Ika South Local Government Holds a Three (3)-Day Town Hall Meeting to Strengthen Grassroots Engagement

In a renewed drive to deepen inclusiveness, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen the bond between government and the people, the Ika South Local Government Council, under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has successfully held a three-day Town Hall Meeting with key stakeholders across the Local Government Area.

The event, which ran for three consecutive days at the Ika National Hall, Agbor, brought together diverse groups representing commerce, religion, professional bodies, civil society, youth, and security agencies, all with the shared goal of consolidating peace, progress, and sustainable development in Ika South.

Day 1 focused on the business community and grassroots trade unions, with robust interactions involving Edike Market, Baleke Market, Abavo Market, Alifikede Market, Fruit Dealers, Cattle Dealers, Butchers Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Riders, and Artisans. Discussions centred on market infrastructure, sanitation, taxation, and improved trade relations, with the Chairman assuring traders of continued government support.

Day 2 brought together influential socio-cultural and professional groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Landlords Association, Civil Society Organisations, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Ika Students (NAIS), Non-Indigenes, Agbor Community Union, Abavo Community Union, and Onu Ika. Key issues discussed ranged from education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, inter-community harmony, and infrastructural development.

Day 3 was dedicated exclusively to security agencies, where strategies were reviewed to sustain peace and address emerging security challenges within the LGA. The meeting reinforced the need for synergy between the Council, security operatives, and the community.

Speaking at the close of the event, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy, promising that the outcomes of the Town Hall Meeting would directly influence policy decisions and developmental priorities.

“This engagement is a testament to our belief that governance is most effective when it listens to and works with the people. We will continue to build bridges of trust and partnership for the overall good of Ika South,” he said.

The three-day Town Hall Meeting was widely applauded by participants as a step in the right direction towards inclusive governance, grassroots participation, and sustainable community development in Ika South Local Government Area.