Enugwu-Agidi’s remarkable transformation: From insecurity to sustained development

For years, Enugwu-Agidi struggled under the weight of widespread insecurity and infrastructural neglect. Illegal land grabbing disrupted the community’s peace, with earth-moving machines altering ancient landmarks without regard for tradition or authorization.

Community members lived in fear as kidnapping incidents became almost daily occurrences, shaking the very foundation of town life.

Former President General Hon. Ndubisi Obijiofor recalls those difficult times characterized by reactive measures that failed to quell the escalating violence.

He said: “Back then, there was no formal system in place to check illegal land sales or effectively curb banditry.”

Although there were attempts at maintaining order, the lack of institutional frameworks meant the town was vulnerable to land dispossession and security breaches.

Then came a turning point in 2022, with the emergence of President General Ebuka Onuorah. His administration swiftly addressed these problems with a seriousness that hadn’t been seen before.

A landmark reform was the creation of a Land Committee designed to oversee and validate all land transactions.

This ensured that property sales went through proper family and village approvals before the committee’s final vetting, effectively halting unlawful land grabs that once devastated families and communal heritage.

Beyond land issues, PG Onuorah took direct action against crime by actively participating in patrols and deploying security cameras throughout the town.

These hands-on efforts have paid off, reducing kidnappings and community hazards to manageable levels.

A community stakeholder, Hon. Nebolisa Amaku, describes it as a complete shift from past approaches.

“What we see now is proactive, deliberate security governance, not just reaction when trouble arises,” he says.

In infrastructure, Enugwu-Agidi had long depended on external funding for development projects, a situation lamented by leaders like Hon. Barrister Clem Aguiyi, Mayor of Njikoka LGA.

“Previous administrations could not launch major internally funded projects. We relied on goodwill and donor projects, which limited our ability to grow sustainably,” Aguiyi explains.

PG Onuorah changed this narrative by completing and modernizing the long-abandoned Community Secretariat Complex, a landmark effort that signals a broader commitment to good governance.

There was also the upgrading of critical roads, such as the stretch from Enugwu-Agidi Junction to Ugwu Ogwu, facilitating smoother transportation and commerce.

New additions like the Mkpasalaku Bridge and the city gate have become symbols of the town’s progress and unity.

Administrative reforms have followed suit.

While earlier leaders struggled to keep governance structures viable, Onuorah revitalized the Secretariat and town halls, providing updated, functional spaces for community affairs.

Amaku notes that this modernization is essential for transparency and deeper civic engagement.

Social welfare, often overlooked in the past, has received fresh attention.

Prior to 2022, systematic support for vulnerable groups; especially widows displaced by land encroachment, was virtually nonexistent.

Onuorah’s introduction of monthly stipends for indigent community members marks a first in Enugwu-Agidi’s communal history, offering a vital safety net and showing genuine concern for those in need.

Looking back, there is recognition among stakeholders that previous leaders made important contributions, especially in maintaining some level of peace under difficult conditions and attracting external funds.

However, these efforts often went unnoticed or undervalued.

Today, the community sees PG Ebuka Onuorah’s leadership as both transformative and resilient.

Despite facing over 34 fabricated petitions and court cases aimed at undermining his administration, his government continues to deliver tangible results and push the town forward.

Aligning with Governor Soludo’s youth empowerment initiative by launching a skills acquisition state of emergency, Onuorah is securing the future for Enugwu-Agidi’s younger generations.

The story of Enugwu-Agidi is no longer one of crisis, but of purposeful development and hope.

As the town’s infrastructure strengthens and social programs deepen, its residents look forward to lasting peace and prosperity under committed and visionary leadership.