● Ferdy Agu
In a concerted effort to deepen grassroots development and align with the state’s economic transformation agenda, local government chairmen in Enugu State convened a one-day performance review session to assess their progress and set new targets for rural advancement.
Held in Enugu on Thursday, the Enugu State Local Government Performance Appraisal and Strategic Planning Meeting brought together council chairmen, deputies, and senior officials to evaluate their achievements in the fourth quarter of 2024. Discussions covered key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, human capital development, sanitation, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the event, Uche Okolo, Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, and Chairman of Awgu LGA, emphasized the significance of aligning local projects with the state’s development vision, particularly in rural areas.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has set an ambitious roadmap for Enugu’s transformation, and as council chairmen, we must implement this vision at the grassroots level. Rural communities must not be left behind in the march toward progress. We are working on key projects in agriculture, health, and education that will improve the quality of life for our people.”
Some LG Council Chairmen and their deputies
Also speaking, John Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in rural development, stating that the peer-review session enabled them to fine-tune their approach to governance.
“Our commitment to rural transformation is unwavering. This appraisal has given us an opportunity to measure our successes, identify challenges, and reinforce our focus on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic growth. We are determined to make governance more impactful at the grassroots.”
For his part, Beloved-Dan Anike, Chairman of Enugu East LGA, stressed the need for innovation and efficiency in governance, urging his colleagues to maximize available resources for sustainable development.
“Local governments are the bedrock of development. We must be intentional in creating employment opportunities, providing healthcare, and investing in education. Our people in the rural areas deserve improved living conditions, and that is what we are committed to achieving.”
Delivering a keynote address, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, a professor of Ethics and Intercultural Studies and Founding Director of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), advised the chairmen to maintain integrity and a clear sense of purpose in governance.
“If you are discordant with the people you’re meant to serve, you cannot achieve anything. And if I take it to another level, it is about being in sync with the Enugu State Government. We love Governor Peter Mbah because he has shown us that he is there for the people. Everybody is talking about the good works that the governor is doing, all over the country and abroad because he has brought leadership home. So, if Mbah is doing a lot from the top, you must complement what he is doing from your own side to align with the state’s vision for a prosperous Enugu.”
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, urged the chairmen to prioritize economic growth and the welfare of their communities, reiterating that local government alignment with state policies would accelerate development.
“As a leader, you must have a big dream for your people. You must have vision and work towards it. The essence of governance is the provision of public good for the greater good and benefit of the people. Governance is about meeting the needs of the people and raising their standard of living.”
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the council chairmen for embracing performance tracking as a governance tool, noting that their willingness to undergo periodic evaluation would drive accountability and measurable progress.
“The chairmen themselves suggested this process of performance tracking across key development indicators. Every local government has its unique economic potential, and today’s discussions have helped them assess their strengths, challenges, and strategies for attracting investors and delivering results in 2025.”
The review session featured extensive peer assessments, where each of the 17 local government chairmen outlined their achievements, challenges, and development goals for the coming year, with a collective resolve to fast-track rural transformation in alignment with Enugu State’s broader economic vision. GMTNewsng
