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 commitment to rebuilding public institutions and restoring confidence in governance across the state.
Emetu emphasized that the projects go beyond physical structures, representing deliberate steps to deepen democracy, strengthen accountability, and bring government closer to the people.
He explained that the Works and Lands Building would enhance planning, supervision, and maintenance of infrastructure within the council, ensuring coordinated and sustainable development. The remodeled Legislative Complex, he added, is crucial for effective local lawmaking, providing a conducive environment for transparency, deliberations, and representation.
The Asa Multipurpose Hall, according to the Deputy Governor, will serve as a hub for community engagement, youth development programmes, cultural activities, and policy dialogues, fostering unity and civic participation among residents.
Commending the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, Emetu praised his 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 improve lives. He also urged the community to take ownership of the facilities, emphasizing that responsible use is key to sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman 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 the state government.
He added 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, Philemon Ogbonna, and the Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna, commended the chairman for the 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 concluded with the formal commissioning and inspection of the projects by the Deputy Governor alongside other top government officials and stakeholders.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
24-02-2026
