RT. HON. EGWABA’S TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP SHINES AS GOVERNOR ODODO COMMISSIONS IBAJI SECRETARIAT, ASSURES ON ROAD PROJECT
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and Member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, has once again etched her name in the hearts of her constituents with the successful reconstruction, renovation, and delivery of the Ibaji Local Government Secretariat in Onyedega. The project was officially commissioned on Saturday, 11th April, 2026, by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, ably represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo.
Governor Ododo, while commissioning the edifice, applauded Rt. Hon. Egwaba for her exceptional commitment to grassroots development, describing her as a responsive and results-driven leader who has consistently translated representation into tangible progress for her people. He noted that the project stands as a testament to her dedication and assured the people of Ibaji that his administration is already taking concrete steps toward addressing the longstanding road challenges in the area.
The Lawmaker in her address, reflected on the painful history of the secretariat, which was burnt down by some political hoodlums in 2013, leaving the local government without a functional administrative structure for over a decade. She stated that her intervention was driven by compassion for her people and a deep commitment to restoring dignity to governance at the grassroots, noting that the rebuilt secretariat symbolizes hope, resilience, and a new beginning for Ibaji.
Widely praised for her foresight and unwavering dedication, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that the facility will significantly enhance service delivery, provides a conducive working environment, and reposition local governance to better serve the people. She reaffirmed her resolve to continue attracting impactful projects, ensuring that Ibaji remains on a steady path of growth and development.
The Executive Chairman of Ibaji LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Onuche Ugeh, described Rt. Hon. Egwaba’s intervention as historic and unforgettable, noting that her leadership has restored life to local administration. The event, which also featured a royal homage to the Ejeh of Ibaji, His Royal Highness, Chief John Egwemi, drew the presence of top government officials, stakeholders, and enthusiastic residents, all united in celebrating a leader whose legacy of service continues to inspire hope and progress.
D.S Media Team
Saturday, 11th April, 2026.
SPEECHBY THE RT. HON. COMFORT NWUCHIOLA EGWABA
DEPUTY SPEAKER, KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
AT THE COMMISSIONING/HANDOVER OF THE IBAJI LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT ONYEDEGA.
Protocols
The story of Ibaji local government Secretariat is one that speaks of resilience, unity and shared sacrifices of the Ibaji people.After the creation of the local government, this Secretariat building began as a collective project,driven by the Ibaji Development Association (IDA) and sustained by financial contributions from all ten wards, proving that when our people stand together, progress is inevitable. In 1999, the then council chairman late Hon. Emmanuel Manasseh Egwaba took over the project, completed it, and it was commissioned for public use by the then Deputy Governor,H.E late Chief Patrick Adaba.
Sadly, in 2013, this Secretariat a symbol of governance and pride was destroyed and burnt down by destructive elements, setting our local government back. For over a decade, Ibaji Local Government operated without a proper administrative building. Our hardworking civil servants worked under difficult, sometimes humiliating conditions. Offices, Files were scattered, and productivity was at its lowest point.
Today, by the grace of God and through your collective support, that long chapter of abandonment is officially closed.This project was driven by the need of the ibaji people and it was actualized as part of my efforts to bring succour, economic activities and governance back to our local government headquarters.
This newly reconstructed and renovated Ibaji Local Government Secretariat stands as a symbol of restoration, dignity, and renewed confidence in governance. This rebuilt structure stands as proof that no act of destruction can erase the vision and legacy of a determined people. Today, we stand not just to commission/handover a building, but to restore dignity, revive governance, and renew hope for the people of Ibaji. Today reflects my belief that no setback is permanent when a people are united and leadership is committed.
I am particularly proud that this project speaks directly to the heart of grassroots governance. Local government is the closest tier of government to the people. If it is weak, the people suffer. If it is functional, hope returns and development follows.
This Secretariat is not just a building. It is:
i. A symbol of Ibaji identity and unity
ii. A home for effective administration
iii. A safe and decent working environment for civil servants
iv. A coordination centre for service delivery
v. And a renewed face of government in Ibaji
Let me appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for providing the enabling environment that prioritizes infrastructure, institutional rebuilding, and people-focused governance across the state.
I also commend the leadership and staff of Ibaji Local Government, the contractors, community leaders, and all stakeholders who played one role or another in making this project a reality.
To the workers of Ibaji Local Government, this facility belongs to you and this facility comes with responsibility. Protect it. Use it efficiently. Let it inspire a new work culture defined by discipline, transparency, and service to our people.
To the people of Ibaji, I assure you that this is not a one-off project. It is part of a larger commitment to ensuring that our communities are not left behind in Kogi State’s developmental journey.As we Handover this Secretariat today,let it send a clear message across Ibaji that progress is back, and it is here to stay. What we celebrate today is not just the completion of a project,but the proof that our development agenda is working and Will continue to move forward with consistency and purpose.And as we look towards the future, we do so with confidence that the momentum we have built will not be reversed, but sustained and expanded for the benefit of our people. Ibaji has chosen the path of growth, and by the grace of God, we will keep moving forward.
In conclusion,as we commission/Handover this Secretariat today, let us see it as a fresh start. As Deputy speaker, and a proud daughter of ibaji, I remain committed to using my position to convert representation into tangible projects you can see, use and be proud of.This reconstructed and renovated Secretariat is a direct outcome and proof of what happens when a constituency elects a representative who understands that position and leadership is for service delivery. From this Secretariat, we expect stronger administration, better service delivery, and a government that stays close to the grassroots.
May this building serve Ibaji Local Government for generations to come.
Thank you, and God bless Ibaji Local Government.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
