Amb. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike (Evang) has assumed office as the Mayor of Ayamelum Local Government Council in Anambra State, pledging to prioritise human capital development, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and good governance.
Igwebuike made the commitment in his inaugural address shortly after taking the oath of office, where he described his emergence as Mayor not as an award, but as a call to service, sacrifice, accountability and delivery.
The new Mayor expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for providing the platform to serve the people under the administration’s Solution Government agenda.
He also acknowledged the support of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, women and youth organisations, professionals and other stakeholders across Ayamelum.
According to him, although he is a first-time Mayor, his commitment to public service did not begin with his election.
Igwebuike, who has a background in teaching, said he had previously supported young people in their educational pursuits, assisted youths in accessing employment and other opportunities, and contributed to healthcare and social welfare initiatives.
My commitment to service did not begin with this election, and my commitment to human capital development will not end with this office,” he said.
He described his assumption of office as a greater responsibility and pledged to use the opportunity to reach more people and create more opportunities across the local government.
Igwebuike outlined seven major areas that would guide his administration, beginning with human capital development.
He said his administration would place emphasis on education, skills acquisition, youth development and women empowerment, with the goal of equipping young people to become economically productive and potential employers of labour.
On agriculture, the Mayor said Ayamelum’s status as the food basket of Anambra State must be translated into greater economic opportunities for farmers.
He promised to explore partnerships aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain, particularly in rice production, processing, storage, transportation and marketing.
The Mayor also pledged support for education, saying his experience as a teacher had reinforced his belief that education remains one of the strongest investments any society can make.
He said his administration would support initiatives aimed at improving learning conditions and creating opportunities for skills development.
On healthcare and social welfare, Igwebuike promised to work with relevant agencies to improve access to healthcare and social interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.
He further identified roads, drainage, public facilities and environmental sanitation as areas requiring attention, promising to prioritise projects based on available resources and genuine developmental needs.
The Mayor also pledged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and vigilante groups to promote peace and security across Ayamelum.
He said his administration would also work towards addressing boundary demarcation issues across the local government.
On governance, Igwebuike promised prudent management of public resources, transparency and accountability, stressing that government resources belong to the people.
I will encourage a system where people can ask questions, make suggestions and understand the direction of the Local Government,” he said.
Igwebuike assured residents that his administration would serve all communities and would not be limited to a particular village, ward, political group or circle of friends.
He listed Anaku, Omor, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Umueje, Omasi, Ifite-Ogwari and Umerum among the communities that would receive attention under his administration.
He also urged residents to put political differences aside and unite for the development of the local government.
Our election is over. Governance has begun,” he declared.
The Mayor called for stronger cooperation among traditional rulers, President-Generals, women, youths, farmers, professionals, religious leaders, civil servants and the business community.
He said no Mayor could develop Ayamelum alone, urging stakeholders to contribute ideas and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
While acknowledging the challenges confronting the local government, Igwebuike said he would not make unrealistic promises to the people.
He, however, pledged to listen, work, consult, collaborate and continuously seek better ways of serving the people.
I cannot promise you that every problem will disappear overnight. I cannot promise that government will have unlimited resources. But I can promise you this: I will give this office my best,” he said.»
He further pledged to work closely with his Deputy Mayor, councillors, staff of the Local Government Council, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to deliver meaningful development.
Igwebuike concluded by calling on Ndi Ayamelum to support his administration in building a local government where youths have opportunities, farmers are valued, children receive quality education, healthcare is accessible, communities have functional infrastructure and peace and unity prevail.
He declared his administration’s commitment to building a “more prosperous, peaceful and livable Ayamelum,” while adopting the slogans, “Ayamelum is on the Rising” and “Renewed Solution.”
