…Says Sustainable Development Begins at the Grassroots
The President General of Ihenyi Agarama Autonomous Community, Eha-Amufu, and Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area on WASH, Hon. Charles Ilodi, has congratulated Hon. Brendan Emeka Ani on his election as the Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ilodi described Ani’s victory as a fresh opportunity to strengthen grassroots governance and pursue development that directly reflects the needs and aspirations of communities across Isi-Uzo.
In a congratulatory message, the community development advocate urged the newly elected chairman to make the people and their communities the driving force behind his administration, stressing that sustainable development is best achieved when residents are actively involved in determining and implementing projects that affect their lives.
According to him, Ani’s emergence comes with a significant responsibility to translate the confidence of Ndi Isi-Uzo into visible improvements in infrastructure, human capital development, social services and the general wellbeing of residents.
Ilodi particularly called on the incoming administration to “incubate community development” by establishing stronger channels of engagement with communities, identifying their specific needs and creating opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in development programmes.
He noted that such an approach would strengthen accountability while giving communities a sense of ownership over government projects and initiatives.
“Community development is the panacea for sustainable development. When you develop the community, you develop the people; and when you empower the people, you create the foundation for sustainable progress,” Ilodi stated.
He further urged Ani to run an inclusive administration that brings traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, professionals and other critical stakeholders into the development process.
Ilodi recalled that he had earlier described Ani, following his emergence as the APC flagbearer, as the “Incoming Messiah of Ndi Isi-Uzo,” expressing confidence in his capacity to provide purposeful leadership at the grassroots.
With the election now concluded, Ilodi said attention should shift from political contests to governance, service delivery and the task of building stronger communities across the local government area.
He therefore called on Ndi Isi-Uzo to unite behind the new administration and contribute positively to initiatives aimed at promoting peace, development, accountability and good governance.
While congratulating Ani once again, Ilodi wished him wisdom, strength and divine guidance, expressing hope that his tenure would be defined by inclusive leadership, community-centred governance and sustainable development.
He stressed that communities should not merely be recipients of government projects but active partners in identifying priorities, implementing initiatives and sustaining development outcomes.
Ilodi said a governance model that places communities at the centre would create stronger ownership and ensure that development interventions have lasting impact across Isi-Uzo.
