I have watched with keen interest outpouring panegyrics from different quarters of the state in celebration of a figure that many have described as an architect of performance, security and development. His leadership style is a blend of creative governance and innovative thinking.
Of course, I wasn’t startled by such impressive delivery from people that have been impacted by his performance and observance of good governance. It’s a deserved celebration of someone who has shown leadership responsibility and championed the cause of humanity in no little measure. We’ve got profound reasons to show gratitude to God for the gift and celebration of life.
Let me quickly note this before it fizzles yonder; I was delighted a few days ago when I drove on the new Ojorowo Bridge at Ugbawka. That’s a relief long overdue. Before the recent construction of the new bailey bridge, the truss bridge could be likened with a deathtrap. In severe cases, little damage to the bridge would cut thousands of people from access to quality life. Life under the military fabricated bridge was nasty and short. It was, indeed, brutish and agonising. But today, the story has changed. Driving through the new bridge and taking a peep at the collapsed bailey bridge immediately reminds one of the tortuous journey that traumatised every road user that went to that sad memory.
We are sure that Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, the Council Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area as well as Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter (ALGON), is not being celebrated today because it’s a matter of norm and convention to do. Beyond that, his celebration by people is aptly motivated by his indelible marks and records ingrained in their hearts through selfless public service delivery.
Making the world a better place for humanity should ordinarily transcend moral obligation to socio-political and economic obligations. In whatever profession, position and stride we find ourselves, we are called to make our own contribution. By deliberately making attempts at offering random services, lending helping hands and providing for the the less-privileged among us, are all the quickest route to a better and just society. This can be borrowed from the way the council boss has been carrying on with his responsibilities.
Through his development strides in Nkanu East council area, we have seen more development, projects and human empowerment gradually making inroads even to the most hinterland – the deliberate efforts are a corollary to the principle of “business unusual” enunciated by state government through the disruptive innovation of Governor Peter Mbah’s philosophy.
When people talk about democracy and local government administration, the understanding is that government must not only be close to the people or loosely defined as government of the people, but extend to a government whose positive impacts must be felt by the people through life-changing policies and projects driven by selfless desire to fashion out a just and better society.
In this instance, we could comfortably submit that Okechukwu Edeh has championed a just cause deliberately fashioned towards nation-building that would lift people out of the pit of poverty, hardship and torrent of frustration – after all, the state’s vision is to eradicate poverty by achieving a zero percent poverty headcount. Keying into this bold and audacious vision could only be possible by people with love for the people. Over the past five months of his administration, one would admit, with convicting evidence, that Nkanu East area has witnessed relative peace, security, radical development and human capital improvement. All thanks to Governor Mbah and Hon Edeh for sharing that core values meant to turn the state’s value around.
We owe it as duty to commend acts of audacious public service where appropriate and to take a departure from visible societal ill caused by the actions and inactions of those saddled with responsibility to lead as holders of our commonwealth. In this regard, we must commend the giant strides and nonpareil leadership of the council boss. His desire to give and add to the society and make it better than he met it has yielded laudable impacts.
Until recently, Enugu people had clamoured for a radical transition from the unilineal mode of economic development over the years. However, with Governor Mbah on the saddle of leadership, the thirsty for good governance has now become a history. Enugu is now a reference state used as a yardstick for good governance. His lieutenants and other public officials elected under the PDP have shown that leadership is not a rocket science. Nkanu East is leading in the journey. It’s becoming a harvest of development and good governance.
As Hon. Okechukwu Edeh celebrates another year today, I wish to join family, friends and well wishers to wish him many more years of good health. We’re proud of his development trajectory. Congratulations.
By Prince Ejeh Josh