The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on Tuesday commissioned the Works and Lands Building, Legislative Complex, and Asa Multipurpose Hall at the Ukwa West Council Headquarters, describing the projects as strategic investments in grassroots governance.

Speaking at the ceremony in Ukwa West Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor conveyed the goodwill of Governor Alex Chioma Otti and reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to rebuild public institutions and restore confidence in governance across the state.
Emetu noted that the projects represent more than physical infrastructure, stressing that they are deliberate steps toward deepening democracy, strengthening accountability, and bringing government closer to the people.

According to him, the Works and Lands Building will enhance planning, supervision, and maintenance of infrastructure within the council, ensuring coordinated and sustainable development efforts. He described the remodeled Legislative Complex as essential for effective lawmaking at the local level, adding that a conducive environment would improve deliberations, transparency, and representation.

The Asa Multipurpose Hall, he said, will serve as a hub for community engagement, youth development programmes, cultural activities, and policy dialogues, fostering unity and civic participation among residents.
Emetu commended the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, for what he termed purposeful and people-oriented leadership, noting that sustainable transformation must begin at the grassroots.

He assured residents that under Governor Otti’s leadership, the state remains committed to prudent resource management, institutional reforms, and infrastructure development that directly improves lives.
He urged the people to take ownership of the facilities by protecting and utilizing them responsibly, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to sustainable development. He thereafter formally declared the projects open for public use.

In his remarks,the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West local Government Area,Pst Dike Briggs Nwankwo, highlighted his administration’s achievements, stating that in about 15 months in office, the council has completed nearly 20 projects, with several others ongoing. He attributed the progress to the support and enabling environment provided by Governor Otti.

He explained that the newly commissioned facilities would provide proper office accommodation for over 25 Works Department staff, strengthen legislative operations, and offer a befitting venue for meetings and community programmes. He described the projects as practical steps toward restoring dignity to governance and enhancing service delivery in Ukwa West.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Philemon Ogbonna, and the Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General, Hon. Ikechukwu Uwanna, commended the chairman for what they described as visible and impactful development in the council area.

The commissioners noted that Ukwa West is among the local government areas experiencing tangible benefits of the current administration and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy across Abia. They also encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation in the electoral process is essential to sustaining good governance.

The event culminated in the formal commissioning and inspection of the projects by the Deputy Governor alongside other top government officials and stakeholders.

Amah Ijeoma