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Distinguished Senator Alphonsus Ubanesse Igbeke has exchanged pleasantries with Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the 2026 General Assembly of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Abuja, in an interaction highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing grassroots governance.

The meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Assembly, which brought together key stakeholders in the local government system, including national executives, chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as representatives of vice chairmen and councillors.

The interaction underscored the need for sustained cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders to ensure that government policies and development initiatives translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians at the grassroots.

Both leaders were said to share a commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda delivers meaningful dividends of democracy to local communities.

Governor Uzodimma, who attended the Assembly as Special Guest, had earlier reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to translating its policies into practical outcomes at the local government level.

He stressed that effective local governance remained central to policy implementation, service delivery and inclusive development, emphasising the importance of local councils in bringing government closer to the people.

The Assembly also deliberated on strategic issues affecting the administration of local governments, including proposed constitutional amendments aimed at aligning the local government system with contemporary governance realities.

Senator Ubanesse, whose engagements span public service, philanthropy and grassroots development, has, according to his media office, spent more than three decades pursuing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of citizens.

His interventions have included scholarship awards and empowerment initiatives designed to support beneficiaries and promote development within his senatorial zone and beyond.

Beyond his philanthropic activities, Ubanesse serves as Lead Financial Consultant to ALGON and Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP)/ALGON Technical Working Group.

In these capacities, he has continued to advocate the nationwide deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

The initiative is aimed at expanding access to cleaner energy and supporting grassroots development through wider availability of gas infrastructure.

The ALGON General Assembly provided a platform for local government leaders and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting the local government system and explore policy options for improving governance and service delivery.

The gathering also highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal, state and local authorities in ensuring that development policies produce measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

For Ubanesse, his participation in the Assembly reflects his continued engagement with local government stakeholders on issues of grassroots development, clean energy expansion and improved service delivery.