By Suzy Chukwuechedom l Anambra
The 774 Local government chairmen from across Nigeria gathered at the State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday for the Progressive Governors Forum and Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (PGF-ALGON) National General Assembly and the official inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council.
Among the prominent local council leaders in attendance were the Mayor of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Hon. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike (Evang.), and the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Hon. John Elochukwu Igbem.
Held under the theme “Renewed Hope, Cooperative Federalism and Shared Prosperity,” the high-level event brought together local council administrators, policymakers, and key political stakeholders to foster intergovernmental collaboration, enhance governance, and drive sustainable grassroots development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the assembly, Hon. Igwebuike emphasized that strong partnerships across the three tiers of government are vital to delivering the dividends of democracy.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people,” Igwebuike noted. “We are pivotal to national development due to our direct responsibility for addressing grassroots needs. Strong partnerships, improved service delivery, and a shared commitment to progress remain essential for building stronger councils and prosperous communities.”
He added that his participation underscores his administration’s drive for constructive engagement, institutional synergy, and sustainable growth for the people of Ayamelum.
Similarly, Hon. Igbem highlighted the assembly as a crucial platform for aligning grassroots governance with national priorities, encouraging collective responsibility, and supporting policies that promote shared prosperity nationwide.
The assembly is expected to deepen cooperative federalism and establish a unified grassroots framework to accelerate the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
