The Anambra State Government has announced plans to conduct orientation courses for the newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and Councillors in the state. This initiative aims to equip the new chairmen and councillors with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop their respective communities effectively. According to Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the orientation programme will cover essential topics, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 2024 Local Government Administration Law.
The orientation programme is designed to direct the new chairmen and councillors on the need to develop their respective communities. Ezeaka expressed confidence that the new chairmen and councillors will perform well, given their deep roots in the grassroots. He noted that the democratization of the local government system in Anambra State has brought significant dividends to rural areas. The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has fulfilled his promise to conduct local government elections, which has led to the inauguration of new chairmen and councillors.
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has conducted local government elections for the second consecutive time, and a third election is planned within his administration. Ezeaka highlighted that the governor has institutionalized democratic governance in the local government system by signing the Local Government Administration Law 2024. This law has enabled the conduct of free and fair elections, resulting in the emergence of new chairmen and councillors. The Commissioner praised the governor for his commitment to grassroots development.
The first set of elected Mayors, who were inaugurated after Governor Soludo's election, have achieved remarkable success. Ezeaka cited the example of a three-kilometre road constructed in Ekwusigo Local Government Area by the immediate past chairman. He also mentioned that various local government areas have implemented landmark development programmes, including healthcare services, construction of office blocks, and mini stadia. These initiatives have significantly improved the lives of rural communities.
The communities in Anambra State are benefiting immensely from grassroots development programmes instituted by the Mayors. Ezeaka noted that the Council Chairman in Ihiala Local Government Area awarded scholarships to students at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. He expressed satisfaction that the Chairmen have been a huge blessing to rural communities, providing dividends of good governance. The Commissioner emphasized that the local government system is now performance-based, and the new chairmen and councillors are expected to build on this momentum.
Out of the 21 new LG Chairmen, 10 were returned for a second term in office, while 11 new ones took over from their immediate past counterparts. Ezeaka explained that the successors were carefully selected based on their experience, political sagacity, and learning. He expressed confidence that the new chairmen and councillors will continue to provide effective governance to rural communities. The Commissioner emphasized that the state government will continue to support the local government system to ensure its success.
The Anambra State Government's initiative to conduct orientation courses for new LG Chairmen and Councillors demonstrates its commitment to grassroots development. With the new chairmen and councillors set to take office, the state is expected to witness further progress in rural development. The orientation programme will equip the new leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges facing their communities effectively.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government will conduct orientation courses for newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and Councillors to familiarize them with their roles and responsibilities.
