The President General of the Ututu Development Association (UDA), Chief Charles Nwankwo, has commended Governor Alex Otti for his incredible achievements in the areas of infrastructure and human capital development since his assumption of office.
Nwankwo, a renowned quantity surveyor and Knight of St. Mulumba, said Otti has redefined good governance, accountable leadership, and humble service to the people.
He spoke during the Ututu Day celebration held at Ututu Central School, Amodu Ututu, in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
He said that although Ututu voted massively for Alex Otti during the last election, the community was overwhelmed by his sterling performance, which has touched every part of the state.
He expressed joy that Ututu has been a beneficiary of Otti’s good governance, especially the construction of the Arochukwu–Ututu–Ihechiowa–Ohafia Federal Highway, retrofitting of three health centres in Ututu, complete reconstruction of Ututu Secondary School, commencement of Ututu internal roads through the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), and the appointment of some of the community’s illustrious sons and daughters into political positions.
Chief Nwankwo, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (FNIQS), however, pleaded with the governor to do more for Ututu in the areas of internal roads, especially those connecting St. Paul’s Road to Amuvi and other internal roads crying for rehabilitation.
He also said the community would appreciate producing a commissioner whenever the governor reshuffles his appointments, including ensuring equity in political representation.
“The last time an Ututu man went to the House of Assembly was in 1983. I believe that as a man who believes in justice and equity, His Excellency will help us in this regard,” he submitted.
On his achievements as President General of the Ututu Development Association in the last nine years, Nwankwo said his administration stabilised governance in the community, engendered peace and progress among the people, and embarked upon a holistic cultural renaissance.
He said the administration mobilised illustrious sons and daughters of the community to embark upon the reconstruction of dilapidated schools and health facilities.
“We didn’t want to sit idly and wait for government. Our sons donated millions of naira, which we judiciously deployed for the reconstruction of schools and health centres,” he declared.
He also noted that through the synergy between his administration and government, the Abia State Government, the Arochukwu Local Government, and political office holders have intervened in the provision of critical infrastructure to the community.
Nwankwo noted that through the establishment of some trust funds by his administration, many sons and daughters have started participating in community development.
The President General, however, regretted that the frosty relationship among traditional rulers and Eze Ogós was impeding cultural sustainability in the community.
He also decried the high rate of substance abuse and cultism among the youth and appealed to government and well-meaning members of the community to help check the menace.
Chief Nwankwo paid glowing tributes to his predecessors in office and those who made financial contributions to the success of his administration, and appealed to Ututu sons to join the Ututu Development Association branches where they reside.
The Ututu Day celebration featured cultural displays and the award of chieftaincy titles to deserving sons of the community.
