The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy, and EBSIEC Matters has continued its oversight function to ensure quality project delivery and address the primary needs of the people. The committee visited Echiaba, Ozibo, Mbeke, and Ebonyi Development Centers in Ebonyi Local Government Area as part of its efforts to assess ongoing projects.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam, emphasized that the visit was not to witch-hunt but to liaise with the Development Centers on effective project execution. He added that the visit would help the committee identify urgent community welfare needs for immediate communication to the appropriate authorities.
During the committee’s visit to Echiaba Development Center, the members commended Hon. Friday Oketa, the coordinator, for embarking on human-oriented projects spanning education, infrastructure, health, transportation, and commerce. They particularly praised the cleanliness of the Development Center and lauded the rural electrification projects in Orokeonuoha, Otereufe, and Okeuinyionu villages. Other notable projects include boreholes at Otereufe and Ndiukabi villages, addressing the community’s water needs.
In his response, Hon. Friday Oketa stated that his projects align with the developmental vision of Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru. He highlighted key initiatives such as road construction, provision of pipe-borne water, rural electrification, workers’ welfare, and security measures aimed at improving the standard of living for his people.
The committee’s visit to Ozibo Development Center painted a negative picture, as members expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the coordinator, Hon. Mrs. Susana Igboke Nwogbaga. They criticized the lack of clear direction in the projects initiated under her leadership. The committee urged her to improve her performance to ensure that her community benefits from the current administration’s developmental plans.
In a passionate appeal, Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga, representing Ebonyi North East Constituency, called on women in leadership positions to step up and deliver on their responsibilities, emphasizing that societal development should not be left solely to men. The committee summoned the management of Ozibo Development Center to appear before them on Friday, February 11, 2025, at 9 AM at the EBHA Committee Room.
At Mbeke Development Center, the Coordinator, Hon. Franklin Nwugwu, received applause for successfully renovating the Development Center, grading and constructing roads and bridges, and providing student bursaries. He was also commended for maintaining power supply from Iziogo to Ogbala and Nworie into the Development Center.
In response, Hon. Franklin Nwugwu thanked the committee for recognizing his contributions and assured them that the developmental vision instilled by Governor Nwifuru would continue to inspire his administration.
During the visit to Ebonyi Development Center, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the presentation made by the Head of Works and directed staff to improve productivity to align with the state government’s programs and policies. The management of Ebonyi Development Center was also directed to appear before the committee on Friday, February 11, 2025, at 9 AM at the EBHA Committee Room.
Responding, the Coordinator, Hon. Dr. Destiny Nwodom, highlighted his administration’s efforts in implementing the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs at the grassroots. His projects include the renovation of classrooms at Abarigwe Primary School, grading and lateriting of roads, bridge construction, bursary payments, and widow-care programs, including the construction of a building for a widow at Omorodu Ishieke village.
Other members of the committee who spoke include Hon. Prince Nkemka Okoro Onuma, Hon. Joseph Ununu, Hon. Lucas Arinze Chukwu, Hon. Victor Nwoke, Hon. Steve Orji Igwe, Hon. Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, Hon. Barr. Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo,and Hon. Esther Agwu.