By Iyke-Jacobs Nwosu
The Association of Media Practitioners from the three Mbaise Local Government Areas — Aboh, Ahiazu, and Ezinihitte — recently paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Hon. Chief Larry Obinna Chikwe.
The delegation, led by Comrade Patrick Mgbaja, National President of the Mbaise Media Professionals, congratulated the Chairman on his election and expressed a desire to engage with him on the challenges facing the council and possible solutions.
Comrade Mgbaja emphasized the critical role of grassroots leadership in delivering the dividends of democracy and encouraged the Chairman to initiate people-oriented policies and legacy projects that will have lasting impact on the community.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Iyke-Jacobs Nwosu — a Board of Trustees member of the association and Political Desk Editor of Eastern Lead Express Newspapers, Owerri — commended the Chairman for the visible infrastructural improvements within the council premises. He specifically highlighted the recent installation of solar panels to ensure constant power supply, urging the administration to maintain momentum in other key sectors.
Also speaking, Lady Vivian Iwu of Nigerian Statesman Newspapers appealed to the Chairman to utilize the visit as a platform to inform Ahiazu Mbaise communities and the wider public about his administration’s initiatives and accomplishments.
In his response, Hon. Chief Larry Chikwe expressed appreciation for the visit, stating that it was heartening to receive members of the media — "the watchdogs of society" — who are interested in getting firsthand information on developments in the council.
Reflecting on his journey through various leadership roles — from Interim Management Committee Chairman, to Special Adviser (SA), Sole Administrator (SOLAD), and now elected Chairman — Chief Chikwe acknowledged the trust reposed in him by the people of Ahiazu Mbaise, pledging to serve with integrity and purpose.
He enumerated key achievements under his administration:Rehabilitation and asphalting of the Ihitte-Ubi Road, which had been abandoned for over 30 years, linking Amakohia Ikeduru with Mbaise.
"This project was accomplished with support from Governor Hope Uzodimma (CON). Distribution of improved seedlings to local farmers under the council’s Agricultural Intervention Programme.Near completion of a new administrative complex for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will serve the three Mbaise LGAs. He also announced the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points within the council premises for improved surveillance and security.Compliance with the state’s Health Insurance Scheme, with all health centers now functional and equipped with laboratory services. He noted that over 27,000 constituents have been enrolled in the Imo Health Insurance Scheme, with the goal of reaching 100,000 enrollees in line with Governor Uzodimma’s directive, thereby positioning Imo State to benefit from Federal Government health interventions".
Chief Chikwe concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, service delivery, and inclusive governance.
