24/09/2026
ONE YEAR OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP: THE AUSTIN IMAFIDON ADMINISTRATION IN UHUNMWODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
22nd September 2026
From Acting Chairman to Executive Chairman: A Chronicle of Projects, Policies and Grassroots Development
One year ago, Hon. Austin Rotimi Imafidon, popularly known as ISIWINA, assumed the responsibility of leading Uhunmwode Local Government Council, first in an acting capacity and subsequently as the substantive Executive Chairman.
The period from September 2025 to September 2026 represents a significant chapter in the administration of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, during which the Council pursued interventions in infrastructure, roads, education, healthcare, security, staff welfare, youth and women empowerment, environmental sanitation, community conflict resolution, agriculture, sports and institutional development.
The administration's stated approach has been centred on taking government closer to communities and responding directly to identified grassroots needs.
Following the conclusion of his acting tenure in August 2026, Imafidon transitioned into office as the Executive Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, opening another phase of the administration.
RECONSTRUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT
One of the most visible projects undertaken during the acting period was the extensive renovation and transformation of the Uhunmwode Local Government Council Secretariat.
The intervention covered major sections of the administrative complex and was designed to create a more functional working environment for Council employees and members of the public.
Related interventions included:
- Renovation of the main Council Secretariat;
- Renovation and furnishing of the Legislative Arm building;
- Provision and improvement of alternative power supply;
- Provision of water through a borehole;
- Construction and rehabilitation of sanitation and soak-away facilities
- Installation and deployment of solar-powered facilities; and
- General improvement of the working environment within the Council premises.
The Secretariat project became one of the administration's most prominent physical interventions during its first year.
ROAD REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY ACCESS
Road infrastructure received significant attention under the administration, particularly through grading, sand-filling and palliative interventions on difficult sections of roads.
Among the roads and communities that received attention were:
Idunmwowina Road: The Council deployed substantial quantities of filling materials to improve accessibility.
Eyean Pipeline Road: Grading and rehabilitation works were carried out to improve movement.
Urhokhuosa-Nibiwe Road: The administration intervened to improve access for residents and road users.
Eagle Road: Road improvement measures were undertaken.
Jehovah Road, Ikhueniro: The road was included among community access roads receiving intervention.
Pipeline Eyean, Idibo Road: Grading and rehabilitation were undertaken to improve connectivity. Egbede ward, Isi - North ward, Isi - South ward, Ugieghudu community and environs in Uhi ward.
Morgan Junction Bypass Intervention
The administration also intervened on the severely deteriorated section of the bypass at Morgan Junction, an important route used by residents, motorists, commercial vehicles and trucks servicing nearby borrow pits.
The Council deployed heavy-duty equipment and construction materials for palliative rehabilitation.
Particular attention was given to the deep gully erosion threatening the road. Measures included drainage work, removal of accumulated erosion materials, filling of damaged sections with hardcore and strengthening of the road surface.
Idokpa Bypass
Following the Morgan Junction intervention, equipment was moved to the failed section of the Idokpa Bypass along the Benin-Auchi corridor.
The intervention was aimed at restoring vehicular movement and reducing the difficulties experienced by motorists and residents using the route.
These interventions were particularly significant because some of the affected roads extend beyond the conventional responsibility of the Local Government. The administration maintained that where a failed road posed an immediate danger or hardship to people within Uhunmwode, the Council had a responsibility to provide reasonable emergency relief while awaiting more permanent intervention from the appropriate tier of government.
EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Education formed another component of the administration's first-year programme.
One of its major interventions was the distribution of library and educational materials to 87 primary schools across Uhunmwode Local Government Area, intended to improve access to learning materials and promote a reading culture among pupils.
The administration also pledged intervention in a six-classroom block at Azagba, reflecting its commitment to improving learning infrastructure.
At Ehor Technical College, attention was drawn to needs including electricity, environmental clearing and security.
Beyond conventional classroom interventions, the Council promoted skills development programmes designed to provide young people with practical economic opportunities.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SKILLS ACQUISITION
The administration initiated and supported vocational and technical empowerment programmes for Uhunmwode youths.
