RAYMOND OZOJI reports
Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State was agog on Saturday the 3rd day of October 2026 as the council area celebrated the legendary stewardship and accomplishments of Honourable Dr. Mrs. Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata) at the headquarters Ojoto where an intimidating crowd hosted her to a heroic farewell festival.
It was indeed a memorabilia for Amaka Obi as she could not hold back her tears of joy and profound fulfillment at the outpouring of love and affection from the people of Idemili-South as she was described as the first and only council chairman who touched the lives of the people in so many remarkable ways.
Speakers on the occasion had one thing in common that Amaka Obi's tenure as Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area brought unprecedented developmental strides to the council area especially as it concerns human capital development where the people unanimously passed a vote of confidence and validation that she lifted many households out of abject penury and squalor. That many families were still intact today was due largely to her numerous empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes and interventions.
They X-rayed her service and ruled that she has indeed blazed the trail in local government administration not just in Idemili-South but the entire Anambra State as her projects and programmes have brought the council area to limelights. That under her watch, Idemili-South witnessed accountability, transparency, good governance and a government of the people, by the people and for the people. That she is a shinning example for political and public office holders across Nigeria.
Amaka Obi in her valedictory cum handover address to the people of Idemili-South Local Government Area tagged " A New Chapter Of Service, Continuity And Greater Development" , expressed immeasurable gratitude and appreciation for the cooperation and support her administration received from stakeholders, leaders and public-spirited individuals of the seven communities of Idemili-South, noting that their friendship would remain evergreen in her heart.
Her handover speech reads in part, " As I hand over today, I am proud of the progress that our administration has contributed to the development of Idemili South. In no particular order, I would like to place on record some of the projects and programmes undertaken during our tenure, including, the construction of 700 meters road asphalted with both sides drain at St Gerald Road Aborji Oba Estate.
Construction of 600 meters Ogba-Efi ring road, Awka-Etiti, constructed a four bedroom and parlour ensuite Nursing Quarters at Umunocha primary healthcare centre, Awka-Etiti, completed the renovation of four class rooms block at Community Primary School, Nnokwa.
Re-fencing of demolished Central school fence, Nnokwa, completed the renovation of a four class rooms block at St Simon primary school, Nnobi. Re-fencing of St John Primary school fence, Akwu-ukwu, renovation of a four classroom block at Enuogwugwu primary school Ojoto.
Our zero pothole programme at Oba- Nnewi old road, Awka-Etiti Nitel road, Abatua Alor. Distribution of 500 Desks across our primary schools, construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Eke Awka-Etiti with VIP Toilet, construction of ICT building at local government headquarters Ojoto.
Renovation of Ojoto Police station. Renovation of old INEC office. Distribution of 500 School Bags, white boards, maths sets, customised text books and exercise books, etc to all the rimary and selected secondary schools in Idemili South LGA.
Operation light up Idemili South that cut across every community in Idemili South, renovation and furnishing of Idemili South LGA legislative building, remodeling of Idemili South local government secretariat fence/gate with construction of gateman house and beautification.
Training and Empowerment of 3000 Umu Idemili in different practical skills, empowerment of over 1000 petty traders, constructed a solar powered borehole at Civic Center, Oba, Iruowelle village, Awka-Etiti, Ubaha village hall, Nnobi, to mention but a few. We also executed many road projects through public private community partnership model, all thanks to our patriotic sons and daughters.
These achievements should not be regarded as the accomplishments of one person. They are collective accomplishments.They belong to the people of Idemili South.
They belong to the hardworking men and women who contributed their ideas and resources.
They belong to the councillors and officials who participated in the decision-making process.
They belong to the traditional and community leaders who supported peace and development.
And they belong to our civil servants who worked every day to keep the machinery of government functioning.
To the incoming Mayor, I extend my sincere congratulations.
You are assuming an important responsibility, and I wish you wisdom, courage, humility and strength as you begin this new chapter.
The office you are receiving today belongs, ultimately, to the people.
Please always remember that the authority of the Mayor is not an opportunity for personal privilege, it is a mandate to serve.
Listen to the people. Respect the institutions of government.
Work with the councillors and civil servants. Maintain constructive relationships with traditional rulers and community leaders.
Give young people opportunities to contribute.
Pay attention to the needs of women, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable members of our communities. And above all, make the welfare and development of Idemili South the central consideration in every major decision.
You will undoubtedly face challenges. Every administration does.
When those challenges come, I encourage you to remain focused, consult widely and keep faith with the people.
Today, therefore, I formally hand over the administration of Idemili South Local Government Area to the new Mayor Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu.
I do so with a sense of fulfilment, but also with humility. I acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.
There are challenges that remain unresolved. There are projects that require further attention.
There are aspirations that our people still expect government to address.
That is the nature of public service.
One administration starts something; another may continue it; another may improve upon it. That is how institutions grow. That is how communities develop.
And that is how democracy becomes meaningful to ordinary citizens.
I therefore encourage the new administration to build on the successes recorded, learn from the challenges encountered and pursue new opportunities for the benefit of our people.
This speech will not be complete without appreciating in a special way the Governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR and his amiable wife, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo for believing and trusting me, for giving a woman such an opportunity with humongous responsibility. I’m eternally grateful for this great and lifetime opportunity. May God continue to bless you and your entire family."
The grand valedictory ceremony held in honour of Hon. Dr. Mrs. Amaka Obi was graced by the traditional ruler of Nnobi community His Royal Highness Igwe Engr. Nick Obi, the APGA candidate for Idemili-North and South federal constituency election Hon. Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu (Ike-Cubana), the Idemili-South House of Assembly Representative Hon. Barr. Ebuka Igwe, Anambra Youth Ambassador Chief Chigozie Nwangwu (Akwa-Okuko), presidents-general of the seven communities, traditional rulers and a host of other very eminent personalities.
Lots of gift items were heaped on Amaka Obi as she danced amidst thunderous cheers from the people who apparently were already missing her style of inclusive governance and open-door policy as Nnobi community presented her a brand new Toyota Tacoma Sport Utility Vehicle as a parting gift.
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