The Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, has hosted the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ms. Ure Abazie, alongside local government and ward coordinators of the agency from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and advancing the New Abia agenda.
The familiarisation meeting, which also had in attendance Labour Party House of Assembly candidates and Local Government Chairmen across the federal constituency, focused on deepening community engagement, projecting the achievements of the Dr. Alex Chioma Otti-led administration and consolidating political support for the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during her opening remarks, the Director-General, Ms. Ure Abazie, expressed appreciation to Gov. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for approving the appointment of orientation coordinators and officers across the wards in the state, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening the agency's grassroots presence and operational effectiveness.
She disclosed that the initial proposal presented before her appointment as Director-General provided for only one coordinator per ward. However, following her intervention and appeal to the Governor for an expanded structure, Dr. Otti approved the appointment of four persons per ward, a development she said would enhance the agency's capacity to effectively reach communities and disseminate government policies and programmes.
Abazie charged the coordinators to demonstrate commitment, diligence and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of their duties. She urged them to intensify grassroots engagement by effectively communicating the achievements and developmental initiatives of the Labour Party-led administration, while encouraging them to remain actively involved in the political mobilisation towards the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Ikwuano, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Awuwa Lucky Chibuikem, commended the coordinators from the local government for their demonstrated commitment and proactive approach to their responsibilities. He assured them of the council's continued support and cooperation in advancing the objectives and programmes of the Abia State Orientation Agency within Ikwuano.
Similarly, the Mayor of Umuahia South, Hon. Chinedu Enwereuzo, pledged to sustain a cordial and productive working relationship with the coordinators in his local government. He described them as important grassroots links between the government and the people, stressing the need for them to monitor developments within their respective communities, provide relevant feedback and ensure that government policies and activities are properly communicated to the grassroots.
In response, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha congratulated the coordinators on their appointments and assured the Director-General of his unwavering support, both during and beyond the 2027 general elections, towards advancing the vision and developmental aspirations of the New Abia project.
The federal lawmaker cautioned the coordinators against complacency and inactivity, urging them to remain visible, accessible and fully committed to their assignments, particularly at a critical period when effective grassroots communication and public engagement are essential. He emphasised that their responsibilities should not be reduced to merely occupying official positions but should translate into tangible contributions to governance and community development.
Aguocha further charged them to become credible ambassadors of the government by familiarising themselves with its policies, programmes and achievements, communicating relevant information accurately and maintaining constant interaction with residents across their respective wards. He stressed that effective grassroots engagement requires consistency, dedication and a genuine understanding of the needs and concerns of the people.
The meeting highlighted the growing collaboration among political leaders, elected representatives, local government authorities and government stakeholders across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, as efforts intensify to strengthen grassroots structures, promote the achievements of the Otti administration and sustain the New Abia development agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