One prominent intervention involved young people undergoing computer and printing training, with support for transportation and feeding.
The programme was designed to move beneficiaries beyond dependence on scarce white-collar employment by equipping them with marketable skills that could support self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Another major human-capacity intervention involved young women receiving technical skills training through collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
The initiative formed part of a broader strategy of connecting social intervention with sustainable empowerment rather than limiting assistance to temporary relief.
ISIWINA HARVEST OF HOPE
The Isiwina Harvest of Hope (IHH) emerged during the first year as a major social-support initiative associated with the Chairman.
The programme was designed to provide food assistance and other support to vulnerable residents, particularly senior citizens, widows, widowers and persons living with disabilities.
Beginning at Eyean and designed to rotate through different parts of Uhunmwode, the programme incorporated beneficiary assessment and profiling to identify people requiring assistance.
Beyond food distribution, issues raised by vulnerable residents during the programme were documented for possible intervention.
The programme also promoted locally produced commodities, thereby linking humanitarian assistance with encouragement of the local economy.
HEALTHCARE INTERVENTIONS
Healthcare received attention through Council activities and partnerships with governmental, non-governmental and diaspora organisations.
The administration supported immunisation and public-health programmes, including the measles-rubella campaign and malaria-awareness activities.
Free eye-care interventions were also facilitated for residents, providing services including eye examinations, glaucoma screening, prescription glasses, medication, counselling and referrals or surgeries where required.
Another important development was the rehabilitation of the Ugomoson Primary Health Centre through partnership involving diaspora organisations and relevant government institutions.
The Council's participation reflected an approach that sought to attract external partnerships and resources to improve grassroots healthcare.
ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The administration facilitated interventions involving transformers, electricity infrastructure and poles in communities including:
Ugbeze in Isi North, and
Orior-Ozolua Community.
The objective was to improve electricity access and encourage economic and social activities within beneficiary communities.
The administration also adopted partnership as an instrument for attracting infrastructure to communities, including collaboration with organisations involved in water and community development projects.
SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF COMMUNITIES
Security remained an important component of the Council's activities.
The administration maintained engagements with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and local security structures.
Among its interventions was the provision of a Hilux vehicle to the Divisional Police Officer in Ehor, intended to strengthen operational mobility and response.
The Council also participated in the screening of approximately 1,000 vigilante personnel as part of efforts to improve community-level security structures.
Regular security meetings were held to assess developments across the Local Government Area.
When information concerning a possible threat to schools emerged in June 2026, the administration convened an emergency security meeting and coordinated responses with relevant stakeholders.
PEACE BUILDING AND COMMUNITY CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Rather than allowing communal disagreements to escalate into violence, the administration utilised dialogue and its conflict-resolution mechanisms in addressing disputes.
In the Ahor community crisis, the Council intervened and supported security measures, including the establishment of a temporary special police presence.
The Council also intervened in the Ahor/Uselu N'Ahor boundary dispute, emphasising adherence to existing resolutions and recognised dispute-settlement mechanisms.
Similarly, in the Eko-Ugha/Ugha community dispute, the Council's Boundary Conflict Resolution Committee held engagements with the affected parties and encouraged them to avoid unilateral actions capable of worsening tensions.
These interventions reflected the administration's position that sustainable grassroots development requires peace, security and respect for lawful dispute-resolution processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND BEAUTIFICATION
Environmental sanitation was pursued through regular monthly exercises.
The Council undertook refuse evacuation, clearing of public spaces, desilting of drainage channels and removal of vegetation obstructing important locations.
At Ehor Market and surrounding areas, accumulated waste was evacuated, while drains were cleared to improve the movement of storm water.
The Idokpa Bypass and other areas also received Isiwina vegetation-clearing attention.
The administration subsequently expanded its environmental vision through the ISIWINA Greener Uhunmwode initiative, conceived around tree planting, ornamental plants, grass planting and beautification of major entrances, exits, bypasses and strategic public spaces across the Local Government Area.
