This post has already been read 253 times!

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, has showcased the state’s grassroots development initiatives at the 2026 ALGON General Assembly in Abuja, highlighting progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic empowerment and community security.

Udo, who is also the Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, presented the state’s local government experience during an interaction with journalists on the sidelines of the assembly held on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

He used the occasion to commend Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a deliberate approach to governance, with development programmes designed to address the needs of communities across the state’s 31 local government areas.

The ALGON chairman said Akwa Ibom’s experience had attracted growing interest from local government leaders and other stakeholders across the country, prompting him to use the national gathering to share the state’s development approach.

According to him, the initiatives being implemented across the state cover road and bridge infrastructure, healthcare delivery, educational facilities, employment generation, empowerment programmes, gender responsiveness, security and youth engagement.

Udo maintained that the experience of Akwa Ibom underscored the importance of collaboration between state governments and local councils in delivering development programmes that directly benefit residents.

“The Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has been ambitious and intentional. His programmes are disruptive with evidence-based results that all Akwa Ibom people are benefitting from. That is the template we are sharing,” he said.

He urged local government chairmen across Nigeria to embrace mutually beneficial partnerships with their respective governors while ensuring that development policies reflect the priorities and expectations of the people.

Udo explained that effective grassroots administration requires regular assessment of community needs, inclusive planning and coordination among government institutions to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach residents across different communities.

He stressed that local governments, being the tier of government closest to the people, must remain focused on improving service delivery and adopting governance practices that promote shared prosperity.

The Akwa Ibom ALGON chairman also commended the association’s National President, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, for providing leadership for the General Assembly, noting that the annual event offers council leaders an opportunity to review their performance, discuss challenges and exchange ideas on improving local government administration.

He described the assembly as an important forum for strengthening the third tier of government through the sharing of experiences, identification of common challenges and promotion of effective governance practices.

Udo further acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interest in strengthening local government administration, while commending the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for its support and engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

He said the combined efforts of the different levels of government, alongside the administration of Governor Eno, had contributed to improvements in everyday governance in Akwa Ibom.

The council chairman expressed optimism that the progress would be sustained, adding that local government leaders in the state remained committed to advancing development and improving the quality of public services.

He also extended appreciation to the organisers of the General Assembly, the planning committee, ALGON’s National Executive Committee, National Executive Council, Board of Trustees, former national presidents, councillors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their participation and contributions.

Udo pledged the continued cooperation of his colleagues at the assembly and those in Akwa Ibom towards strengthening service delivery, promoting institutional best practices and raising governance standards across the state.

The 31 local government areas covered by the state’s development initiatives are Abak, Eastern Obolo, Eket, Esit Eket, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Ini, Itu, Mbo, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Obot Akara, Okobo, Onna, Oron, Oruk Anam, Udung Uko, Ukanafun, Uruan, Urue-Offong/Oruko and Uyo.

His presentation at the Abuja gathering highlighted Akwa Ibom’s approach to local government development as an experience for discussion among council leaders seeking to strengthen grassroots governance, improve public service delivery and deepen cooperation across the three tiers of government.