‘Prince Ndukwe’s transformative leadership, new dawn for Ihitte/Uboma’

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Before Prince Obioha Ndukwe took the helm as Executive Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State last September 2024, the area was gripped by insecurity and fear. Daily life was a struggle, with markets operating in trepidation, businesses functioning on limited hours – opening late and closing before 6:00pm within and across Isinweke, the headquarters. Residents were living in constant unease, sleeping with one eye open.

Unarguably, with Ndukwe’s emergence, a breath of fresh air swept through Ihitte/Uboma. This native son, a true Prince of the land, brought determined goals and a people-centric approach, distinguishing himself from predecessors by living among his people and understanding their needs intimately, rather than governing from the distant state capital, Owerri.

Thanking God for giving them Prince Ndukwe at this auspicious time, His Royal Highness, Eze Innocent Ukachukwu Onuoha, Ikpe I of Ikpenweafor and immediate past Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers said:

“This is the first time I’m seeing an LGA chairman who truly lives among his people. Unlike past transitional chairmen who stayed in Owerri, this one resides in Umuihi his house and works from here.

“Since he came, we’ve started holding regular security meetings again—for the first time in nine years. Peace has returned to Ihitte/Uboma.

Eze Onuoha 

“Indeed, our Prince is doing well. May God grant him more wisdom,” said Eze Onuoha. “Leadership is not about sharing money. He is truly on course.”

Onuoha also commended Ndukwe for reclaiming the LGA Secretariat from neglect. “When he came in, weeds had overtaken the premises and most buildings were in ruins. Today, renovations are ongoing, and the council hall, once converted to worship centre has been reclaimed.

“The frontage of St Joseph’s School along the Umuahia- Añara road previously marred by numerous shanties and unsavory activities has been cleared and transformed. Farmers are receiving needed support, and rural roads are getting much-needed attention. We are thankful and optimistic that with sustained efforts, Ihitte/Uboma will become a model for others to emulate before long,” Onuoha said.

Eze Uwalaka

Eze Jude Uwalaka the Ihi III ofUmuihi Ancient Kingdom in his words highlighted the historic nature of Ndukwe’s election. “This is the first time since 1945 that someone from Umuihi is becoming chairman of the LGA. His emergence is divine. Security and calmness have returned, and people now sleep in their homes again,” he said.

Eze Uwalaka who is the chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Council of traditional rulers said, “From what I’m seeing, massive renovation and reconstruction work is underway at the LGA secretariat. He has strengthened security with a makeshift setup following the destruction of the Divisional Police station in the area which remains unrebuilt.

“Soldiers and other security personnel are now deployed in the area to curb kidnapping and address insecurity. Since his arrival, peace and tranquility have returned to Ihitte/Uboma – residents can now rest easy and sleep soundly in their homes.”

Eze Iheme

Eze Marcel Iheme, Egwunte III of Umuezegwu, who ascended the throne in 2017, echoed his support as he said, “He is a true prince, understanding the needs of his people; he’s committed to serving us. His royal heritage is palpably influencing his leadership, showcasing him as a consummate gentleman.

“He has restored tranquility reminiscent of past stability. Security has been strengthened through the establishment of local vigilante groups, empowered to patrol communities, contributing to the prevailing calm. He has injected vitality into the area – evident in restored electricity and the removal of unsightly shanties from LGA spaces. Given his trajectory, by the end of his tenure, Ihitte/Uboma could be a coveted model.

“We encourage him to prioritize human capacity development; addressing hunger, open more opportunities for residents.

“We appeal to him to bolster support for our farmers through timely loan facilities that would boost food production. Ihitte/Uboma is blessed with large rice fields, cassava, palm oil, and other crops. It has the potential to feed the state, given the right impetus.”

Local leaders on thier part have sustained the call for continued government presence, especially in agriculture.

The chairman of Ndi Nze and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Umuihi Ancient Kingdom,Nze Anointing Ihediohanma, stressed that farmers need support with modern tools, hybrid seeds, and agrochemicals.

“Before now, it was almost impossible to gather freely as a community because of insecurity. That tide is gradually turning. The Chairman has given us reasons to believe in his leadership,” he said.

Ihediohamma who also serves as Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly on Community Development called for urgent attention to rural infrastructures as roads, electricity, and health facilities—describing them as critical to both security and economic advancement.

Speaking with Nationupdate, the chairman, Prince Ndukwe narrated how unsafe the council was prior to his emergence, how difficult it was for him to operate within the LGA initially, that he had to stay outside until security was established.

“Before I came in, this place was completely unsafe. People deserted the streets by evening, and markets closed too early. Even I couldn’t operate from within—I had to stay outside the LGA for some time until we secured it,” Ndukwe recalled.

With the backing of Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ndukwe’s administration moved swiftly to restore order. “We cried to the governor and he responded. He gave us a combined security team. Now, there’s a functional police station, and soldiers patrol every corner. People now sleep in peace,” he said.