John Nwaigwe
How Isiala Ngwa North Mayor Uruakpa, Gov. Otti Are Driving Infrastructural Development in the LGA
The Isiala Ngwa North LGA Mayor, Amb. Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa has taken giant strides to rev up infrastructural development in the fast growing Local Government Area. This effort is fully backed by Governor Alex Otti-led administration as the two servant leaders are working in synergy to position Isiala Ngwa North Area as one of the best in Abia state with verified infrastructural revolution, the first of it’s kind in the LGA since it’s creation.
In terms of scope and economic significance, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Obikabia Ultra Modern Market stands out among his numerous projects. Work has reached advanced stage in about 308 stalls and lockup shops in the market. Other facilities lined up for the rehabilitation of the market includes; Mini warehouses, Abattoir with Solar Water Borehole and an industrial cold room.
“We are expanding the market to accommodate more stalls, we are going to floor the whole market, provide buckets for waste, put two gates, provide solar-powered electricity and 24 hours security, affirmed excited Mayor Uruakpa, beaming with smile while taking newsmen round the market.
The Mayor is also rehabilitating the Ekeukwu Uratta Customary Court, Umuoha which before his coming to office had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned. Another project nearing completion is the Legislative Council Hall – the first ever in the history of the LGA. The hall, besides the legislative chamber, has administrative office, the chamber for plenary, and each of the 10 councillors will also have well functional offices, the suprrvisiory Councillor for works, Mr. Clement Ugorji added.
Mayor Uruakpa who took newsmen around the various project sites eulogised Gov Otti for his visionary leadership, adding that his leadership impact is a motivating factor in the achievements he recorded made so far in his one year in office, and says, this is just a tip of the iceberg, that more developmental stridies are coming.
Some of the other projects visited are: Obikabia – Umuoleke – Umuchima road awaiting asphalt; Umuorisa Community Hall Agburuike Nsulu; the ongoing Avo – Umuola, Eziama road, Ntigha, that will be asphalted; the Abia Airport Project, Nsulu; the ongoing asphalting of Ntigha – Nbawsi – Umuala road; Umuomaiukwu smart school project and Umuomaiukwu Ukwu Health Centre, Avo Ntigha Evening Market etc
“Recall that we just concluded an Agricultural Empowerment tagged “Back To Farm Programme” (Poultry, Piggery, Pepper, honey and poultry feed production), that was a tremendous success. We have successfully sponsored 80 people on Telchris ICT training, more are joining. We have just announced the registration of WAEC for 100 students of Isiala Ngwa North residents for secondary school students. We didn’t leave those in tertiary institution as we are giving N50, 000 bursery for undergraduates of Isiala Ngwa North origin, and residents alike, Mayor Uruakpa told newsmen.
The Mayor further added that he had embarked on providing water to the rural communities with 10 Solar boreholes at various locations: Ward 1 – Umuosonyike; Ward 2 – Mbubo, opposite Obogu hall; ward 3 – Umuati Primary School; ward 4, Umungasi Village Hall Osusu; Ward 5 – umuoiyiukwu village Hall Umuchima; Ward 6 – Umuomai Village Hall; Ward 7 – Umuoke Eziama Ntigha; Ward 8 – Imerem Village Hall; Ward 9 – St David Urratta and Ward 10 – Umulenwa Village
“We are all witnesses to Gov. Otti’s revolutionary infrastructural development across the State, his intentional leadership and ideals of the New Abia. So, any elected office holder who fails to measure up to this new standards and vision can only blame himself/herself.
“Isiala Ngwa North LG is one of the rapidly growing LGAs of the State, and the demand for infrastructural development could be overwhelming, but we are equal to the task, and what we are seeing so far is only the beginning of a gigantic turnaround for the LG. With Gov Otti setting such very high standards, we cannot do less ” Mayor Uruakpa concluded.
Those that joined the Mayor for the tour include; The Leader of Isiala Ngwa North Legislative Arm, Hon. Alvan Chima; Deputy Leader, Victor Onwere and other eight councillors. Also in the team were the Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Barr. Chinkwe Ogbonna; the LGA Secretary, Chisom Nwogbe; the Supervisory Councillor for works, Clement Ugorji; Mrs. Nkechi Chibueze, the Supervisory Councillor for Health and a host of others.
