It was George Patton who once noted that “a good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”
It is with the above incisive quote that I welcome this reader to the numerous accomplishments of Hon. Engr. (Prince). Williams Ejike Itodo, the Executive Chairman of Igboeze North local government area of Enugu state, within one year in office.
Leadership called at Hon. Engr.(Prince). Ejike Itodo’s door steps very early in life, following his birth into the royal family of Igwe Osisi Itodo of Essodo Kingdom, whose role and contributions in the growth and development of his immediate community and local government area at large, is second to none.
And this could be why it was very easy for the young Mayor to settle into the business of governance upon his inauguration, having cut his teeth in the rigorous and daunting task of leading a local government as vast in the game of politics as Igboeze North LGA.
However, following his Victory at the poll and eventual swearing-in as Executive Chairman of Igboeze North LGA of Enugu state on the 2nd day of March, 2020, Hon. Engr.(Prince). Ejike Williams Itodo, Intelligent, energetic, innovative, creative and urbane swung into actions, and even spearheaded a charge that has culminated in the overall development of the Council area, in a manner that has continued to wow his onlookers.
Without dwelling much on emphasis, it is important at this juncture to state very emphatically that the young and brilliant council boss has within his one year in office, defied the daunting effects of covid-19 on global economy to write his name in the sand of history, as one who came, saw and is conquering.
Immediately after he was sworn in as council chair, Hon. (Prince).Engr. Itodo like the hurricane he is, began Maintenance of potholes along MCC road with asphalt; and from this standpoint, everybody in the LGA came to terms with the realisation that the biblical Daniel has come to jugement in the council area.
Howbeit, while the highly elated people of the LGA were cheering the good works being executed by the new LG boss, the council chair started and also completed rehabilitation of laboratory block at community Secondary school, Amachalla, just as he also initiative and finished reconstruction of class room block at CS Nkpor Umuida as well as ensured Construction of drainage system along Japan road before the intervention of state government.
He didn’t stop there, the young Engr. rehabilitated Isiugwu borehole, Completed class room block at migrant primary school Aji, ensured rehabilitation of Borehole at Community Secondary, Umuogbuagu, Enugu-Ezike as well as initiated and has deployed every necessary logistics needed for the completion of Umuagama health center (which is still ongoing)
His other projects which remain indelible in the sand of history include his Completion of Umuogboagu borehole, Opening up and grading of some roads such as Umuogbo ekposhi – ettechi road, Umuogbo ekposhi – Igbelle road, Construction of security office at inyi and Umuogbo ulo – Ufodo- Isiugwu- Umuopu- road.
The young mayor would be further remembered for his construction of major roads in the LGA which include INEC- Imufu road, Onitsha Enugu – Igbo-Eze Secondary school road, Igogoro- Okpo road, Ette roads, Umuokoro Inyi – Ikpuiga road, Ikpuga- Ikpamodo road, Ikpuga market- ogbiko market road and Ugbaike road.
His other signature projects within one year in office are as follows – construction of Amamu road in Ikpuga, construction of Imufu road, construction of security office at Inyi, rehabilitation of Health Post at Umuagama Autonomous Community, Enugu-Ezike and so on.
Indeed, “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” —John Maxwell had opined long ago.
We are no doubt, very grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the gift of Hon. Engr. Ejike Williams Itodo who is making us proud in the LGA, as a Council boss who is following the footsteps of his principal and our Governor.
Thank you, Engr. Itodo. The good work must continue as your people are solidly behind you.
Udaya Henry Obinna is a public affairs analyst. He wrote from Umuida Enugu Ezike, Enugu State.
By Henry Obinna