… Calls for Community Collaboration, Participation and Partnership
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a proactive move to address the burgeoning security concerns in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from various communities in the region. The gathering, held on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at the Council’s Headquarters in Umulokpa, was a deliberate effort to foster dialogue and collaboration amongst stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Ezugwu welcomed the distinguished guests, including traditional rulers, stakeholders, and heads of security agencies. He expressed deep concern over the recent attack on residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen, condemning the act and warning that his administration would not tolerate any form of lawlessness.
Ezugwu commended Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for his unwavering commitment to security in the region, citing the provision of 5 AI-enabled security operational vehicles and the deployment of 20 police officers from the Department of Distress Response Squad, Enugu. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the security challenges.
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Uzo-Uwani residents, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in addressing the security concerns. He appealed to communities, traditional rulers, presidents-general, and stakeholders to intensify collaboration and cooperation to complement government efforts.
Ezugwu further urged communities to establish homegrown security outfits to work in tandem with existing security agencies to protect farms and environs. He announced plans to construct roads linking farm settlements, including the road to the border of Kogi along Opanda axis, to facilitate access to surrounding forests and bushes for the construction of farm estates.
The Chairman implored community leaders to release lands for the construction of farm estates, highlighting the potential of this initiative to stem the tide of kidnapping and insecurity. He directed all communities to establish a Security Clearance Form for strangers, emphasizing the importance of proper identification and surveillance.
Ezugwu concluded his remarks by reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of Uzo-Uwani residents. He emphasized the need for collective action, saying, “Our administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across all wards. We have made significant progress in reducing insecurity over the past five months, and we are determined to build on this momentum. We urge everyone to unite in fighting insecurity and pledge to implement all positive suggestions raised in this meeting.”
The meeting was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, presidents-general, ward neighborhood watch security officers, and forest guards. Other notable attendees included Member representing Uzo-Uwani in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Ekwueme; Commissioner of Agric, Hon. Patrick Ubru; immediate past chairman of Uzo-Uwani LGA and State PDP Secretary, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie; Former Commissioner of Agric, Hon. Dr. Matthew Idu; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour, Dr. Godwin C. Anigbo, Mni; Chairman Uzo-Uwani Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Igwe Fidelis Eze.
The stakeholders expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s efforts in addressing security concerns and pledged their support in fighting insecurity. They appealed to communities to release lands for the construction of farm estates, emphasizing the potential benefits of this initiative in enhancing security.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner of Agric, Hon. Patrick Ubru, emphasized the importance of embracing Governor Mbah’s initiative to construct farm estates across different wards, highlighting its potential impact in fighting insecurity.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the meeting included the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Casmir Ademu Esq; Leader of Uzo-Uwani Legislative Council, Hon. Christian Nwabueze; Neighborhood Watch Chief Security, Mr. Dieke Okwudili; Pioneer PDP Chairman in Uzo-Uwani, Chief Simon Nwabueze; Chief of Protocol to the Chairman, Hon. Amaechi Ezike, among others. They emphasized the need for community participation and unity amongst community leaders in addressing security concerns.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Lady Mrs. Vera Ezeugwu; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Mathias Okeke; SPA Due Process and Public Affairs, Hon. Jude Okonkwo; SPA Political, Hon. Felix Ozota; SPA Special Duties, Hon. Engr. Oliver Ajogwu, among others.