The 21st Century brings with it the clamour for youth enthronement in all facets of leadership, but the question remains; are all youths ingrained with the requisite leadership qualities to effectuate a paradigm shift and a change of narration, particularly in Nigeria as "jagajagaed" by decades of leadership failures? The answer is a capital No. We have had youths who had the opportunities of holding the reins of power, but they messed it up and disgraced the clamour that catapulted them to stardom.
Whilst generalization is a grievous error in philosophy and logic, Hon. Uchenna Ibiam,the Executive Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area stands out as the youth alchemy in the leadership chemistry of our time and clime. He is a perfect exemplar who exemplifies the rare genius in contemporary grassroot government and governance. The records are not just there; they are also impeccable and palpable in all their impressive manifestations.
As Hon. Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam clocks 100 Days in Office as the Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, these few showcases of a serial excellence shall interest people of goodwill and at the same time intimidate his arch critics and detractors. In one full swoop, this quintessential Council Boss has scored the following goals, deserving of a Guinness book of world records in Local Government Administration in Nigeria:
✓ Payment of Severance allowance to former Political Office Holders in the Local Government.
✓ Restoration of peace and unity in the circle of critical Stakeholders in Afikpo North LGA.
✓ Restoration of Peace between Amankwo and Amaobolobo
✓ Restoration of Peace between the Political Class of Amasiri and the Community.
✓ Restoration of Peace between Unwara Community in Ebonyi State and Erei in Cross River State.
✓ Injected vibrancy in the administrative structure of the Council with his amazing leadership style which is all inclusive and all embracing.
✓ Payment of arrears of salary owed to Ebubeagu Security Operatives in Afikpo North Local Government Area owed by the past administration; within a month of his assumption of duties
✓ Payment of arrears of allowances owed Local Government and Ward Party Executives in the Local Government by the past administration.
✓ Purchased and distributed brand new vehicles to the Vice Chairman of the Council and the 12 Councilors, which is the first in the history of Afikpo North LGA. For avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the Vice Chairman got a Lexus Jeep 350, while the 12 Councilors were gifted with Toyota Corolla.
✓ Procured over 15 Motor bikes for the operations of Ebubeagu Security Operatives for their optimal security efficiency.
✓ Granted scholarship from Secondary to Tertiary institution to an indigent student of Amuro/Mgbom Secondary School, Afikpo who is from Ugwuegu Ward. Her WAEC,NECO and JAMB exams registration fees were equally taken over by the Executive Chairman as well as a political appointment given to the girl as one of his aides with monthly pay of 30K.
✓ Placement of the elderly people from his home town, Unwana on monthly stipend for their upkeep.
✓ Payment of school fees to some indigent students in higher institutions in Nigeria.
✓ Organized end of the year Christmas party for both Civil Servants at the various Development Centres and the Local Government,where the Best Department and workers were appreciated in addition to financial donations to the Local Government staff and the Development Centres as well.
✓ Restoration of people's confidence in grassroots governance in Afikpo North LGA.
✓ Instituted reward system in the Council. The first of its kind in the history of the LGA. For the first time, Departments as well as staff were appreciated with cash gifts to motivate them for optimal productivity.
✓ Established a harmonious working relationship with Coordinators, Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Principal Officers and party leaders in the Local Government.
✓ Inaugurated Security Committee with all Security Chiefs, traditional rulers and Coordinators as members and holds regular Security meetings anchored on safety of the people which is the greatest law.
✓ Many interventions in inter communal and intra communal conflicts e.g Enohia Nkalu/Amankwo crisis have paid off for peace in these areas.
✓ Inauguration of a Peace and Reconciliatory Committee headed by Bishop Ken O Daniels to pacify aggrieved people of Afikpo North
✓ Gives serious attention and implements at the grassroots; State Government and federal Government policies and programmes.
There are many others, but the above shall suffice. Hon. Uche Ibiam is a record breaker. In just 100 days in office which translates to three months and ten days, he had broken records. He had also broken the hearts of those who preyed on him to fail and plastered smiles on the faces of those who prayed for him to succeed. What a guru leader we have!
This trailblazing Leader, was born in the early 1980s into the family of Chief Godwin Ibiam Ekwe of Ezi Otinya, Unwana in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
A graduate of Economics, University of Calabar and a postgraduate of Economics (M.sc.), Ebonyi State University, Hon.Uche Ibiam was sworn in as 17th elected Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area by the State Governor, *His Excellency,Engr. David Nweze Umahi,FNSE,FNATE,CON* on 1st September, 2022 and he hit the grounds running immediately with progress. His leadership finesse is anchored on pragmatism, while the icing on the cake is his leadership ideology which finds expression in utilitarianism.
It is Crystal clear, that these Sterling performances of Hon. Uche Ibiam in Office wouldn't have been possible without the inspirational leadership of his mentor and role model, *His Excellency, Engr. David Nweze Umahi* who created the enabling environment for all Council Chairmen in the State to deliver on their respective mandates.
It is on the above premise, that those at the grassroots as well as the entire good people of Afikpo North Local Government Area shall continue to remain eternally grateful to this political generalissimo in the person of His Excellency, Governor David Umahi for the accomplishments of Hon. Uche Ibiam as what is on ground so far is a pointer that better days await those at the grassroots.
Special thanks to the Leaders and stakeholders of Afikpo North Local Government Area, including the Director General of Ebbc, who is also the Chairman, Forum of Leaders of Afikpo North,Engr. Timothy Nwachi;the Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kingsley Ogbonnia Ikoro; the Incoming Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Princess Patricia Obila; the Executive Chairman of UBEB,High Chief Hyacinth Ekuma Ikpor (Opia Ehugbo); Exco members from the Area; Vice Chairman; Party leaders; Coordinators; Councilors; Traditional Rulers; Security Chiefs; Principal Officers; Staff of the Council, and other stakeholders of the Area whose unshakable support to Hon. Uche Ibiam has been the motivating force behind the success stories recorded so far in Afikpo North Local Government Area
Congratulations to our capacity and record breaking Council Boss on his eventful and breathtaking 100 days in office.
May God continue to prosper Afikpo North Local Government under Hon. Uche Ibiam
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