From Isaac Ojo
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance by empowering community leadership structures to drive sustainable waste management and environmental sanitation across the state.
The commitment was reiterated during a strategic stakeholders’ engagement with Local Government Area Chairmen and Presidents-General from Anambra North Senatorial District at the Anambra East Local Government Headquarters, Otuocha.
The government officials emphasized stronger collaboration among local councils, traditional institutions and communities to advance sustainable development.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Vin Ezeaka, said that Soludo administration is deliberately repositioning the fourth tier of governance by strengthening community leadership structures to complement local government administration in delivering responsive and people-oriented services.
He noted that building a functional community leadership system remains central to promoting grassroots development, public participation and improved governance across the state.
Ezeaka urged LGA Chairmen, traditional rulers, Presidents-General, town union executives and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration with the state government by supporting policies that promote environmental responsibility, accountability and community ownership.
He added that sustained partnership and collective commitment are critical to the success of the administration’s grassroots development agenda, while assuring communities of continued government support for initiatives that enhance service delivery and institutionalize an effective community leadership system.
Also, the Commissioner for Environment, Amb. Engr. Clem Aguiyi, called on community leaders to work closely with government in advancing cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities, stressing that environmental sanitation requires collective responsibility.
He stated that “environment is local, waste management is local, while flood and erosion are local challenges,” emphasizing that communities must take ownership of environmental protection efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the local government councils, the Oyi Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Nweke (DFAI), commended the efforts of Hon Ezeaka at repositioning the Local Government Service Commission to consolidate existing reforms.
