…Lauds Gov. Mbah for granting councils financial autonomy
…Says campaign promises fully delivered
By Chinedu Gabriel
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, has declared that the wave of insecurity that once crippled economic and social activities in the area has been decisively tackled.
Ukwueze said his administration successfully addressed both internal and external security threats, restoring peace and enabling residents to “sleep with their two eyes closed.”
He attributed the achievement to the financial autonomy granted to local government councils under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, whom he commended for non-interference in council funds.
According to him, prior to his assumption of office, Igbo-Eze South was under siege by armed groups popularly referred to as “unknown gunmen,” who unleashed terror, imposed illegal levies on residents, and paralysed economic activities.
“Communities lived in fear. Farmers abandoned their farmlands, markets were shut, and citizens were subjected to unlawful taxation,” he said.
He explained that his administration made security a top priority through strategic investments and infrastructure development, particularly the rehabilitation of road networks, which enhanced access for security agencies to previously troubled areas.
“Today, the narrative has changed. Our people have returned to their farms, markets are open, and we can now celebrate Children’s Day again—something that was impossible at the height of insecurity,” Ukwueze stated.
The council boss, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, stressed that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“No matter the level of infrastructure, if people cannot sleep peacefully, then government has failed,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements of his administration, Ukwueze pointed to significant improvements in road infrastructure, noting that over 100 kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, making all communities in the LGA accessible.
He further described the relationship between the state and local governments as a productive and results-driven partnership.
“What we have in Enugu State is synergy—visible and impactful. When a project is viable, the state government supports it substantially, sometimes contributing up to 60 percent,” he explained.
On youth empowerment, Ukwueze disclosed that the council sponsored free registration for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations for indigent students, thereby expanding access to tertiary education.
He added that 250 youths were trained in vocational skills at Marist School, Enugu, while another 500 received training in Artificial Intelligence and obtained certification from UNESCO.
Ukwueze reiterated that his administration has fulfilled its campaign promises, emphasizing that the focus remains on sustaining peace, empowering youths, and driving grassroots development.
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