By Chibuike Nkwede
The Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Mrs. Helen Nnenna Aduga, has sworn in 14 newly elected councillors representing the various wards in the council area.
The inauguration, held on Friday, marked a new phase in the administration of the local government, with the councillors assuming responsibility for representing the interests and concerns of their respective constituents.
The newly sworn-in councillors are:
Hon. Nwopa Onyeka Jerome — Ezra Inyimegu Igbuhu Ward
Hon. Igwe Barnabas Fidelis — Agbaja Mgbo Ward
Hon. Ugbo Onyeka Uguru — Igbeagu Ndietta Ward
Hon. Ezeowu Ogobuchi Nkata — Igbeagu Ndubia Ward
Hon. Nwoba Cletus Nwankwegu — Agbaja Enyanwigwe Ward
Hon. Nwofoke Sunday C. — Ezza Inyimegu Ndiagu Ward
Hon. Florence Ogechukwu Ezenyi — Ndieborishiagu Ward
Hon. Emenike Fidelis C. — Agbaja Offiaonwe Ward
Hon. Prince Chibundu Friday Ominyi — Mgbalukwu Iboko Ward
Hon. Nwoga Cyprian — Ezza Inyimegu Igweledoha Ward
Hon. Nwangele Innocent Ogbonna — Igbeagu Ndiogbu Ward
Hon. Agatha Eunice Nwibo — Mgbabeluzor Ward
Hon. Nwaji Chinelo — Mgbalukwu Ndingele Ward
Hon. Nwibo Felix Nwite — Ezza Inyimegu Iziogo Ward
Following their swearing-in, the councillors elected Hon. Nwoba Cletus Nwankwegu, representing Agbaja Enyanwigwe Ward, as the Leader of the Council.
Hon. Prince Chibundu Friday Ominyi of Mgbalukwu Iboko Ward was elected Deputy Leader.
Addressing the councillors after their inauguration, Aduga urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the people through effective, accessible and responsive representation.
She charged them to remain available to their constituents, respond promptly to calls and concerns, and ensure that issues beyond their capacity are communicated to the local government leadership for appropriate action.
According to her, their election represents a direct expression of the people’s confidence and comes with the responsibility to remain closely connected to the communities they represent.
The chairman also called on the councillors to work collectively and place the development and welfare of their respective wards above personal interests.
Aduga further urged them to continue to remember the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Prince Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in their daily prayers, while acknowledging his leadership and contributions to the administration and development of the state.
She expressed appreciation to the Izzi Local Government APC Chairman, party leaders, stakeholders and members for their support, sacrifices and contributions to the success of the party and the emergence of the new council leadership.
The council chairman charged the newly inaugurated legislators to work as a team, uphold the trust placed in them by the governor and the people of Izzi, and channel their collective efforts towards meaningful development across the local government area.
She stressed that their tenure should be defined by service, accountability and a strong commitment to the people they were elected to represent.