…Says Administration Has Constructed Bridges, Expanded Access to Water, Trained 130 Youths and Introduced Agricultural Development Projects
…Clarifies Position on Local Government Financial Autonomy, Says Federal Allocations Still Pass Through Joint Account
The Executive Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, has outlined the achievements of his administration over the past two years, highlighting investments in rural infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment, education, water supply, security and improved public service delivery.
Speaking during an interactive media chat with journalists to commemorate his second anniversary in office, the Mayor said his administration had prioritised projects designed to address longstanding development challenges and improve the living conditions of residents across Ohafia, Abiriba and Nkporo.
Kalu, who assumed office in November 2024, attributed some of the progress recorded by his administration to the developmental agenda of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, which he said provided a foundation for local government administrations to pursue grassroots development.
According to him, his administration deliberately shifted attention from improvements within the council secretariat to projects that directly affect communities.
“When we came in, our focus changed to make sure that we go to the communities and do things that really touch the lives of the people,” he said.
Infrastructure: Three Bridges Constructed To Connect Communities
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Mayor disclosed that his administration had undertaken the construction of three bridges intended to improve transportation, facilitate agricultural activities and reconnect communities previously affected by difficult terrain.
He identified the Agbaja Bridge, Nde Nko Bridge and another bridge project as major interventions undertaken during his tenure.
According to the administration’s two-year achievements report, the Agbaja Bridge connects the community to the main Nkporo road, providing an alternative to the difficult conditions previously experienced during the rainy season.
The report also identifies the Nde Nko Bridge as an important link between farming communities, while the Iyi Uda Bridge in Nkporo is described as providing improved access between seven villages.
Kalu explained that such projects were particularly important to rural communities whose residents depend heavily on agriculture and require reliable transportation to move their produce to markets.
He also highlighted the construction of a concrete-paved road around the Akahaba Stadium axis in Abiriba, explaining that the intervention was intended to ease traffic congestion during major sporting, cultural and community events.
Solar Power: Ohafia Council Secretariat Now Runs On Renewable Energy
Another major achievement highlighted by the Mayor was the installation of a solar power facility at the Ohafia Local Government Secretariat.
Kalu disclosed that the council had previously depended heavily on generators because of prolonged electricity supply challenges.
He said the administration consequently invested in a solar power system with a reported capacity of approximately 55 to 60 kVA.
According to him, the installation now provides electricity to the council secretariat throughout the day and night, reducing dependence on generators.
The administration’s achievements report further claims that the project has reduced diesel-related expenditure by more than 97 per cent.
The Mayor described the investment as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency, reduce operating costs and demonstrate the practical benefits of renewable energy.
Youth Empowerment: 130 Young People Receive Digital Skills Training
On youth development, Kalu disclosed that approximately 130 young people from Ohafia Local Government Area had benefited from digital skills training under the TechRise initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Abia State Government.
He explained that the beneficiaries were trained in three batches, comprising 30 participants in the first cohort and 50 participants each in the second and third cohorts.
The training covered areas including web development, cybersecurity and other technology-related skills intended to improve employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship.
Kalu said the initiative was designed to equip young people with skills relevant to the changing global economy.
He added that arrangements were being made for another batch of participants to benefit from the programme.
The Mayor also identified the Abia Soccer Fest as another initiative that provided opportunities for young people to participate in organised sporting activities, beginning at the ward level and progressing through local government and state competitions.
Education: Scholarships, Learning Materials and School Improvements
In the education sector, the Mayor disclosed that his administration had supported approximately 45 students through a scholarship arrangement involving Abia State College of Education (Technical).
He said the intervention was intended to assist students who might otherwise struggle to finance their education.
Kalu also highlighted the distribution of exercise books and other educational materials to pupils and students across the local government.
The administration’s achievements report additionally lists the fencing of Ofaligwu Secondary School and support for teacher recruitment among its education-related interventions.
He maintained that education remained an important component of the administration’s strategy for improving opportunities for young people.
Agriculture: Pepper Farming, Poultry and Honey Production
Speaking on agriculture, Kalu described the sector as one of the administration’s major priorities, considering the importance of farming to the rural economy of Ohafia Local Government Area.
He disclosed that his administration organised an agricultural summit involving participants from the three major clans of the local government.
According to him, the programme exposed farmers to improved agricultural practices and provided participants with farming inputs, including improved seeds and cassava stems.
The Mayor further revealed that the council had established demonstration farms to encourage commercial agriculture and provide practical learning opportunities for interested residents.
Among the projects highlighted were a habanero pepper farm, poultry facilities and a proposed honey-production enterprise.
He said the pepper farm had commenced production, while the council had successfully raised and sold its first batch of approximately 1,000 broiler chickens.
Kalu explained that the layer poultry section was being prepared for operations, while the beekeeping project would provide another opportunity for agricultural diversification.
He said the ultimate objective was to encourage residents to establish similar businesses, increase food production and create sustainable economic opportunities.
The administration’s report describes the wider agricultural initiative as comprising a five-hectare pepper farm, a poultry facility designed for 3,000 birds and a honey-production centre.
Water Supply: Solar-Powered Boreholes Provided Across Communities
The Mayor also highlighted efforts to improve access to potable water through the construction and rehabilitation of water projects.
