By Israel Ekene Mbam
The present administration of Barr Sunday Basil Nwankwo in Ikwo LGA is anchored on Legacy Mantra. The mantra without any ambiguity reflects the Council Chairman’s vision to leave positive legacies in all spheres of the Local Government. On assumption of office in 2022, the Chairman led foundation aimed at achieving paradigm shift in the administration of the local government system. The administration made impact in area of security, grading of rural roads, provision of agricultural incentive to farmers, revival of palm plantation in schools, restoration of public power in some communities, welfare packages and mobility to Ikwo council principal officers, Councilors and local security guards. He embarked on renovation of health centres, reconstruction and renovation of the council headquarters and sponsorship of football tournament and cultural festivals.
Also worthy of note was the foundation laying for the construction of legislative building and traditional rulers council secretariat at the council headquarters as well as his constant attendance to events and programmes of Ikwo indigenes.
The Chairman’s superlative performance in his first term, attracted accolades and overwhelming support for his continuity in office for second term.
Stepping into his second term in office, there were pressures and high expectations for the chairman to surpass his first term performance. The high hopes is premise on that fact that federal allocation increased as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and the approval of financial autonomy for Local Governments in Nigeria.
While still bracing up for the task ahead, some youths, critics and social media influencers, began to question the effectiveness of the legacy mantra and Youth empowerment promises of Barr. Sunday Nwankwo led administration in Ikwo LGA.
Responding to some of agitations and critics, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chief Barr Sunday Nwankwo used various platforms to reinstated his administration’s commitment to the peoples’ welfare, youth Inclusiveness, legacy programmes and projects in Ikwo Noyo Clan.
As practical blueprint for the full actualisation of his legacy mantra, and in keeping to his promises, Barr. Nwankwo christened the 2025 fiscal budget of the Council, “Budget of Hope and Empowerment.” He emphasised that his administration would not be distracted by any negative criticism, but would remain open to suggestions and ideas that would further unite the Local Government, and empower the youths for self reliance. He assured the indigenes of Ikwo Noyo, that he would continue to prioritise their welfare inline with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s people’s charter of needs mantra.
“We are not relenting or distracted in our commitment to delivering legacy programmes and projects to our people. We might be slow in the eyes of some people, but down there we are moving forward in delivering on our promises to the people of Ikwo Noyo Clan.
“Recently, I announced plan to convert the loan being processed for immediate past and current Councillors to grant if they judiciously utilize the fund. This is another way to encourage them to make better use of the funds and for it to have multiplier effect on people at the grassroots. We shall soon flag off Youth ICT Skills training and other empowerment programme for our people. They will not regret having me as their Council Chairman.” He assured.
As the Chairman swings into action to implement the year’s budget of Hope and Empowerment, the people of the Council are in high hope and expectations of having a Local government where the youths are happy because they are empowered and supported to thrive in their businesses, studies and excel in other areas of their endeavours , the people look forward to a more secured and peaceful LGA where their roads are fixed, schools are renovated, hospitals are equipped, farmers are being supported with incentives for high yield, and and a council where legacy projects seen in all sectors and communities.
It is still possible with SBN legacy mantra.