By Douglas Princemola
The Executive Chairman of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Hon. Chief Uche Nwodu, has described Governor Hope Uzodimma as his role model, saying he draws inspiration from the governor’s leadership and development efforts across the state.
Nwodu made the statement during an interactive session with members of the Editors/Columnists Forum in Owerri.
He also stressed the importance of experience in local government administration, noting that his years in public service had helped him in managing the affairs of the council.
According to him, his administration has recorded achievements in security, healthcare, youth empowerment and infrastructure since assuming office.
Nwodu attributed the achievements to careful management of available resources and the support he has received from Governor Uzodimma.
He said that from the beginning of his administration, he identified healthcare and skills acquisition as major areas of attention.
The Chairman explained that giving youths practical skills would help them become self-reliant and keep them away from criminal activities.
He recalled that he was sworn in on September 30, 2024, the same day the Ehime Mbano Local Government headquarters was attacked, with several facilities, including military installations, destroyed.
Nwodu said he immediately began efforts to repair the damaged facilities and restore normal activities at the council headquarters.
He also said his administration worked with the military, other security agencies and local vigilantes to tackle the security challenges in the area.
According to him, the joint efforts helped to improve the security situation in Ehime Mbano.
He noted that the improved security situation allowed indigenes living outside the area to return home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations without major security incidents.
Nwodu said that despite the difficult situation he met on ground, he was determined to start from somewhere.
He disclosed that he first cleared the overgrown bushes around the council headquarters and renovated part of the premises to serve as his office.
He said he initially had no functional office and had to purchase an office table before he could properly commence his work.
Nwodu said his administration also introduced a health insurance programme for vulnerable residents.
He disclosed that 100 beneficiaries were selected from each of the 11 wards, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,100.
The beneficiaries included the elderly, vulnerable persons, youths and women.
Nwodu said pregnant women enrolled in the programme were able to receive free childbirth services.
He recalled that one of the beneficiaries from Umualumaku successfully underwent surgery under the programme.
In youth empowerment, Nwodu said his administration partnered with Mbara Ozioma College of Technology, Umunumo, to train young people in various vocational skills.
He said the institution, owned by the Catholic Church, is approved by the National Directorate of Employment.
According to him, 1,100 youths from the 11 wards were trained in skills including carpentry, solar installation, fishery, piggery, snail farming, poultry, feed production, tailoring and fabrication.
He disclosed that the cost of training each participant was N300,000.
Nwodu further said beneficiaries of the first batch received starter packs worth N300,000 each to enable them to start their own businesses after the training.
He said many of the beneficiaries were already doing well in their chosen areas.
Nwodu also listed infrastructure projects carried out by his administration.
He said the council hall was renovated and furnished, while several offices at the council headquarters were also renovated and equipped.
He disclosed that a six-room office block, with toilet and bathroom facilities, was constructed.
The Corpers Lodge and Education Block were also renovated, while staff previously working from Umualumaku were moved back to the council headquarters.
The Chairman said solar-powered streetlights were installed within the council headquarters.
He also disclosed that a borehole powered by solar energy and a generator was constructed at Umunakanu.
According to him, councillors are also carrying out development projects in their respective wards under the Local Government Ward Project initiative.
Nwodu said the projects were carried out through careful management of council funds.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his support to the council.
The Council Chairman said his experience in public service had helped him to manage resources and administer the council.
He disclosed that he was seconded from the Imo State Ministry of Education in 2002 to serve as the State Director of the National Teachers Institute.
The position, he said, took him to several states, including Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kogi and Bauchi, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He later returned to the Imo State Ministry of Education and retired in 2014.
Nwodu said he is still consulted by the Ministry of Education and the National Teachers Institute.
He also disclosed that he became a consultant to Alvan Ikoku College of Education around 2006, where he helped to strengthen the institution’s Sandwich Department.
Speaking about Governor Uzodimma, Nwodu said their relationship dates back to 2003, when Uzodimma contested the governorship election under the Advance for Democracy.
He said he served as Uzodimma’s coordinator in Ehime Mbano during that period.
Nwodu described the governor as a smart and determined leader who is committed to the development of Imo State.
He acknowledged the security challenges that confronted the governor during his first tenure but said the situation had improved during the second tenure.
“He is working now as a first timer, as if he is there to seek reelection. He is in a hurry to develop Imo State,” Nwodu said.
The Council Chairman praised the governor’s road construction and other infrastructure projects across the state.
“He is a role model. In fact, I draw my inspiration from him. He is a very good man and my role model,” he added.
Nwodu said the development projects already carried out by the state government would make it easier for supporters to explain the administration’s work to the people during future campaigns.
He said he would continue to use his experience to manage the affairs of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area and provide services to the people.
