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By Sunny A. David, Awka
As Anambra State prepares for another round of local government elections under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Sir. Kenneth Akwuobi, has presented a comprehensive account of his administration’s achievements over the past year.
Akwuobi, who previously served as Deputy Mayor before emerging as Acting Mayor and later being confirmed as substantive Mayor one year ago, said his administration has been driven by a deliberate and focused development agenda aimed at repositioning Ogbaru for sustainable growth.
Speaking during a guided tour of completed and ongoing projects across the local government, the Mayor explained that his determination to transform Ogbaru stemmed from his visits to other local government areas in the State.
According to him, the noticeable progress in other councils contrasted sharply with the level of neglect he observed in Ogbaru.
“When I became Mayor, I made a vow before God to change the narrative about leadership in Ogbaru and reposition our local government to meet acceptable standards,” he stated.
Akwuobi revealed that prior to his confirmation, Ogbaru had no permanent legislative building. His administration constructed and fully furnished a modern legislative complex to strengthen grassroots democracy.
He also noted that several structures within the council secretariat, including the traditional rulers’ building, had been destroyed during past unrest. In response, his administration built a new traditional rulers’ complex to reinforce the role of traditional institutions in community leadership.
Additionally, work is ongoing on a two-storey administrative block to replace a previously burnt structure. The new facility is designed with modern amenities and gender-sensitive features to enhance staff welfare.
Other improvements within the secretariat include renovation of offices, provision of new furniture for principal officers, installation of a modern council signpost, and construction of a solar-powered borehole to ensure steady water supply.
Beyond the secretariat, the Mayor said his administration extended development projects across the 16 wards of Ogbaru. Key interventions include rehabilitation of major access roads such as Ogbaru Junction (Uga Junction), improvements around Coca-Cola Market and Chisco Transport Park, construction of bypass roads, and desilting of drainage systems along Obodoukwu Road and adjoining streets in Okpoko.
He disclosed that through collaboration with councillors and community leaders, the council implemented a ₦20 million community project initiative in each ward to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
“We are committed to taking the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, in line with the development philosophy of Governor Soludo, who prioritizes need-based allocation of resources,” he said.
The Mayor expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtoochukwu Udeze, and Hon. Noble Chukwunonso Igwe, representing Ogbaru I Constituency, for their legislative and political support.
On the forthcoming local government elections, Akwuobi said his political future rests in God’s hands and the decision of the party leadership. He added that regardless of the outcome, he is satisfied with the impact made within one year.
“If given another opportunity, we already have a clear blueprint to consolidate on our achievements and accelerate development,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to Governor Soludo, Akwuobi called on residents of Ogbaru to remain united, stressing that collective commitment is essential for building a stronger and more prosperous local government for future generations.
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