By Chijioke Ugbolue
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon Kevin Okwechime has said that his administration will key into developmental projects geared towards the elevation of the standard of living of members of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in the local government gouncil.
Hon. Okwechime spoke on Monday, March 15, 2021, during the ground-breaking ceremony for the ultra-modern Aniocha North NULGE Event Centre, located at the premises of the council in Issele-Uku, the council’s administrative headquarters.
The council chairman commended the NULGE chairman in the council, comrade Collins Ogwugwa, for initiating such a project, saying that it will not only improve the economic base of the Union, but also that of the area.
While describing the project as a laudable one, Hon. Okwechime assured that his administration will work in synergy with the workers of the local government under the umbrella of NULGE, to bring about even development across the various communities in the area.
“As a matter of fact, this project is a welcomed development and as the Executive Chairman of this Council, and as a government we will definitely key into this project because it is not only NULGE that will benefit from it. It is a project that will bring glory to the entire local government area,” the council boss assured.
In his brief speech, the Aniocha North NULGE Chairman, Comrade Collins Ogwugwa appreciated the Council Chairman for his disposition to work in synergy with the workers, stressing that his identifying with the foundation lying ceremony for the Union’s project, with his vice and key officials of his administration, was a clear prove of his sincerity and commitment.
Comrade Ogwugwa gave reasons for the Union’s embarking on the project, despite acute shortage of funds, noting that it was in a bid to increase the financial base of the Union in Aniocha North.
“The Union was facing high degree of paucity of funds. We don’t have money, every other time, we have to go to management to seek for one fund or the other for our social engagements and I started thinking, what can be done to alleviate this situation.
“That was how I and my Executives decided to sacrifice our monthly check off; what is supposed to be used in running the NULGE office, a kind of imprests for my office, that is what we have sacrificed for this project,” Comrade Ogwugwa stated, while appealing for support from the Local government as well as well meaning individuals and groups in the area.
“My Executive Chairman sir, I am thinking too, that the Union wouldn’t survive this alone. I will need a tripartite involvement by way of the Local government and well meaning individuals in Aniocha North.
“The project is not specially made for NULGE, it is meant for this institution called Aniocha North.
“So I pray that the way we have started it, we shall bring it to completion and now that you are around, you will be of immense assistance. Don’t see it as NULGE project, see it as a project for the overall benefit of your people, the people of Aniocha North,” Comrade Ogwugwa pleaded.
The brief, but impressive event was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Princess Tina Amuamuziam and the Head of Personnel Management of the Council, Dr. Mrs Patricia Dede amongst other key officials of the local government.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the official laying of blocks on the foundation by the Council Chairman, Hon. Kevin Okwechime.