By Nkechinyere Ewa
A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, and Special Adviser to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Information and Communication Technology, Tony Nwizi, has urged the incoming Chairman of the local government area, Mrs Helen Uchenna Adaugo, to prioritise rural road development, potable water, shelter for the aged and peacebuilding during her administration.
Nwizi, who is also the Director-General of Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation, made the call while speaking at a political rally held in support of Adaugo’s canpeople in Iboko Izzi council headquarters.
He said the local government’s major challenges were not complex, stressing that access to water, food, shelter and good roads would significantly improve the living conditions of the people.
According to him, Adaugo should particularly focus on opening up rural roads to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and improve economic activities across the local government area.
He noted that the ongoing road projects of the state government, including the bridge linking Ebonyi with Benue State, would create greater opportunities for food and economic activities, adding that the local government administration should complement such efforts by opening up more rural roads.
Nwizi also urged the incoming chairman to provide shelter for the aged and improve access to potable water, while ensuring that development projects and government services reach every community in the local government area.
He further charged Adaugo to make peace and security a major priority, citing her experience as someone who comes from a zone that has witnessed communal crises.
“She is coming from a zone that has witnessed war. So she knows the impact of what war does to a place,” he said, urging her to use her experience to prevent the escalation of communal conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
Nwizi expressed confidence in Adaugo’s capacity to perform, recalling her previous experience as vice-chairman of the local government.
He said her performance as vice-chairman had demonstrated her ability to lead, adding that her experience would help her succeed as chairman.
He described Adaugo as a woman of integrity and a reliable leader, expressing confidence that she would not disappoint the people.
Nwizi also welcomed the emergence of women in key leadership positions in the local government, noting that the chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer are all women.
He said the development reflected the confidence reposed in women’s capacity to provide effective leadership and deliver meaningful development to the people.