By CHARLES IWUOHA

The ultramodern office complex of Ebonyi State branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has been inaugurated in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

The edifice, which has office accommodation for the 13 local governments in the state was commissioned on Thursday, April 13, 2023 by Governor David Umahi, amidst cheers from Ebonyi people.

Inaugurating the complex, Umahi praised the vision and commitment of the past and present ALGON chairmen which gave rise to the complex.

The Governor challenged all public office holders to always put the people first in order to leave lasting legacies.

He assured the people of Ebonyi that the incoming administration in the State would continue with the vision and mission of transforming Ebonyi State to become the Dubai of Africa.

He challenged the chairmen to work in synergy with the traditional rulers to achieve rural electrification, water supply and other life touching amenities across the State.

“One thing that is very outstanding in Ebonyi State is that we do everything to make sure that we work to leave a legacy in our local governments.

“It is important that when God brings you to power, you work for the people.

“If you cannot work for the people, God will not bless you,” the Governor said.

Umahi noted that the federal government would soon establish sophisticated Information Technology centres at three major locations in Ebonyi to complement the developmental strides of the state government.

According to him, the IT centres include the Margaret Umahi International Market, Ebonyi State University and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo.

“Let me also announce that just last week, the federal government started bringing sophisticated ICT facility throughout the entire St. Margaret Umahi market.

“And it is going to also happen in AEFUNAI and the Ebonyi State University.

“So, we are on the move and I am saying all these to encourage the Chairmen.”

The ALGON Chairman, Ebonyi State, Moses Ogodoali Nome, in his opening remark, described Governor Umahi as "the man who really actualized the dreams of our Founding Fathers.”

He stated that Ebonyi under Umahi, for the past eight years, has overtaken all other states in the country in terms of development.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Chief Donatus Njoku, and others who spoke at the event poured encomiums on the Governor for engineering massive developments across all sectors and sections of the State.

Njoku said the edifice was an invaluable facility that would further strenghthen the bond existing among the Local government areas and their chairmen in the State and the country in general.

He noted that Ebonyi ALGON was the first in the country to erect its own office edifice which would serve as a liaison office for the local governments, stressing that it would facilitate information dissemination among the Councils.

Goodwill messages were received from traditional rulers, Founding Fathers, Elders Council, and other stakeholders.

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