By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has promised to reconstitute and strengthen the commission to drive grassroots change, urging workers to make the local government system work better by continuing to mainstream services and deliver the dividends of democracy through efficient service delivery.
The governor made the remarks during the 2026 Annual Local Government Service Week, themed “Innovation and Efficiency – The Solution Agenda,” held at the Local Government Commission behind Government House in Awka on November 11.
He commended the Local Government Service Commission for sustaining the event, noting that the administration is back on winning ways. “Before I assumed office, retirees were owed four years gratuities, but now they have all been paid; those who are retiring will receive their gratuity as and when due once they complete their documentation. All the joint services, primary schools, primary health, staff of the LGA, salaries, pension and gratuity are duly paid,” he said.
Governor Soludo said plans to restore the Onitsha Main Market to its former glory, build an aerotropolis and a new industrial city, as well as dualise various roads were on course. He encouraged civil servants to engage actively in farming, describing it as the only form of private business law permits for public servants.
He urged workers to vote for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates in the general election, noting that the party had proven to be a reliable platform for moving Anambra forward. “We will benefit nothing if we waste our votes; let us join the moving train at the centre.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barr. Vin Ezeaka, welcomed the governor to the third edition of the event. He noted that there had been no Local Government Service Week in the state before the Governor’s first term. According to him, the inaugural edition was held in 2024, the second in 2025, and this was the third.
“We want to assure you that this commission, with its members and workers, is doing its best to keep the flag flying. All previous editions were held at the Women Development Centre; this year, we are doing it at the commission, and we also agreed that you attend the programme on the second day, when you will see the workers with their products, dancing attire, and colourful cultural costumes.
“The LG workers are happy that they are paid their salaries on time; even the pensioners among them have been paid their gratuity and pension, which is why they came around to be part of the celebration,” he said.
The event featured colourful displays and presentations of farm produce by workers from the 21 LGAs.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