The initiative envisage the planting of 10,000 trees and ornamental plants, alongside measures to improve the appearance and environmental sustainability of Uhunmwode.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
In its transition into substantive executive leadership, the administration began laying the groundwork for another major intervention — the rebuilding and modernisation of Ogheghe Market.
A committee was inaugurated to conduct feasibility studies and produce designs for a modern market suitable for the environment.
The administration proposed a public-private partnership model for the development and management of the market, signalling an attempt to mobilise private capital for local economic infrastructure rather than depending exclusively on public funds.
STAFF WELFARE
Council workers also featured prominently in the administration's programmes.
Among measures attributed to the administration were:
- Payment of salaries before the 25th of the month;
- Attention to outstanding salary-related obligations and arrears;
- Promotion of junior staff;
- Distribution of rice and other welfare support during designated periods;
- Improvement of the Council's physical working environment; and
- Subsidised transportation for workers.
A notable welfare measure was the support for the NULGE staff bus scheme, under which the cost borne by staff was reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦500.
The administration presented these interventions as part of a strategy to improve staff morale and productivity.
AGRICULTURE AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Recognising Uhunmwode's agricultural potential, the administration incorporated agriculture and locally produced commodities into its development agenda.
The Harvest of Hope initiative deliberately emphasised locally sourced products as part of efforts to ensure that social interventions could generate economic benefits for local producers and traders.
The broader objective has been to encourage agricultural production, local patronage and economic self-reliance.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Sports was also used as an instrument for youth engagement and community interaction.
The administration organised the ISIWINA Gold Cup, providing opportunities for young people to participate in competitive sporting activities while encouraging talent discovery, community interaction and constructive youth engagement.
GOVERNMENT ASSETS AND HEAVY-DUTY EQUIPMENT
The administration's capacity for road and environmental interventions was strengthened by heavy-duty equipment made available to the Local Government, including a:
- Grader;
- Payloader; and
- Tipper.
These assets have supported road grading, evacuation, rehabilitation and other public works undertaken within the Local Government Area.
THE 2026 BUDGET AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The administration presented the 2026 fiscal framework under the theme:
“Budget of Liberation: A New Dawn for Uhunmwode Local Government Area.”
The budget was put at approximately ₦9.516 billion, comprising recurrent and capital components.
A significant policy initiative incorporated into the administration's development thinking was the proposed Uhunmwode Integrated Investment Board, intended to promote investment and public-private partnerships.
The 2026 Appropriation Bye-Law passed through the Legislative Arm and was subsequently presented for assent, strengthening the institutional framework for implementing the Council's programmes.
TRANSITION FROM ACTING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
The conclusion of the acting tenure marked a major institutional transition.
Appointments, committees, boards and task forces constituted during the acting period were dissolved as part of the administrative transition into the substantive tenure.
Following his assumption of office as Executive Chairman, Imafidon began constituting a new administrative team and setting priorities for the next phase of the Council.
The transition provides an opportunity to consolidate projects initiated during the acting period while developing new programmes under a full electoral mandate.
PROJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS AT A GLANCE
Within the first year, the administration's reported projects, programmes and interventions therefore include:
