Recruit Fresh Blood Now, Local Government Workers Are Getting Old – Anambra Assembly Raises Alarm

By Our Correspondent

Anambra’s grassroots governance is on the brink of a crisis – because the people running it are simply too old!

This warning came from the Anambra State House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee during a review of the 2024 audited accounts.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Noble Igwe, raised the alarm, stating,“You can hardly find anyone in the local government system with 20 years of service left. If we don’t bring in young people fast, our councils could collapse!”

The bleak assessment highlights the risk facing the state’s 21 local government areas, where an ageing workforce is dominating the system, leaving little room for fresh ideas or energy.

Hon. Igwe called for urgent recruitment of vibrant young professionals to fill looming manpower gaps and inject innovation into grassroots governance.

He also recommended regular training, workshops and seminars for existing staff to boost skills and productivity.

“Continuous training is vital to improving productivity and aligning our local government system with global best practices,” he said.

The review session further examined the financial performance of local councils, with the committee stressing transparency, fiscal discipline and accountability in the use of public funds.

The committee’s full report is expected to be presented to the House in the coming weeks, paving the way for possible legislative action aimed at revitalizing local government administration across the state.