By Nkechi Ojukwu
The Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, Hon Ambrose Nwachukwu, has inaugurated a Community Development and Mobilization Committee in line with the directive by the Executive Governor of Imo State.
This is to foster community development,enhance the quality of life for residents the area and encourage community participation and engagement in development initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony brought together political appointees; federal and state representatives, traditional leaders, the Chairman of Ezinihitte Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha, representative of all Present Generals, Dr. Charles Amuzie, youth leaders Comrade John Morice Iroakazi, Security agencies; DPO, DSS, NSCDC.
Government agencies; Imo State Health Insurance Agency, Imo State Orientation Agency, party representatives, APC Ezinihitte LGA Chairman, Hon. Mike Adindu, among others.
This broad attendance suggests a strong commitment to community development and collaboration among various stakeholders in Ezinihitte” the Chairman stated.
Addressing the meeting, Hon. Nwachukwu, outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include:
health Insurance enrollment, developing a strategy for efficient enrollment of Ezinihitte LGA citizens in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme,
vigilante outfit establishment; facilitating the establishment of vibrant vigilante groups in all Autonomous Communities.
Government asset recovery; identifying and recovering government assets and properties in the wrong hands.
Encroachment Identification; identifying and reporting encroachments on government land, facilities, and properties. These objectives aim at improve healthcare access, enhance security, and protect government assets in Ezinihitte LGA.
In the same manner, the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme representative highlighted the scheme’s impact, stating that Governor Hope Uzodinma has saved lives through the program, with 2000 surgeries carried out with minimal mortality. He also explained the programme’s scope; covering both formal and informal sectors, providing treatment without payment for many.
He further disclosed that enrollment would starts on May 20, 2025, lasting two weeks, targeting 15,000 people from Ezinihitte with a fee of ₦15,000, encouraging people to enroll in groups or with family members to facilitate the process.
In his voice, Chief Sam Obasi, endorsed the health insurance program, advising the community to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the state governor. He suggested awareness campaign, recommending that village heads, PGs, and councillors should help spread awareness about the program to ensure maximum participation.
The Political Adviser to Governor Uzodinma, Chief Perry Opara, called for donations and encouraged philanthropists and generous individuals to donate to help cushion the effects of the ₦15,000 enrollment fee. Chief Opara set an example by donating ₦500,000 to support enrollment for Ihitte people.
Hon Mike Adindu, the LGA Chairman of Ezinihitte advocated for participation, urging people to enroll in the health insurance scheme, recommending the use of booth leaders for sensitization and awareness campaigns to facilitate enrollment.
Speaking on the issue of security, the executive chairman appreciated Governor Uzodinma for prioritizing security in Imo State and recognizing the government’s efforts in improving security, which has led to relative peace in the state.
“This suggests that the governor’s administration has made significant strides in addressing security concerns, contributing to a more stable environment for residents,” Hon Nwachukwu said.
The Ezinihitte LG boss also directed PGs to form vigilante groups to establish15-man vigilante outfits in their autonomous communities as directed by the Governor.
Calling for consolidation, advising that other security outfits should either be disbanded or aligned with the new vigilante groups for proper evaluation and coordination.
“The reason is to enhance security through structured and coordinated community-based security initiatives, ensuring that security operations are unified and effective,” he said.
Nwachukwu highlighted his efforts at recovering government properties and facilities, including:
market development, actualizing the plan for Nkwo-Mbaise market and promising to replicate it in Orie-Mbaise and Ekeoha Onicha.
On recovering galvanized pipes for stadium construction, lands in primary schools, and mini stadium land including
industrial asset recovery, discovering and recovering a palm oil processing industry,
stopping land encroachment and preventing encroachment on government lands, such as St. Anthony Primary School.
He called on councillors, political leaders, traditional rulers and PGs, to support the recovery efforts, key into the initiative and collaborate in recovering government assets in their domains.
“The essence is protect government assets ensuring that government properties and lands are safeguarded.
To promote development, recover and utilize assets for the benefit of the community,” Hon. Nwachukwu summited.