FULL TEXT: High-Chief Victor Ikeji’s Inaugural Speech As Mayor Of Umuahia North LGA

High-Chief Victor Ikeji delivered his inaugural address on Thursday, 30th November 2023 at Umuahia North LGA secretariat conference hall.

Here is the full text.

Protocols

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Good afternoon, and thank you for gracing this occasion with your presence. It is with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly appointed Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government.

1. My good people of Umuahia North, I feel highly honoured and privileged been trusted with the onerous responsibility of serving the council in the capacity of Mayor. As you are aware, the new Mayors of the various Local Government Areas were inaugurated today by the Executive Governor of Abia State; H.E Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Impliedly, we were charged to immediately begin on our mandate, so as to hit the ground running in the service delivery of our dear Local Government. Permit me to thank the Executive Governor of Abia State; H.E Dr. Alex Chioma Otti who picked me among the avalanche of highly qualified individuals to assume this responsibility. It is with this in mind that we are poised to offer a dedicated and selfless service to the people of Umuahia North. I therefore, call on all of you to come with the mindset to positively reposition the council to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

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2. As we gather here today, I am not unmindful of the enormous challenges that are abound, but I am encouraged by the immense potential that lies within our Local government. Umuahia North is not just a geographical location – it is a vibrant and culturally rich local government with a history of resilience and a spirit of innovation. It is our collective duty to harness these potentials, to build on our strengths, and to chart a new course towards prosperity and sustainable development.

3. I stand before you as a servant leader, driven by a passion for transformation and vision for progress. It is my firm belief that we have the capacity, the resources, and the resilience to reposition Umuahia North as a beacon of light within Abia State. I am particularly inspired by the vision and commitment of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR, The Executive Governor of Abia State, to drive a comprehensive development agenda for our state. I am here to align our local government with this vision, to ensure that Umuahia North plays a pivotal role in the growth and advancement of our beloved state.

4. The time has come for us to tap into our available resources and leverage on our strengths to drive development within our local government. We must capitalize on our strategic location and historical significance as the capital city of Abia State to properly reposition the Local Government to its place of prominence. By working hand in hand with the government at the state level, we can create an environment that attracts investment, promotes economic growth, and enhances the overall well-being of our residents.

5. I am deeply committed to creating a sustainable development roadmap that will guide our efforts towards prosperity. This roadmap will be rooted in collaboration, transparency, and accountability. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and business associations, to ensure that our plans are inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of our people. Together, we can build a future that is characterized by progress, equity, and opportunity for all.

6. My fellow Umuhians, I am keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, I am also filled with optimism and determination to succeed. I firmly believe that together, we can overcome these challenges and build a local government that we can all be proud of – a local government where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

7. We will accept constructive criticism that would challenge us to do better and advance good governance. However, the council will frown at any attempt to deliberately undermine the good intentions of our developmental initiatives. We will critically re-examine our educational sector with a view of improving both the infrastructural needs and the human resource base. This will include, but not limited to the renovation of school blocks and the provision of equipments and learning materials in schools.

Furthermore, there will be a holistic and integrated approach to the provision and improvement of the council’s infrastructural needs, especially in the area of opening up our roads, and rehabilitation of existing ones. We also intend to comprehensively overhaul our healthcare service delivery by rehabilitating our health centers and adequately equipping them with both staffs and amenities.
8. The council haven been blessed with wise Royal Fathers, will continue to give deserved and prompt attention to issues concerning Ndi Eze. More importantly, we will be receptive to the useful advice of Ndi Eze and at the same time take advantage of the richness of their native wisdom.

9. In all modern government, the civil service and civil servants are the engine room of any effective and efficient administration. My tenure will witness adequate rewards for hardwork and make the welfare of the workers top priority and first charge. This pledge is informed by the recognition of the fact that poor work motivation retards diligence, efficiency and effectiveness; thus, we will use every available resources to create incentives that will encourage high productivity. Therefore this administration will expect nothing short of the workers total support and cooperation in the formulation and execution of government policies. It is no more going to be business as usual as workers are implored to adhere strictly to good and acceptable civil service rules and regulations.
10. Note that my administration will maintain an open door policy and urge all to feel free to approach my office with ideas that will move the Local Government Area to a new enviable height.

11. In closing, I extend my hand to each and every one of you, inviting you to join me on this journey of transformation, growth and prosperity for all. Together, let us rewrite a new chapter in the history of Umuahia North – one that is defined by unity, progress, and prosperity.

Thank you, and may God bless Umuahia North Local Government and the great state of Abia.

Long live Umuahia North!

Long live Abia State!!

And may God bless us all!!!

High Chief Victor Ikeji

Mayor, Umuahia North L.G.A