected to Igbo culture and language.
According to him, his children speak Igbo more frequently than the Akwa Ibom dialect, reflecting the extent of their upbringing and integration within the Abia environment.
He further revealed that he had been honoured with an Igbo chieftaincy title, Eji Aka Emenka 1, in recognition of his relationship with the community.
During the visit, Obasi also introduced Madam Roseline Udosen, a member of the forum’s leadership.
Madam Udosen is a former councillor who represented St. Eugene Ward 5 in Aba North Local Government Area and currently serves as the Labour Party Women Leader for St. Eugene Ward 5.
Her introduction further underscored the forum’s connection with the political and community structures within Aba North, as well as the participation of women in community leadership and political activities.
The engagement ended on a note of renewed understanding and cooperation, with both sides expressing the importance of maintaining constructive relationships between the Aba North Local Government administration and the divers
e communities that call the area home.