In just 100 days since his swearing-in as the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo has embraced the visionary leadership model of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, to propel the local government toward sustainable growth and transformation. Guided by a commitment to the people and a clear focus on infrastructural development, security, health, and economic advancement, Hon. Ogbodo’s administration has hit the ground running, with tangible results across key sectors. From rehabilitating critical roads to strengthening security and increasing local revenue, the journey of progress has only just begun, with bold plans ahead under the "Budget of Hope" for 2025.
"Ndi Nkanu West,
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, you overwhelmingly elected me as your Executive Chairman. This was followed by my subsequent swearing-in on Monday, September 30, 2024, by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Today, as I mark my 100th day in office, I stand before you with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, aware of the sacred pact I entered into with the good people of Nkanu West Local Government Area. It is, therefore, crucial to share with you the progress we have made so far on this journey.
I wish to begin by thanking God for His immeasurable mercies that have guided our administration since its inception. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support I have received from all well-meaning citizens of Nkanu West, young or old, rich or poor, at home or abroad who are committed to the progress and transformation of our local government. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his deep love for our people and the numerous projects being executed in our local government.
Upon our swearing-in, we immediately set to work, being deliberate and intentional in delivering across all sectors for the greater good of our people.
Security:
One of our first priorities was security. Upon assuming office, we discovered that nearly all the security vehicles in the local government were grounded. Understanding the importance of security, we appointed a Special Adviser on Security and swiftly ensured that all vehicles were repaired and made roadworthy. Additionally, we have prioritized the timely payment of emoluments for the members of the Neighborhood Watch and provided logistical support to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps. Furthermore, we cleared the Four Corners Udi-Ozalla road to enhance security and prevent kidnappers from exploiting the cover of the bushes.
Infrastructure Development:
In terms of infrastructure, we inherited some dilapidated parts of the council headquarters, which we have since renovated. We also installed a 7.5kVA solar power energy system at the headquarters. We further graded and laterited 5 kilometers of the Onitsha-Agu road in Ogonogoeji, Ndiagu Akpugo Ward 4. In addition, we decongested the habitual traffic logjam at Four Corners by clearing refuse heaps, constructing a culvert, grading, and lateriting the park to put it to use a deliberate effort to activate dormant local government properties and assets for the benefit of our people.
Water, Health, and Sanitation (WASH):
On water, health, and sanitation, we are currently constructing modern toilet facilities, complete with solar-powered boreholes, at Eke Agbani Market. This initiative aims to eliminate open defecation in the market, thereby improving public health and sanitation. We are also constructing a modern abattoir, with solar-powered boreholes, at the same market to ensure hygienic and safe practices in meat processing.
Farmers-Herders Crisis:
In response to the farmers-herders crisis, we established a committee, headed by our Deputy Chairman, Engr. Friday Nnam, to address the issue. The committee comprises representatives from the Fulani community, the farmers' community, the Traditional Rulers Council, and heads of all security agencies. The committee has been actively investigating and resolving issues equitably, ensuring compensation where due, and developing strategies to prevent future conflicts.
Revenue Generation:
We have also taken steps to increase the local government's internally generated revenue. This has been achieved through a careful evaluation and verification of market stalls, eliminating cash payments, and halting revenue leakage that previously found its way into unknown coffers.
2025 Budget:
My dear people of Nkanu West, I am pleased to inform you that we have developed the 2025 fiscal year budget, christened the "Budget of Hope." As I mentioned in my New Year message, this budget will focus on aggressively pursuing projects aligned with the state government's agenda while addressing the critical developmental needs of our local government. We will be modest in the administration of government but ambitious in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people.
Though we have made significant progress, we have only just begun. With your continued support, I am confident that we will achieve even more.
God bless Nkanu West and her good people.
God bless Enugu State.
Certainly, our Tomorrow is Here!"
Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo,
Executive Chairman, Nkanu West LGA.
