…As LGA rallies behind Gov Otti at carnival

By Juliet Umeh 

The Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Council, Mr Sunny Afurobi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia State by endorsing the political movement of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, known as “Abia Arise.”

Addressing the crowd during the Umunneochi chapter of the Abia Arise Carnival, held at Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, Afurobi highlighted some of the Governor’s numerous support for and achievements in Umunneochi.

At the event, coordinated by Umunneochi Abia Arise Coordinator, Ike Opigwe, the Mayor highlighted the Governor’s efforts in tackling security challenges and appointing Umunneochi natives to key government positions.

He also commended Dr. Otti’s commitment to supporting and implementing free education system in Primary and Secondary Schools and free medical care for indigent people in Abia State to ensure that every citizen of Abia State benefits from basic education.

Afurobi, a key member of Abia Arise Movement, presented a progress report on his two-and-a-half-month administration, expressing satisfaction with fulfilling some campaign promises within 90 days.

He highlighted achievements such as steady electricity in Umunneochi, efforts to energize Umuchieze, and fixing faulty transformers, aimed at boosting the local economy and creating meaningful engagement for citizens.

Has announced that his government has concluded plans to fix all the vandalised transformers in Umunneochi and install new ones so as to ensure regular power supply in the local government area.

The mayor also announced the establishment of “Umunneochi Nollywood” and plans to build a film village to create jobs for young people and modernize cultural festivals in the area. The Skills Acquisition Centre in Nkwoagu has been designated for use by Umunneochi Nollywood.

He said: “This is to engage our youths in productive activities and develop further skills in the value chain of the film industry. This will further grow Umunneochi economy for the betterment of the people and reduce rural-urban migration

He announced that his administration has sand-filled and graded rural feeder roads in Umunneochi, assuring that remaining wards will benefit in future phases as funds permit.

Afurobi disclosed that additionally, he has established a synergy with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Umunneochi chapter, and other farmers to provide high-quality agricultural seedlings and stems for increased food production. 

In sports and youth development, the Mayor announced that he has concluded plans for Umuneochi primary and secondary school football and field and track event competitions aimed at “building and developing skills and opportunities for our youths and exporting them to the world to become our ambassadors.”  

The Mayor announced that repairs on the collapsed bridge leading to Achara from Eke Isuochi will begin this week, and from next week, Nkwoagu residents can access free water at the local government gate, following the restoration of electricity and the reactivation of the water system.

He reaffirmed his dedication to utilizing all available resources for the benefit of Umunneochi, urging the people to offer their support, suggestions, and ideas for further development, and called on all residents to stand firmly behind Governor Alex Chioma Otti, in his mission to transform Abia State.

According to him, “The mammoth crowd at today’s event, is a testament to the peoples’ appreciation of the governor’s good works in not only Umunneochi but the whole of Abia State. Let me enjoin more of our people to join this group for a better and prosperous Abia and Nigeria.”

The event also witnessed a significant political shift, as notable figures, including Mr. Fabian Nwankwo, Mr. Obiechile, and Hon. Chiagozie, officially decamped from their respective parties to join Abia Arise in support of the Governor. 

Ebere Nwankwo along with his group, also pledged allegiance to the movement. 

Other personalities included Abia State Commissioner for Land and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije; the Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Dr. Christian Anokwuru who represented the governor among others.