Ilogbenu declares environmental emergency, unveils grassroots development agenda for Idemili South

By Njideka Agbo |IchieTimes

The newly inaugurated Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu, has declared environmental renewal an immediate priority of his administration, unveiling a grassroots development agenda focused on cleaner communities, stronger primary healthcare, improved infrastructure and accountable governance.

Ilogbenu made the declaration during his inaugural address at the Local Government Secretariat, Ojoto, where he outlined his administration’s philosophy of “Idemili South Rising, From the Grassroots to Greatness.”

He said the administration would prioritise measurable results, accountability, community participation and disciplined deployment of public resources.

The Mayor announced the establishment of an Idemili South Environmental Emergency Action Committee to coordinate urgent responses to flooding, erosion, blocked waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and poor environmental sanitation.

He said the environmental programme would cover drainage and waterway clearance, improved waste management, community environmental teams, flood and erosion prevention, stormwater management, cleaner markets and public spaces, as well as tree planting and community beautification.

Ilogbenu also announced plans for a comprehensive baseline assessment to guide development planning and budgeting.

The assessment will cover infrastructure, Primary Health Centres, schools, revenue and economic opportunities, environmental and drainage conditions, as well as security needs across the local government area.

On healthcare, the Mayor pledged to strengthen Primary Health Centres as functional first points of care, with emphasis on maternal and child health and the provision of essential equipment where required.

He said education would also receive attention through an assessment of school infrastructure and learning needs, building on interventions he previously supported, including WAEC registration and school renovation.

On security, Ilogbenu announced plans to convene a Security Stakeholders Summit involving security agencies, traditional institutions, town unions and community security structures.

He said his administration would strengthen cooperation with the State’s Homeland Security architecture and explore practical measures, including strategic solar street lighting, to improve community safety.

The Mayor further pledged a systematic approach to internal roads and drainage, with projects prioritised according to need, impact and available resources, while working with communities and relevant state institutions.

He also promised to create a more enabling environment for businesses, traders, artisans, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people, while seeking partnerships with the private sector, diaspora and development partners.

Reflecting on his previous service as Councillor representing Nnobi Ward 2, Ilogbenu cited the Light-Up Ngo solar streetlight project across eleven roads, support for Umuagu Model Health Centre, WAEC registration sponsorship, school renovation and road interventions as examples of community-government partnership.

He thanked Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for providing a development framework through the Solution Agenda and said his administration would work to translate the State Government’s programmes into practical results at the grassroots.

Ilogbenu also acknowledged the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, for her contributions to healthy living, social development and family wellbeing.

The Mayor commended his predecessor, Hon. Mrs Amaka Obi, Iyom Ifeabata, for her interventions in community development, women and youth empowerment, assuring that his administration would consolidate programmes that have delivered results while introducing new initiatives where necessary.

He called on residents to support the administration when it performs well and hold it constructively accountable where it falls short.

Ilogbenu said Idemili South possesses significant human, cultural and economic potential, stressing that his administration would be judged by measurable outcomes rather than promises.

He urged communities, traditional institutions, town unions, churches, markets, businesses, professionals, youths, women, civil servants and members of the diaspora to become active stakeholders in the development of the local government.

“Together, we will build a cleaner, safer, healthier, more productive and more prosperous Idemili South. Idemili South is Rising, From the Grassroots to Greatness,” Ilogbenu declared.