– Attributes Success to Governor’s Support And Encouragement
By Martin Opara
The Executive Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area, Hon. Justice Nze, who is reputed for his passion for excellence and quality service delivery, recently highlighted his achievements in an exclusive interview with the Deputy Editor of Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper, Elder Martin Opara, during an event held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Hon. Nze attributed the successes recorded so far to the unwavering support and encouragement of the Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, describing the Governor as a visionary leader who inspires hard work and dedication among his appointees.
According to him:“I have been privileged to serve my people as a Councillor and Leader of the Ikeduru Legislative Council. The experience I acquired then is currently being applied to ensure strict adherence to operational rules and guidelines that promote checks and balances within the local government system.
“I have a vision and a blueprint of action guiding my activities in the Council because I see public office as an opportunity to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of the people whose mandate we hold in trust. There is also the need to leave a legacy for which one would be remembered. I am conscious of the fact that one’s record will speak for or against him when the chips are down.”
Continuing, Hon. Nze identified poor communication as one of the major impediments to effective and result-oriented leadership.“From the onset, I made it a point of duty to run an all-inclusive administration. Decision-making in Ikeduru Local Government Area is a collective process that allows input from all stakeholders, especially in the execution of projects in various communities. Since community needs differ, we adopted a system known as Needs Assessment.
I personally engaged with community representatives to identify their priorities before executing any project. That was why the first stakeholders’ meeting I convened after assuming office focused on Needs Assessment. At that meeting, some communities requested solar-powered streetlights to enhance security, others demanded boreholes, markets, and health centres. Armed with a clear record of their needs, we began addressing them within the limits of available resources.”
Hon. Nze, described by many as a seasoned grassroots mobilizer with zero tolerance for ineptitude and disregard for due process, recalled the deplorable state of the Council Secretariat when he assumed office in 2024.“When we came in, the entire premises were overgrown with weeds, and most of the buildings – including the executive and legislative offices – were in a state of disrepair. The roofs were leaking badly. We immediately engaged cleaners to tidy up the environment and repaired the leaking roofs.
We procured air conditioners, refurbished abandoned furniture, and renovated the offices of the Vice Chairman, Chairpersons, Secretary of the Local Government, and the Legislative Chamber. Today, these offices are befitting for use by Councilors and Supervisory Councilors.”
He further revealed that the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), whose offices lacked conveniences, now enjoy modern toilet facilities.“We constructed four toilets each for males and females. We also reactivated the water supply system that had been abandoned for years, replaced the damaged pumping machines, and provided GP tanks for water storage.
Furthermore, the Staff Quarters and the NYSC Lodge, which had no electricity for several years, have been reconnected after we settled outstanding debts owed to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).”
Hon. Nze added that the Immigration building within the council, which also accommodates corps members, has been refurbished, while the Local Government Canteen is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.“To sustain the level of hygiene already established, the Council premises are cleaned every three weeks,” he said.
