The Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, has stressed the importance of reforms in achieving sustainable development, improving living conditions, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening institutions, and securing a better future for citizens.
He stated this at a symposium organised by the Oyigbo Local Government Council to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The symposium, held at the Council Secretariat, had as its theme: “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
In his address, the Chairman said the impact of national policies was most directly felt at the grassroots, stressing that the dividends of democracy must go beyond policy documents and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
He said such improvements should be reflected in critical areas including roads, markets, education, healthcare, electricity, water supply and employment opportunities.
According to him, some of these developmental strides have already been recorded in Oyigbo within his first year in office, adding that his administration had implemented a number of projects and programmes aimed at strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities, within available resources.
Highlighting some of the projects undertaken by his administration, Nwaogu listed the completion of markets, landscaping of the remodelled Council Secretariat, construction of a gatehouse and perimeter fence, and construction of the Oyigbo Motor Park.
He also stated the provision of official vehicles for the Vice Chairman, Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Secretary to the Local Government, Chief of Staff and Councillors to facilitate the effective discharge of their duties.
He added that the administration had renovated and furnished the MDG building at the Council Secretariat.
The Chairman noted, however, that development should not be measured by physical infrastructure alone, stressing the importance of investment in human capital.
He said education and human capital development remained key priorities of his administration, pointing to the provision of free NECO and GCE registration for students in the Local Government Area, as well as education and Law School grants for indigenes studying within and outside Nigeria.
Nwaogu also highlighted the Council’s monthly cash empowerment programme, which he said currently benefits more than 2,000 youths, women and men, with the aim of supporting beneficiaries to strengthen their livelihoods and economic activities.
He explained that the programme was designed to promote shared prosperity by ensuring that development directly reaches the people, particularly young people, women and vulnerable members of the community.
In the area of community infrastructure, the Chairman listed the construction of a water collection point, rehabilitation of a failed section of the Okoloma Road bypass, extension of electricity and streetlights in Afam-Ukwu community, desilting of drainage channels in Oyigbo urban centre, provision of boreholes, renovation of the Primary Health Centre at the Secretariat, and the procurement and installation of six 300kVA and 500kVA transformers.
Nwaogu called for collective responsibility in nation-building as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
He urged citizens to obey the law, pay taxes and levies, protect public infrastructure, promote peace, shun violence and remain committed to the development of their communities and the nation.
He also called on institutions, organisations, civil society groups and the business community to invest in the future of Nigerian youths.
“It is the energy, creativity, intelligence and resilience of its people. If we provide our young people with the right education, skills and opportunities, they can become the driving force of Nigeria’s next chapter”, he said.
The Chairman pledged to continue prioritising projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of the people, strengthen institutions and create opportunities for shared prosperity.
“We remain conscious of the expectations of our people and committed to doing more within the resources available to us”, he said.
Earlier, as part of activities marking the anniversary, the Council organised a debate competition among public secondary schools in the Local Government Area on the topic: “Nigeria’s Economy Prior to the Removal of Fuel Subsidy: Should Fuel Subsidy Be Removed or Retained?”
The symposium featured two distinguished rapporteurs, Dr. Nkem Igbute, and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ukwa Branch, Barrister Emmanuel Onyeukwu, who provided further perspectives on the theme.
The rapporteurs presented arguments on the question of whether the fuel subsidy should be retained or removed, with discussions focusing on the economic and social implications of the policy.
They reflected on the challenges associated with fuel subsidy and contrasted them with developments following its removal, including the payment of workers’ salaries when due, according to the points raised during the presentations.
The presentations generated considerable interests among participants and provided an opportunity for members of the audience, particularly students and young people, to engage with the economic issues surrounding fuel subsidy removal.
In attendance at the event were the Vice Chairman, Leader and members of the Legislative Council, Head of Local Government Administration, members of the Executive Council, Chairmen of the PDP and APC in Oyigbo, former Council Chairmen, the Area Commander, youth and women leaders, members of the academia, members of the National Youth Service Corps, students and other young people.
- Anumaka is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Oyigbo LGA.