NEWS
Aba North Hosts Strategic Local Government Seminar as Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke Backs Gov. Otti’s Vision, Calls for Unity and Renewed Grassroots Leadership.
…as Delegation from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Challenges Council Leaders to Rewrite Abia’s Grassroots Narrative.
Aba North Local Government Area came alive on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, as the Executive Chairman, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, received a high-powered delegation from the Abia State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi.
The significant occasion was a specialized seminar organized by THE ABIA STATE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS IN COLLABORATION WITH ABIA STATE ORIENTATION AGENCY, PRESENTS, with the theme: “CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE.”
The capacity-building event targeted all grassroots power blocs, specifically COUNCILLORS, LGA WARD CHAIRMEN AND THEIR EXCOS, CHAIRMAN NDI EZE, YOUTH LEADERS, WOMEN LEADERS, ABIA ARISE LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS, reinforcing the central role of local communities in delivering governance that works.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Iheke described the seminar as timely and enlightening. Drawing inspiration from his recent experience in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he noted: “I saw how Beautiful Uyo is, but I wonder what is missing there because they still rate us as superior to them because they do come here in Abia State for their purchase and to do business. It will take us twenty years to meet up with Uyo.
“But there’s something in us that have refused to bow even in our state of emergency, because that is what It is. I went round the city and saw the beauty, even their Airport is amazing.”
He likened the comparison to the difference between hardware and software, arguing that while other states may invest heavily in infrastructure, they often lack the strategic “software” that drives human ingenuity and commerce.
He cited Ebonyi State’s “most Beautiful market in the South-East” which “hardly gets the patronage they deserve, because they lack a software technique.
He asserted that Abia State, under Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, possesses that “software.” According to him, Abians must be proud and remain united in supporting the new leadership direction.
He further declared: “Abians should thank God for the visionary leadership of Dr. Alex Otti,” adding that, if given an additional two terms, “Abia will meet up.”
Calling for unity among stakeholders, Hon. Iheke encouraged those who “feel bad that they’re yet to be settled for fighting to see that there’s a New Abia” to remain steadfast, promising continuing support.
He assured that beginning this month, more benefits and empowerment opportunities will be extended to the yet-to-be-settled, while appealing for another similar engagement to further “keep the momentum.”
Earlier In a passionate address, Mrs. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi emphasized the primacy of grassroots governance, saying, “Local government is not just another administrative entity beneath state and federal structures. It is the closest arm of government to the people… They look to the Local Government.”
She insisted that the current negative perceptions, inefficiency, abandoned projects, unengaged youths, weak accountability, must be reversed through deliberate reforms because “Narratives can change. Stories can be rewritten. Legacies can be rebuilt.”
She highlighted Governor Alex Otti’s innovative governance approach, saying, “Good governance does not only mean constructing roads, building markets, or providing water or electricity but, Governance that listens, that includes, that engages, that is accountable, that inspires hope…”
Her address emphasized youth empowerment, stronger local institutions, transparency channels, and community ownership of projects, urging councils to adopt: Quarterly financial reporting, Project monitoring dashboards, Procurement transparency, Community evaluation frameworks
She declared: “Changing the narrative is not the job of the Mayor alone… Let history record that at this moment, in this generation, we changed the direction of our local government.”
Mrs. Ugoanusi also praised Hon. Iheke, describing him as “the most humble, efficient and accessible among all the council chairmen in Abia State.”
She appealed to traditional rulers to sensitize citizens against drainage blockage, encourage afforestation, and sustain Abia’s position as number one in cleanliness under Gov. Otti.
Also speaking, Chief Obioma Reuben Nwaogbe, PhD, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, hailed the ongoing transformation of Abia State.
He disclosed that about 20 electric buses are already available, and 100 more will arrive in February next year, further solidifying Abia as Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat.
The seminar saw a robust turnout, including the Deputy Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi; the Leader of Abia North Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Sunday; alongside honourable councillors, the Secretary to Aba North LGA, Hon. Frank Alaribe; supervisory councillors, traditional rulers, youth and community leaders, party executives, Abia Arise officials, local government aides and appointees, and key stakeholders from across the LGA.
With renewed unity, improved transparency, and strengthened local institutions, Aba North now stands at the heart of Abia’s unfolding grassroots revolution, promised under t
he New Abia led by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.