By Sydney Eze
When the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba, publicly remarked on January 2nd that the Mayor of Igbo-Eze North, Hon Michael Uche Ogalla, is performing, it was not a statement made out of courtesy or political sentiment. It was a verdict drawn from visible, measurable, and people-centered governance. That remark aptly captures the story of a local government that, within one year, has moved from long-standing neglect to purposeful transformation.
As Hon Michael Uche Ogalla marked one year in office as the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, the date stood not merely as an anniversary, but as a landmark in grassroots development. It is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope. In just twelve months, his administration has redefined leadership at the local government level, proving that with vision, discipline, and commitment, governance can truly touch lives.
From the outset, Hon. Ogalla presented a clear and people-driven roadmap, the 6 Cannons of Development Agenda, anchored on Infrastructure, Health, Security, Agriculture, Education, Economic Growth, and Youth Empowerment. One year later, these pillars are no longer campaign promises; they are living realities across the wards of Igbo-Eze North.
INFRASTRUCTURE: OPENING COMMUNITIES, UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
Perhaps the most visible testimony to this administration’s seriousness is the massive intervention in rural road infrastructure. Over 400 kilometers of rural roads have been graded and rehabilitated, reconnecting communities that were once isolated and opening economic corridors that had long been dormant. Farmers now move their produce with ease, traders spend less on transportation, and social interaction has been restored.
Strategic projects such as the newly asphalted Peter Mba Link Roads, Ogrute, delivered!
The ongoing 3.57-kilometre Umueze Road in Umuopu, and the 3-kilometre Umuopu–Ette Ulo–Onoda Ette Road are steadily redefining accessibility and development aesthetics in the LGA. Equally critical is the asphalting of failed portions of the MCC–Ogrute–Ette Expressway and Ogrute--Obollo expressway, restoring safety, mobility and inter-community connectivity.
HEALTH: COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Mayor Ogalla inherited healthcare centres that were largely abandoned, overtaken by weeds and functionally dead. Rather than lament the decay, he acted decisively. Through the Igbo-Eze North Healthcare Support Initiative, free drugs were distributed to 35 healthcare centres across the LGA. Similarly, the upgraded Amenity Hospital, Enugu-Ezike, now runs on solar energy.
These interventions have revived confidence in public healthcare, reduced avoidable deaths, and brought relief to vulnerable families. Today, healthcare centres that were once empty, now admit patients and safely deliver babies without hitch. Healthcare delivery in Igbo-Eze North has been restored with dignity and purpose.
Still on improving the health of residents, Hon Ogalla has commenced sinking of boreholes across all political wards, with many of them already at advanced stage of completion.
SECURITY AND POWER: SAFETY AS A FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT:
Recognizing that no development can thrive without security, Mayor Ogalla restructured the local security architecture. Timely payment of allowances, continuous training and provision of modern security gadgets have boosted morale among personnel.
The installation of over 700 solar-powered street lights and the distribution of solar generators to security stakeholders and formations have dramatically reduced night-time crime and restored social and economic activities after dark. Today, the revitalized Neighborhood Watch has become more proactive, intercepting criminals and securing border communities.
In a move that reaffirms his commitment to social justice and protection, Mayor constructed and completed the Centre for Reporting Sexual and Domestic Violence.
In the area of power and utilities, communities such as Uroshi, Umuopu and parts of Ogrute, now enjoy improved electricity supply, stimulating commerce and improving quality of life. The Council Secretariat itself now runs fully on solar power, a bold statement of sustainability and efficiency at the seat of local governance.
ECONOMIC GROWTH: OZZI INTERNATIONAL MARKET:
One of the most forward-looking initiatives of this administration is the transformation of Eke-Ozzi Market into Ozzi International Market. This project is designed to create jobs, boost internally generated revenue and position Igbo-Eze North as a major commercial hub within Enugu State and beyond. It reflects a leadership that thinks not just about today, but about generations to come.
AGRICULTURE: INVESTING IN FOOD SECURITY AND WEALTH CREATION
Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy and Mayor Ogalla has given it renewed attention. Free farm inputs and seedlings were distributed to farmers, easing production costs and strengthening food security.
Most remarkably, the Chairman promptly secured 4,000 hectares of land for the Governor’s Farm Estate initiative, a feat that speaks volumes about the trust and cohesion between his administration and the people. In addition, young farmers are being sponsored to Songhai Farms, a leading agricultural innovation centre. With the second batch already back home, Igbo-Eze North is deliberately grooming a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs.
EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: BUILDING THE FUTURE:
Human capital development remains central to Mayor Ogalla’s governance philosophy. Over 103 pupils were sponsored for the NECO Gifted Child Scholarship Examination, opening doors for brilliant children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Teachers have benefited from ICT training support, preparing them for the State’s Smart School programme. Meanwhile, over 200 youths have been trained and empowered in various skills acquisition and small business initiatives, directly addressing unemployment and social vulnerability.
GOVERNANCE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT:
Beyond projects, Mayor Ogalla has restored dignity to governance. The renovation of the Vice Chairman’s Office symbolizes respect for institutions and a leadership style rooted in order, cooperation, and mutual respect.
A CASE FOR CONTINUITY:
After just one year, Mayor Uche Ogalla has distinguished himself as a visionary, action-driven and people-oriented leader. His achievements are not abstract claims; they are visible in roads, hospitals, markets, farms, classrooms and safer streets.
It is therefore no surprise that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora recently voted massively in his favour at the African 3G Summit Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in infrastructure and security.
The Governor’s January 2nd remark that the Mayor is performing finds strong validation in the lived experiences of the people of Igbo-Eze North.
As the LGA celebrates these milestones, one truth stands clear: one tenure is not enough to consolidate this momentum. For sustainability, continuity, and deeper transformation, the people must look forward, not backward.
Hon. Michael Uche Ogalla deserves a second term, not as a political favour, but as a strategic decision to allow progress to grow, mature and endure.