He identified interventions in Isiugwu Ohafia, Etitiama Nkporo and communities in Abiriba.
According to him, the administration also rehabilitated existing water facilities and converted some pumping systems from generator-dependent operations to solar power.
He explained that the decision was informed by the difficulty communities often face in maintaining public water facilities because of the rising cost of fuel.
The administration’s report states that water supply interventions have been undertaken across more than 20 communities, although detailed operational records were not presented during the media chat.
Markets and Commerce: Evening Markets Introduced
In an effort to stimulate commercial activities, Kalu disclosed that his administration had embarked on the development of modern evening markets across the local government.
He identified market interventions in Ebem, Asaga, Abacha Nkporo and Afiankwo in Abiriba.
According to him, the projects were designed to improve existing trading environments through the provision of modern shops, solar-powered water facilities and public conveniences.
The Mayor explained that improved market infrastructure would provide traders with a more conducive environment while encouraging economic activities within the communities.
Erosion Control: Intervention in Ebem Community
On environmental protection, Kalu disclosed that his administration had intervened in a community affected by serious erosion.
The administration’s achievements report identifies Ebem as a beneficiary of erosion control works involving concrete drainage channels and other protective structures.
According to the report, the intervention was intended to protect residential buildings, farmland and access roads threatened by erosion.
The Mayor said addressing environmental challenges remained important because of their direct consequences for the safety and livelihoods of residents.
Governance: Liaison Offices Established in Abiriba and Nkporo
As part of efforts to bring government services closer to residents, Kalu disclosed that his administration had re-established liaison offices in Abiriba and Nkporo.
He explained that residents of these communities previously had to travel to the council headquarters in Ebem Ohafia to obtain basic administrative services.
According to him, the offices now provide access to selected local government services, including documentation and other administrative processes.
He said the initiative was intended to reduce transportation expenses, save residents time and make local government administration more accessible.
Security: Mayor Expresses Concern Over Drug Abuse
Responding to questions from journalists on security, Kalu described peace and security as essential conditions for sustainable development.
He disclosed that the local government regularly convenes peace and security meetings involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the meetings provide opportunities to assess emerging threats, exchange intelligence and develop preventive responses.
The Mayor said the presence of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade within the area had also strengthened collaboration among security stakeholders.
He expressed particular concern about the increasing abuse of illicit drugs among young people and called for stronger enforcement against individuals involved in the distribution of prohibited substances.
Kalu said he had engaged officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the need to complement public enlightenment campaigns with enforcement activities.
He disclosed that the agency’s leadership in the area had changed and that the new commander had undertaken operations targeting suspected drug distribution locations.
The Mayor also commended traditional rulers and community youth leaders for supporting efforts to discourage drug-related activities.
He maintained that the council would continue working with relevant agencies to address security concerns and preserve peace across the local government.
Local Government Autonomy: Allocations Still Pass Through Joint Account
One of the major issues raised during the media chat concerned the implementation of local government financial autonomy following the Supreme Court judgment.
Responding to questions about federal allocations and internally generated revenue, Kalu stated that Ohafia Local Government had not commenced receiving federal allocations directly.
He explained that the council’s funds were still being administered through the Joint Allocation Account Committee arrangement.
According to him, although financial autonomy had received judicial backing, the practical arrangement for direct disbursement had not been implemented in the manner anticipated.
The Mayor said federal institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, were responsible for implementing direct allocation.
When asked to disclose the total amount received by the local government during his administration, Kalu said he did not have the figures immediately available but could provide them subsequently.
He nevertheless maintained that the council had focused on applying available resources to projects intended to improve the welfare of residents.
The exchange highlighted the continuing public interest in financial transparency, project funding and the practical implementation of local government autonomy.
Other Projects and Administrative Reforms
The Mayor also listed several administrative and institutional interventions undertaken by his administration.
These included the refurbishment of the National Youth Service Corps members’ lodge, improvements to the legislative chambers, provision of office equipment and training opportunities for local government workers.
He said the council had also furnished the Traditional Rulers’ Council Chambers to provide a more suitable environment for meetings.
In addition, Kalu disclosed that solar lighting and charging equipment had been provided to the three police divisions within the local government.
The Mayor further revealed that work had resumed on an abandoned shopping complex at the council headquarters.
According to him, the project, which had remained abandoned since 2016, was being revived through a public-private partnership arrangement.
He explained that the private partner would provide the project financing while the local government contributed land.
Looking Ahead: Mayor Promises More Development
Reflecting on his administration’s performance, Kalu expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded since November 2024.
He acknowledged the support of Governor Alex Otti and reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining development efforts across the local government.
The Mayor said the experiences of the first two years had strengthened his determination to pursue further improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, youth empowerment and public service delivery.
He expressed optimism that the administration would accomplish more during the remaining period of its tenure.
The media chat also provided journalists with an opportunity to raise questions about security, drug abuse, financial autonomy and the sustainability of government projects.
While the Mayor presented a wide-ranging account of his administration’s achievements, questions surrounding project costs, independently verified outcomes and detailed financial disclosures remain important areas for further public scrutiny.
The second-anniversary engagement forms part of ongoing discussions about grassroots governance, public accountability and the responsibility of elected local government officials to demonstrate measurable improvements in the lives of the people they serve.
