Governance met grassroots enthusiasm in a colourful fusion of culture and civic engagement at the Methodist Church Arena, Mbala Isuochi, where residents of Mbala/Achara Ward turned out en masse for a town hall meeting convened by the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Hon. Sunny Afurobi.
What unfolded was more than a routine political gathering; it bore the atmosphere of a carnival, with vibrant cultural dance troupes setting the tone as community members actively participated in shaping conversations around development and governance.
Addressing the crowd, the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi, explained that the initiative is part of a broader engagement strategy that will extend across the 12 wards of Umunneochi, noting that the aim is for the government “to get first-hand information on the challenges and expectations of the people, put them together and gradually attend to them.”
He stressed that such direct engagement would not be a one-off event but a sustained approach to governance, noting that it provides him the opportunity “to feel their pulse regularly, and find lasting solutions to them depending on the availability of resources,” while reaffirming that his administration is committed to delivering greater dividends of democracy across the council.
Afurobi also used the platform to connect local governance efforts with broader state achievements, stating that part of the exercise is to take “the message of Governor Otti’s achievements to the rural communities,” and maintained that Governor Alex Otti “has changed the ugly narrative of 24 years of backwardness in the state to a promising and enduring future.”
Reiterating his leadership philosophy, the Council Boss declared that he is in office to make “quality and remarkable impacts that will affect life positively.”
He outlined ongoing efforts under his administration, including infrastructural transformation, rural road maintenance, construction of bridges and culverts, improved security support, agricultural rejuvenation, ICT training for about eighty youths, market development, and installation of street lights.
He assured the people that the provision of basic amenities would remain a priority, emphasising accountability in governance: “Any money meant for development purposes in the council must be judiciously utilised and accounted for accordingly.”
Highlighting state-level interventions in Umunneochi, Afurobi listed key projects such as the Ngodo/Umuaku/Mbala road—now at an advanced stage, the Umuelem to Ngada road, and the Ngodo to Lomara road, among others.
He described Governor Otti’s impact in health, education, and empowerment through political appointments and pensionable jobs as “highly phenomenal.”
On political organisation, the Mayor called for a more coordinated grassroots structure, urging indigenes of Mbala/Achara Ward to form a formidable political bloc that would enhance their collective influence and results.
He also acknowledged the presence and contributions of federal and state lawmakers, including Rt. Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, praising their legislative performance and urging continued public support, and expressed confidence that “at the right time the people of Umunneochi will speak with one accord through the ballots.”
Afurobi further encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, while also urging Labour Party faithful to complete their online membership registration.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ike Orika, commended the initiative, noting that the level of participation created “a convivial atmosphere for hybridisation of ideas” capable of accelerating development in Mbala/Achara Ward, and pledged sustained stakeholder cooperation for improved political engagement.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Rt. Hon. Amobi Ogah, Chief Eugine Ibe appreciated the continued support of the people and assured them of diligent representation for the benefit of all constituents.
Similarly, Hon. Mathias Ume expressed gratitude to the ward for its decisive role in his 2023 electoral victory, urging continued support and promising inclusive representation in his programmes.
Community leaders, including Chief Ejike Kingsley Okoro, Chief Henry Ike, Hon. Chief Godgive Chuks Eze, Chief Lucky Onwuka, Pastor Chimechefulam Iro, Ogbuehi Iyke Okpara, High Chief Richard Ikpe, and Mrs. Salome Onwu, among others, unanimously lauded the Mayor’s initiative.
They described the town hall meeting as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, while also commending the governor’s administrative strides and praying for continued wisdom in leadership.
In a vote of thanks, Comrade Ibebuike Obialor appreciated attendees for their commitment and specially commended the Mayor for providing logistics, including meals and transportation, for participants.
The event followed an earlier strategic meeting hosted by Afurobi at his Umukparo residence, where elected officials and key stakeholders deliberated on critical issues affecting the LGA.
Key highlights of the town hall included the Mayor’s stewardship account, an interactive question-and-answer session, cultural displays, entertainment, and cash donations to the five autonomous communities within Mbala/Achara Ward.
