For years, many residents saw Anaocha Local Government as just another public office, a place where files gathered dust and promises were made during campaigns. But today, that perception has changed. The council headquarters in Neni is no longer an ordinary government building. It has become a center of action, service, and hope for every onye Anaocha.
In less than two years, Hon. Rome Ibekwe has shown that leadership is not about noise. It is about results. It is about solving real problems. It is about touching lives in ways people can see and feel.
From roads to hospitals, from water to schools, from youth empowerment to security, his work is visible across Anaocha.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS: FIXING THE FOUNDATION OF GOVERNANCE
One of the first things he did was to fix the local government system itself. Before development can happen, the structure that delivers it must work. He conducted a comprehensive staff audit to determine the true workforce strength and eliminate inefficiencies. This helped restore discipline and improve productivity among staff.
To add to this, he fixed the long-standing 18-year electricity problem at the Local Government Secretariat in Neni. Imagine a government office operating for nearly two decades without stable electricity. That challenge was solved. A solar-powered borehole was drilled within the Secretariat to ensure water self-sufficiency. The entrance of the Secretariat was renovated and repainted. The Legislative and Main Office Complex were renovated with new furniture, ceilings, windows, and fittings. Staff were also sent for leadership and administrative training in Abuja to strengthen governance capacity.
For Ndi Anaocha, this means that when a citizen walks into the Secretariat, they meet a functioning system. It means faster service delivery, better coordination, and improved accountability. It has restored dignity to local governance in Anaocha.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: ROADS AND EROSION CONTROL
To Hon. Rome Ibekwe, Infrastructure is life. Roads connect people to markets, schools, and hospitals. Under the leadership of Hon. Rome Ibekwe, state-funded road projects like the Eziano–Nri Road were attracted. His administration also implemented what he called the “Operation Zero Potholes” infrastructure policy, which was responsible for road maintenance in the local government. Some of the maintenance covered the Neni – Adazi-Enu – Ichida – Awka-Etiti boundary corridor.
Under the same policy, he carried out drainage repairs and erosion control works in erosion-prone communities like Umunri (Neni). These interventions have improved road safety, reduced vehicle damage, protected homes and farmlands from erosion, and strengthened economic activities.
For an average Onye Anaocha, this means less transport cost, fewer accidents, and easier movement of goods. For traders and farmers, it means better access to markets. For residents, it means their houses are safer from erosion threats.
WATER, SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
For Hon. Rome, access to clean water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Hon. Rome Ibekwe’s administration in Anaocha constructed and commissioned solar-powered boreholes across major communities and markets, such as Eke Market Adazi-Nnukwu, Neni Civic Centre, Ugwudunu Neni, Umukabia Neni, Nkwo-Agulu Market, Afor-Agulu Market, Adazi-Ani Health Centre, Nkwo Adazi-Enu, Afor-Akwaeze, Oye Market Obeledu, Ebeda Village Nri, and Neni Health Centre.
These boreholes, built in strategic locations, provide clean, potable water to thousands of Ndi Anaocha. Women and children no longer have to walk long distances in search of water. Markets now have better sanitation conditions as a result of proximity to clean and running water.
Under his environmental policy, over 500 tippers of waste are evacuated from major dumpsites across Anaocha every week. Under his administration, the “Dobe Anaocha Ocha” initiative was launched to promote sanitation and waste management awareness across the local government.
This policy directly improves public health, as clean surroundings reduce disease outbreaks. Markets become safer, and the dignity of the environment is restored.
HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION
Under the administration of Hon. Rome Ibekwe, healthcare received one of the most comprehensive interventions. He oversaw major renovations of Primary Health Centres in communities such as Amatutu (Agulu Ward II), Adazi-Nnukwu I, Nneogidi (Agulu Ward III), Ukunu (Agulu Ward I), Adazi-Ani I & II, Ichida I & II, Obeledu, Adazi-Enu I, and Neni Health Centre.
These health facilities were upgraded with solar lighting, boreholes, inverters, tiling, roofing, fencing, and sanitation facilities. He directly oversaw and supervised the distribution of medical equipment to over 10 health facilities. He also oversaw the repairs and rehabilitation of tricycles and ambulances to improve emergency response in these health centers.
Under his health program, one thousand residents received free medical health insurance at St. Cletus Hospital, Neni.
He provided funding for immunization flag-offs, hosted the State World Breastfeeding Week, procured ₦1.5 million worth of Albendazole to treat parasitic infections, and organized free prostate screening for men aged 40 and above.
For the ordinary Onye Anaocha, this means better access to healthcare without financial hardship. It means women can safely deliver babies in improved facilities. It means diseases are prevented, not just treated. It means lives are being saved.
EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Under his education support program, over 10,000 school bags, books, and learning materials were distributed across public schools in Anaocha. This reduced the burden on parents and improved learning readiness among pupils.
Meanwhile, under his youth empowerment program, 500 youths were equipped with skills and tools to start their journey. He oversaw the construction of a brand-new ultra-modern Skill Acquisition Centre in Agulu.
He also oversaw the procurement of land and the commencement of construction for additional centers in Umukabi Neni and Akwaeze. He supervised the construction of what he called the “Anaocha E-Mechanic Workshop,” designed to prepare youths in Anaocha for modern automotive diagnostics.
His efforts in youth empowerment are what many refer to as practical empowerment, as they reduce unemployment and youth restiveness. His policies have turned idle hands into productive hands and created entrepreneurs, not job seekers.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Under the administration of Hon. Rome Ibekwe, agriculture was repositioned as a serious development tool. Anaocha secured first position at the 2024 Iri-Ji Festival at the state level.
Under his agriculture program, Anaocha youths received ECOWAS-supported modern farming training. Improved plantain suckers were distributed to farmers, and vegetable gardens aligned with the healthy living initiative were promoted among families for household farming.
This policy has increased food production, strengthened food security, and enhanced the pride of farmers in the local government.
SECURITY AND COMMUNITY SAFETY
Hon. Rome Ibekwe believes that security is the foundation of development, so he placed it as one of the key pillars of his agenda. Under his security program, the Agunechemba Anaocha Security Unit was heavily funded and strengthened. Under his administration, over 80% of criminal hideouts were invaded and cleared by the security outfit. He ensured that all necessary operational gadgets were provided.
To add to this, he was at the forefront of organizing a high-level security summit, where he was appointed Chairman, Security, Anambra Central.
Under his watch, crime reduced significantly across the local government. Ndi Anaocha now feel safer. Investors and businesses have regained confidence, and development has started to thrive again.
TRANSPORTATION
Under the administration of Hon. Rome Ibekwe, the defunct Anaocha Mass Transit (GAMT) was revived. Vehicles were branded, and transport parks were built. Free transportation was also provided during election periods using this transit system.
These policies helped reduce transportation costs and improve mobility for residents, especially vulnerable groups within the local government.
CULTURE, SPORTS, AND IDENTITY
The administration of Hon. Rome Ibekwe planned and organized the first-ever Anaocha Festival, called “ANAFEST,” in 2025. Through this program, he strengthened the cultural identity of his people.
In sports, his administration organized the “Anaocha Solution Championship Cup” for secondary schools to encourage youth participation. Under his leadership, the female volleyball team of Anaocha won third position at the tournament hosted by Nonye Soludo. His administration also organized the first-ever Anaocha Marathon in partnership with Big C.
These activities helped promote unity, peace, and social cohesion. They also positioned Anaocha as a cultural destination in Anambra State.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
It was under the administration of Hon. Rome Ibekwe that the official website for Anaocha Local Government was developed, hosted, and launched for digital access and governance. Solar-powered infrastructure was introduced across various sectors. The E-mechanic workshop was established to train youths in the use of advanced diagnostic gadgets for the automotive industry.
All of these demonstrate forward-thinking leadership and prepare Anaocha for a digital future.
STRONG ALLY OF THE SOLUTION AGENDA
Hon. Rome Ibekwe’s leadership clearly aligns with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The Solution Agenda is about real development, not talk. It is about changing lives from the grassroots. In Anaocha, this agenda is already working.
What the Governor is doing at the state level, Rome Ibekwe has shown he can domesticate at the local level. He understands the vision clearly. More importantly, he knows how to implement it.
WHY ANAMBRA MUST NOT LOSE HIM
Now, the big question is, what should happen to a man who has performed this well?
The answer is simple. Such a person should not be left behind. Such a person should not be ignored. He should be promoted.
The truth is, Hon. Rome Ibekwe has shown competence, capacity, commitment, and results. Anambra State should not miss out on a performer like this.
At a time when the Governor is pushing to deliver more development, what is needed are people who can deliver, people who understand governance and can turn plans into results. Rome Ibekwe is one of such people.
A CASE FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITY
This is why many believe he deserves to serve in a bigger capacity. Whether as part of the State Executive Council or in any position the Governor finds suitable, his experience and performance can add great value. Having proven himself at the grassroots, he should be given a wider platform to do even more.
The truth is, if he can achieve this much in one local government, imagine what he can do at the state level.
For the Solution Agenda to succeed fully, the Governor needs tested hands, not just politicians, but performers. People who do not make noise but produce results. People like Hon. Rome Ibekwe.
When you find a leader who works, you don’t sideline him; you give him more to do.
Anambra needs more results, and leaders like Hon. Rome Ibekwe are the kind of people who can help deliver that future.
