By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Executive Chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi (popularly known as Ijele Utuh), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to driving grassroots development through people’s oriented projects and initiatives.
Hon. Ezeogidi gave the assurance over the weekend during the commissioning of some key community-based projects in Ebenator Community.
The commissioned projects include 30 open market stalls at Orienwankwọ Market, a 7.5kw lithium-powered solar system for the Ebenator Primary Health Centre, rehabilitated a solar-powered borehole at the Ebenator Civic Centre, and another at the market. These, it was gathered, were all executed in alignment with the “Community Choose Your Project” initiative, a participatory development strategy championed by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
Speaking on the development, Hon. Ezeogidi explained that the completed projects were not only tailored to meet specific community needs, but also directly aligned with Governor Soludo’s vision of creating a livable, prosperous secure, and people-centered Anambra.
According to him, by engaging communities to choose and prioritize their most pressing needs, the local government was able to implement impactful projects with long-term benefits for the people.
This open market stalls, strategically sited within the Orienwankwọ Market, Ebenator, are expected to boost local trade, improve hygiene, and create safer and more structured conditions for traders. The provision of the stalls has been described by many as a timely intervention, especially as the rainy season intensifies, posing challenges for open-air traders.
Similarly, the installation of the 7.5kw lithium-powered solar system at the Ebenator Primary Health Centre is projected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the area by providing 24/7 power supply within the facility, and stable electricity to power medical equipment, lighting, and refrigeration systems—especially for vaccines and other sensitive pharmaceuticals. Prior to this intervention, the facility was reportedly plagued by erratic power supply that has seriously disrupted service delivery, especially at night.
Further speaking in an interview with this reporter shortly the commissioning, Hon. Ezeogidi described the projects as “life-transforming”, while reaffirming his resolve to continue delivering development that impacts real people in real-time.
While emphasizing that real growth starts from the grassroots, he noted that community and human capital development remain at the top on the agenda of the Soludo Administration, and which Nnewi South is also replicating under his tenure as the Mayor.
“These projects are people-driven, people-identified, and people-owned. And that is the development model we will continue to uphold,” he stated.
While commending Ndị Ebenator for their support and solidarity with the Solution Government, the Local Government Mayor also used the opportunity to charge the people to protect and effectively utilize the facilities for sustainability and greater impact; even as he also reassured Ndị Nnewi South that no area would be left behind in the ongoing transformation agenda.
“Our government will continue to champion and implement people-oriented policies and infrastructure that improve lives and expand opportunities for the people of Nnewi South,” he concluded.
Responding on behalf, the President-General of Ebenator Development Union (E.D.U.), Ambassador Chigozie Henry Anadi, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ezeogidi for his responsiveness and visionary leadership.
Ambassador Anadi, who was represented by the Secretary General of the community, Mr. Uzor Ndianefo, described the gesture as unprecedented and timely, particularly as the economic realities on ground. He further reassured that the Town Union would put more mechanisms in place to ensure adequate protection of the facilities.
More photos from the event:
