WE WITNESSED THE DIVIDENDS OF PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP IN IDEMILI SOUTH TODAY.
Today, I had the privilege of participating in a truly remarkable and historic occasion, which is the Idemili South August Meeting 2026 and Empowerment Skill Acquisition Program, an initiative fully sponsored by Hon. Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata), Mayor of Idemili South LGA.
It was a day filled with excitement, gratitude, hope, and, above all, an unprecedented demonstration of what purposeful leadership and people-centered governance can achieve.
The program, which featured the distribution of shuttle buses, brand-new motorcycles, sewing machines, baking ovens, salon shampoo/backwash basins, and cash support for petty traders, among other forms of assistance, was a powerful statement that government is fundamentally about improving the lives and livelihoods of the people.
One of the most sustainable ways to develop any community is to invest directly in its people. Today’s empowerment program, therefore, represents much more than the distribution of items. It represents opportunity.
For the beneficiaries, the sewing machines can become businesses. The baking ovens can become sources of income. The salon equipment can create sustainable livelihoods. The motorcycles and shuttle buses can provide means of transportation and economic opportunities, while the cash support can give petty traders the much-needed capital to strengthen and expand their businesses.
This is what human capital development should look like. The remarkable transformation being witnessed across Idemili South since the assumption of office of Iyom Amaka Obi is becoming increasingly evident. For many beneficiaries, today’s support may mark the beginning of a completely new chapter in their economic lives.
The occasion was further elevated by the presence of our Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo, whose presence added tremendous significance to the event. With her presence, the joy of our people was further amplified, and today’s event will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of every Onye Idemili South.
We also sincerely appreciate our dear Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for creating the enabling environment for local governments across Anambra State to thrive. A functional local government system is one that brings government closer to the people, understands their needs, and responds appropriately to those needs. The progress being recorded in Idemili South is a reflection of the possibilities that emerge when local leadership is supported by a conducive state-government environment.
Today’s successful outing was also graced by several distinguished personalities and stakeholders who came to identify with the people of Idemili South. Among them were the Honourable Member representing Idemili South in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Ebuka Igwe (Ugosinachi); the Anambra State Chairman of APGA, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye (Igirigi); the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Patrick Agha-Mba; the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; the APGA candidate for Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu (Onyechimel’eze); the Executive Director of Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA); our traditional institution; Presidents-General; community leaders; women leaders; youths; stakeholders; party faithfuls; and numerous other distinguished guests who made time to be part of this important occasion.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we must also recognize that this is only another milestone in the journey. We will consolidate and continue on this trajectory, ensuring that our communities continue to reap the dividends of purposeful leadership, responsive governance, and people-oriented development.
Indeed, Idemili South is rising from the grassroots to greatness.
Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu (Olutek)
APGA Mayoral Candidate, Idemili South LGA