Enugu state PGs’ with Commissioner for Local Govt and Rural Devt, Hon.Deacon Okey Ogbodo.
THE Enugu state Government has described Town Unions as veritable partners in its commiment to endear social Infrastructures that will be of immense benefit to the rural dwellers.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon.Deacon Okey Ogbodo, gave this hint during an interface with Presidents General of the various communities in Enugu state, held on Saturday, January 24th at Enugu North Local government headquarters, Enugu.
He described the President Generals as agents of development in their respective communities.
He urged them to always align with governnent in power in accelerating development of their communities.
To achieve the ultimate goal of community development, Commissioner Ogbodo tasked the President Generals to work harmoniously with the state government, local government chairmen and other development partners, stating they are in the position to define and inform the authorities,the most pressing needs of their communities.
Ogbodo stated,”The development of Enugu state according to Governor Peter Mbah is a task that must be done and our communities will not be found wanting.
“Our communities through it’s leadership such as Town Unions, must therefore allign with this audacious and progressive vision. Collectively and individually,we must re-dedicate to peace, stability and the obvious expression of our support through action for His Excellency’s leadership and governance goals”.
He further emphasised that the cardinal roles of the Town Unions also includes promotion of peace,unity and progress.
He stressed that his doors are always open to guide and assist the Presidents General in enthroning peace in their domains, whenever conflicts arise.
He cautioned,” It is important to reiterate that any Town Union that fails to play the roles for which it is established in forstering peace,development,unity and the mobilization of community members in support of the Government’s social and economic development initiatives and rather constitutes a clog in the wheel of progress, stands the risk of being dissolved and replaced with a Caretaker Committee”, Ogbodo stated.
Answering questions on how to discern the powers of the Traditional Rulers and Presidents General, Hon Ogbodo explained that the Traditional Rulers play ceremonial roles, are in charge of promotion and preservation of culture,etc, whereas the President Generals are the agents of development, Security ,initiating sources of revenue which must be transparent and accounted for annually.
Earlier in his address, the State Coordinator of Enugu state PG’s, Mr Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, made a passionate plea for improved welfare for all members of Enugu state Town Unions, stating the monthly stipends even though irregular is very poor. He also pleaded for a comfortable office for the executive of the Town Union.
The Enugu state PGs’ Coordinator on behalf of his colleagues, commended Governor Mbah for the laudable projects he is executing in the various Communities in Enugu state.
