Transformation in Ihitte/ Uboma: Imo council chairman revitalizes markets, schools, security

Ezurike Ugochukwu

When Prince Obioha Ndukwe assumed office as Executive Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State, in October 2024, the LGA was reeling from insecurity.

Fear had gripped the people so intensely that bustling markets shut before dusk, streets were deserted, and residents could no longer sleep peacefully.

“Before I came in, this place was completely unsafe. People deserted the streets by evening, and markets closed too early. Even I couldn’t operate from within—I had to stay outside the LGA for some time until we secured it,” Ndukwe recalled.

With the backing of Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ndukwe’s administration moved swiftly to restore order. “We cried to the governor, and he responded. He gave us a combined security team. Now, there’s a functional police station, and soldiers patrol every corner. People now sleep in peace,” he said.

The original police station, burnt down during unrest, was beyond repair. Ndukwe’s team responded by setting up a temporary but functional operational base at the council headquarters.

Security was only the first step. Within six months, Ndukwe rolled out projects across power, water, markets, schools, and health.

“When I resumed, there was no electricity in the metropolis. We installed a new transformer. We built an industrial borehole, converted it to solar, and restored a steady water supply. At the East Market, we cleared an 80-year-old refuse dump, built toilets and convenience facilities, and are constructing proper shops for traders,” he said.

Education and healthcare also received attention. “One school was so dilapidated that children studied under trees. We’re reconstructing classrooms and roofing buildings. Our health centers are undergoing major renovations,” Ndukwe added.

He argued that impactful governance does not depend on large allocations. “If any chairman says he can’t work due to lack of funds, he’s lying. Even the little we receive, when used wisely, can create real change,” he said.

Ndukwe is also turning to agriculture, describing Ihite Uboma as the “food basket of Imo State.”

“We have vast land and several rice mills. We’re injecting resources into farming to ensure food security and job creation. Farmers will be supported with incentives and inputs this planting season,” he promised.

Traditional rulers in Ihitte/Uboma say Ndukwe’s leadership has restored trust in local governance.

His Royal Highness, Eze Innocent Ukachukwu Onuoha, Ikpe I of Ikpenweafor and former Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, praised Ndukwe’s hands-on approach.

“This is the first time I’m seeing an LGA chairman who truly lives among his people. Unlike past transitional chairmen who stayed in Owerri, this one resides in Umuihi and works from here. Since he came, we’ve started holding regular security meetings again—for the first time in nine years. Peace has returned to Ihitte/Uboma,” he said.

“Indeed, our Prince Ndukwe is doing well. May God grant him more wisdom,” said Eze Onuoha. “Leadership is not about sharing money. He is truly on course.”
Onuoha also commended Ndukwe for reclaiming the LGA Secretariat from neglect.

“When he came in, weeds had overtaken the premises, and most buildings were in ruins. Today, renovations are ongoing, and the council hall, once converted into a commercial church, has been reclaimed.”

Eze Uwalaka of Umuihi Ancient Kingdom highlighted the historic nature of Ndukwe’s election.

“This is the first time since 1945 that someone from Umuihi is chairman of the LGA. His emergence is divine. Security and calm have returned, and people now sleep in their homes again,” he said.

Local leaders echoed the call for continued government presence, especially in agriculture.

Chairman of Ndi Nze and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Umuihi Ancient Kingdom, Nze Anointing Ihediohanma, stressed that farmers need support with modern tools, hybrid seeds, and agrochemicals.

“Before now, it was almost impossible to gather freely as a community because of insecurity. That tide is gradually turning.

The Chairman has given us reasons to believe in his leadership,” said Ihediohanma, who also serves as Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly on Community Development.

He called for urgent attention to rural infrastructure—roads, electricity, and health facilities—describing them as critical to both security and economic advancement.

For the people of Ihitte/Uboma, Ndukwe’s first few months have rekindled hope. From restoring peace to reviving markets, rehabilitating schools, and strengthening local governance, the LGA appears to be on a new path.