1. Comprehensive renovation of Uhunmwode Local Government Council Secretariat.
2. Renovation and furnishing of the Legislative Arm complex.
3. Provision and improvement of alternative electricity supply at the Secretariat.
4. Borehole and water infrastructure at the Council.
5. Sanitation and soak away facilities
8. Solar-powered infrastructure.
9. Grading and rehabilitation of Idunmwowina Road.
10. Rehabilitation of Eyean Pipeline Road.
11. Intervention on Urhokhuosa-Nibiwe Road.
12. Rehabilitation of Eagle Road.
13. Intervention on Jehovah Road, Ikhueniro.
14. Rehabilitation of Pipeline Eyean-Idibo Road.
15. Palliative rehabilitation at Morgan Junction Bypass.
16. Gully-erosion control measures at Morgan Junction.
17. Palliative intervention at Idokpa Bypass.
18. Distribution of educational/library materials to 87 primary schools.
19. Proposed six-classroom intervention at Azagba.
20. Support and intervention concerning Ehor Technical College.
21. Computer and printing skills programme for Uhunmwode youths.
22. Technical/vocational empowerment for young women.
23. ISIWINA Harvest of Hope social-support programme.
24. Support for free eye-care services.
25. Support for immunisation and disease-prevention programmes.
26. Healthcare partnerships and community medical outreaches.
27. Support for the rehabilitation of Ugomoson Primary Health Centre.
28. Electricity transformer/pole interventions at Ugbeze.
29. Electricity intervention at Orior-Ozolua.
30. Security-support vehicle for the police in Ehor.
31. Screening and strengthening of local vigilante structures.
32. Regular Local Government security meetings.
33. Emergency intervention regarding reported threats to schools.
34. Peace-building intervention in the Ahor crisis.
35. Intervention in the Ahor/Uselu N'Ahor boundary dispute.
36. Intervention in the Eko-Ugha/Ugha community dispute.
37. Monthly environmental sanitation exercises.
38. Refuse evacuation at Ehor Market and other locations.
39. Desilting and drainage clearing.
40. Vegetation clearing along the Idokpa Bypass.
41. ISIWINA Greener Uhunmwode initiative.
42. Planned planting of 10,000 trees and ornamental plants.
43. Beautification programme for major entrances and exits into Uhunmwode.
44. Establishment of a committee for the rebuilding of Ogheghe Market.
45. Proposed modernisation of Ogheghe Market through public-private partnership.
46. Staff transport subsidy.
47. Salary and staff-welfare interventions.
48. Attention to promotion of junior staff.
49. Periodic distribution of welfare packages to Council workers.
50. Agricultural and local-produce promotion through social intervention programmes.
51. ISIWINA Gold Cup and sports development.
52. Deployment of grader, payloader and tipper for public works.
53. Introduction of an investment-oriented development framework through the proposed Uhunmwode Integrated Investment Board.
54. Passage and implementation framework for the 2026 Appropriation Bye-Law.
A NEW PHASE OF EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
The transition from Acting Chairman to Executive Chairman means that the first year can be viewed in two phases: a foundation-building period under the acting administration and a consolidation phase following the commencement of the substantive administration.
The acting period concentrated heavily on restoring the Council's administrative infrastructure, responding to deteriorated roads, staff welfare, security, sanitation, education, social welfare and community engagement.
The substantive phase has begun with efforts to consolidate those interventions while expanding attention to environmental renewal, market development, youth empowerment and institutional strengthening.
Public reporting has also documented partnerships associated with the administration. The Lady Mechanic Initiative, for example, reported its collaboration with Uhunmwode Local Government on the Harvest of Hope programme and technical training for young women. Healthcare partnerships have similarly supported the rehabilitation of primary healthcare infrastructure and medical outreach programmes.
CONCLUSION
One year after Hon. Austin Rotimi Imafidon first assumed responsibility for the administration of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, the period provides a broad record of interventions cutting across minfrastructure, roads, education, healthcare, security, staff welfare, social protection, youth development, environmental management, electricity, sports, conflict resolution and institutional reforms.
The administration moved from an acting arrangement into a substantive elected administration, giving it the opportunity to consolidate ongoing programmes and undertake longer-term projects.
The challenge for the years ahead will be to complete ongoing and proposed projects, maintain already rehabilitated infrastructure, expand development to more communities, deepen transparency and accountability, and ensure that programmes produce measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
For Uhunmwode, the first year of the Imafidon administration has therefore established a development agenda whose ultimate legacy will be determined by the sustainability, reach and long-term impact of the projects and policies initiated during this period.
ONE YEAR OF SERVICE. ONE YEAR OF PROJECTS. ONE YEAR OF GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT.
Ogiehor Ehis Tornado
Chief Press Secretary
Uhunmwode Local Government Council
07039395866
[email protected]
Uhunmwonde youth wing media
