SCORECARD AND PROSPECTS OF 100 DAYS IN OFFICE OF ANAOCHA MAYOR
By Chidimma Okoye :
Following the Supreme Court decision on Local Government Autonomy, Hon. Rome Ibekwe was sworn in as the democratically elected Chairman of Anaocha LGA having won in the election of Sept. 28, 2024.
To that effect and with his over 15 years wealth of experience having served Anaocha under two different local government chairmen, he immediately swung into action knowing fully well that his tenure time has started ticking.
Hon. Rome Ibekwe in his 100 days in office made the following remarkable achievements to the people of Aniocha: He launched a Skill Empowerment Program that successfully graduated 500 individuals, with more cohorts planned.
He organised a Security Summit with well-meaning sons and daughters of Anaocha and other stakeholders, to discuss the way forward in tightening security in Anaocha; developed clean piped water systems for Oye Market, Neni, and surrounding areas, fulfilling a campaign commitment; restored power supply to the Local Government after resolving debts that had persisted since 2006 and hosted the second edition of Anaocha Marathon titled— ANABIG-C 2024 Marathon, offering a prize of 300,000 Naira, with plans for expansion in the future.
The mayor, partnered to enhance healthcare services, commissioning state-of-the-art hospitals and medical centers at both Neni and Ichida; Under his tenure as the Mayor of Anaocha, Anambra State Government awarded road construction from Nnobi, Nnokwa to Agulu; He collaborated with community leaders to install security gates to improve safety and addressed erosion issues, particularly at Umunri.
Hon. Ibekwe, launched the Dobe Anaocha Ocha Campaign to promote cleanliness, while removing waste dumps across the area; He Began plans for a new plaza at Umunri, restructured Local Government operations to bolster efficiency and engaged with communities to choose local projects in collaboration with leaders.
The mayor also established a Budget and Implementation Committee to enhance financial management; Initiated Google-automated street naming and numbering to improve location accessibility with dditional accomplishments in progress.
In an interview, Hon. Ibekwe, said that he is super grateful for the trust Gov. Chukwuma Soludo placed on him which brought about his initial appointment as the Transitional Chairman of Anaocha LGA which fueled his ernest desire to serve his constituency that later yielded to his being democratically elected as the Chairman of Anaocha LGA.
He said that his service as the Executive Chairman of Anaocha has been a humbling experience for him.
“Over the past 15 years, I have been actively involved in the Local Government of Anaocha in various roles, dedicating my skills, time, and efforts to its development. My tenure as a Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to two Chairmen provided me with invaluable experiences that has equipped me for this new chapter of my life.
“Anaocha is a land full of potentials, as its name implies – symbolizing purity, growth, prosperity, and overall positivity. It is truly a blessed region with remarkable opportunities.
“When I took over office, I reflected deeply on what Anaocha signifies and should aspire to be, which led me to adopt the mantra ‘Greater Anaocha’,” Hon. Ibekwe said.
He said that security remains top priority in Anambra State as Gov. Soludo has launched operation “Udo Ga-Achi”, urging the people to comply and support the Governor’s led administration as security is every body’s business.
Hon. Ibekwe while thanking the people of Anaocha for their optimism and support so far called for continuous collaborative efforts to achieve the following prospects and even more, acknowledging that the journey has not been without challenges, but pledged to remain committed to aims and objectives to achieve set goals.
Installation of CCTV cameras throughout Anaocha, Reviving Anaocha Mass Transit to enhance transportation services, Launching another phase of the Skill Acquisition Program for youth, and Investing in sports initiatives following the success of the female volleyball team.
Others are upgrading infrastructure at the Local Government Complex and across Anaocha, and Continuing partnerships for community development and growth.
According to him, there is also in the pipeline, another project in terms of building materials market site and international market, Agulu.
*Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State