The Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area,Hon.High Chief  Victor Ikeji has disclosed that his government  was working so hard to push the Council to be non dependent on Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC),through  reviving agriculture sector, said he would support the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) as government needs the media to optimize its functions.He described himself as media friendly person, assured that his administration would continue to partner and engage the media in the area of information and communication.

Ikeji who made this disclosure when selected members of  the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Umuahia North Council Headquarters, explained that under his watch, the Council would  get to a point where they would not have to depend on Federal or State Governments to function effectively but will be generating funds  from the agriculture sector.

He revealed that he has international partners who were willing to synergize with the Council to achieve his vision, adding that plans were under way to grade Uloma Farm Settlement to make it accessible.

Continuing, High Chief Ikeji said  that upon assumption of office as the Mayor, he was conscious of the past image of the State, hence determined to change the narratives of governance by embarking on many  transformative projects.

He outlined some of his achievements since assuming office  to include: Restoration of electricity and water in the Council; grading  and refilling of about 27 roads in the hinterland of Umuahia North using about 200 trips of sand. Desilting  of drainages and evacuation of over 200 trucks of sand; training of about 36 Youths on ICT and artificial intelligence; reviving of agriculture sector; relocation of transport parks to places that will be conducive for them.

Also, installation of street lights in Okigwe park, building of Public convenience for those in Okigwe park area, flagg off of 120 Youths skill acquisition program for both indigene and residents of Umuahia North, which he promised to empowered them after the training, especially those who would take it seriously.

According to him, “I intend to carry out a complete renovation of the entire Umuahia North and I am already designing it. The Council is going to witness a tremendous transformation. I can assure you that there will be tremendous improvement under my watch.

“We are getting enough funds to do projects and enough cooperation from the state. The Governor has even challenged us to bring mega  projects to embark on for him to fund them”. He revealed.

Responding to questions on prompt payment of salaries, the council Boss proudly replied:
“The Governor does not owe salaries, any Civil Servant that says he is not receiving salaries is lying”  he said

Earlier, the Chairman of OMPAN and leader of the delegation, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro said they were in the Council  to interface with the Mayor on the area of information and communication. He expressed appreciation for the audience granted to the members of the Union despite the short notice