Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Emenike Nwankpa the Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state has explained his decision to implement numerous empowerment programs and developmental initiatives aimed at improving the health, education, self-reliance of youths, and the overall peaceful atmosphere within his Local Government Area.
Interacting with journalists, Nwankpa emphasized the importance of service-oriented leadership characterized by accessibility, empathy, and practical interventions. He described healthcare delivery as the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
According to him, the Izzi Local Government Area has undertaken various direct medical interventions, including covering hospital bills for indigent patients at several health facilities such as Sudan Mission Hospital in Iboko, General Hospital Iboko, Sudan Hospital in Onuenyim Agbaja, and St. Vincent Hospital in Igbeagu.
He further revealed that his administration has paid off mortuary debts for families unable to afford proper burials. “Additionally, we have provided support to traditional bone setters by supplying food items, boreholes, and financial assistance, recognizing their grassroots contributions to community healthcare,” he added.
Nwankpa noted that he has prioritized education and youth development through partnerships with institutions like TAG Global, an affiliate of Cisco in Akwa Ibom. His administration has sponsored several youths for intensive ICT training in cybersecurity and networking, providing full scholarships that include accommodation and monthly stipends, as well as additional support for advanced studies in Lagos.
He disclosed that the local government is currently supporting 31 students in private schools through scholarships and has also focused on the recovery and rehabilitation of abandoned and vulnerable children, including a young girl rescued from Awka, who has since been integrated into his family. “Others, such as orphans and children who are victims of violence, have received sponsorship and care,” he added.
The Chairman highlighted ongoing economic empowerment initiatives targeting the most vulnerable members of the community. These initiatives include financial support for small business owners, assistance for displaced traders following demolitions, and consistent financial aid to help residents restart their lives and businesses.
Nwankpa reported that under his leadership, the Izzi Local Government has resolved numerous communal conflicts and long-standing disputes. He personally mediated in crisis-prone areas, stating, “From Nduogbaga Obashi to Ochioghu in Ezza-Inyimegu, we’ve reached every troubled area. We don’t impose settlements; we encourage the traditional reconciliation process for lasting peace.”
He mentioned that his proactive efforts for peace, including the incarceration of violent offenders, have brought stability to previously volatile areas like Otamnwagba, where violence had persisted for over a decade.
The Chairman acknowledged the resilience and expertise of local farmers, particularly in yam cultivation. He emphasized the need to combat the rising culture of dependency and “corporate begging” among youths who have abandoned agriculture for urban life, calling for a return to dignity in labor.
“Leadership is about replicating a better version of yourself, not accumulating material wealth. We strive to cultivate individuals whose character and dignity can inspire future generations,”.