Uhunmwode Records Major Development Milestones As Austin Imafidon Marks 10 Months In Office
The Acting Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Hon. Austin Imafidon, popularly known as ISIWINA, has recorded significant achievements across infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and environmental sanitation within ten months of assuming office, reinforcing his administration's commitment to grassroots development.
Despite operating with limited internally generated revenue (IGR) and relying largely on monthly statutory allocations, the administration has embarked on a series of projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents across the ten wards of the local government area.
Widely known as the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Coast Electricals, Imafidon entered public service with a reputation as a successful entrepreneur, bringing private-sector experience in financial management, accountability, and efficient resource utilization into local government administration.
Security and Institutional Strengthening
To improve security operations, the council rehabilitated the Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the Ehor Police Division, enhancing mobility for law enforcement officers.
The administration also renovated the Uhunmwode Council Secretariat, modernised the Legislative Quarters, constructed a functional water system within the secretariat complex, and equipped offices in both the executive and legislative arms with new furniture and office fittings.
In further demonstration of its commitment to staff welfare, the council renovated the NYSC Corps Members' Lodge (popularly known as Aso Rock), introduced monthly fuel support for the staff bus, distributed food items and New Year gifts to workers, and provided an official Toyota Camry vehicle for the Office of the Vice Chairman.
Rural Road Revolution
Road rehabilitation has emerged as one of the administration's most notable accomplishments.
Within ten months, the council graded and sand-filled more than forty major roads and numerous inter-link roads spread across virtually all communities in Uhunmwode.
Among the roads rehabilitated are Pipeline Road, Eyean; Idumwowina Road; Old Road, Urhokhuosa; Primary School Road, Urhokhuosa; Oguedion-Udeni Road; Youth Road; Keke Street; Jehovah Road, Ikhueniro; Anetor Street; Ewere Street; Odionwere Street; Hon. Ogbewe Street; Okezee-Irighon Road; Market Road, Okezee; Aduhanmhan Inter-link Roads; Okuekpen Road; Ekhornuwaya Roads; Ugonoba Old Road; Ugoneki Old Road; Ugbayon Old Road; Ugomoson Old Road; Ugomoson Health Centre Road; Emuhun Road; Igbogiri Market Road; Evbuosawe Roads; Uvbe-Egbede Roads; Evbogho Road; Iguesogban Road; Iguezomon Road; Izighiri Central Road; Izighiri Inter-link Roads; Igueole Streets; Ilobi Old Road; Ilobi-Ekae-Iguezomon Road; Obanisi Road; Ike-Okhuokhuo Road; Okhuokhuo-Ike-Uvbiemsi Road; Okhuokhuo-Isievbe-Oghada Road; and Ugieghudu Old Road, among others.
Residents say the projects have improved transportation, boosted agricultural activities, eased movement, and enhanced commercial activities across the local government.
Education and Infrastructure
The council constructed a modern six-classroom block with toilet facilities at Azagba Community, providing pupils with a more conducive learning environment.
To improve electricity supply, transformers were installed in Ugbezee Community and Orior Ozolua Community, restoring power to several communities and stimulating local economic activities.
The administration also distributed textbooks to more than 87 public primary schools across the local government to improve teaching and learning.
Healthcare and Environmental Sanitation
In the health sector, the Eyean Health Centre was renovated to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, while the council continued to support routine immunisation and polio vaccination campaigns.
Environmental sanitation also received attention through the demolition of illegal structures along Idokpa Bypass and the evacuation of refuse dumps that had accumulated for over six years at Ehor Market, with additional phases of waste evacuation carried out to sustain cleanliness.
Youth Empowerment and Sports Development
As part of its human capital development agenda, the council sponsored 60 youths for professional automobile mechanic training under the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
An additional 25 youths received free training in computer graphics design and printing technology, with beneficiaries also receiving transportation and feeding allowances throughout the programme.
The administration further sponsored Uhunmwode Scout members to participate in the Edo State Scout Camporee, while the successful organisation of the ISIWINA Gold Cup Football Competition provided a platform for discovering young football talents and promoting peace and unity among communities.
Community Security
To strengthen grassroots security, the council recruited and employed over 300 vigilante personnel to complement conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property across the local government.
Governance Built on Fiscal Discipline
Observers attribute the administration's achievements to prudent financial management, transparency, and strategic planning.
Rather than allowing limited revenue to hinder development, the Imafidon-led administration has focused on prioritising projects with direct impact on the lives of residents while ensuring value for public funds.
Ten months into office, Hon. Austin Imafidon's administration continues to project a model of grassroots governance anchored on accountability, innovation, and efficient resource management. The projects executed across Uhunmwode Local Government Area have positioned the council as one focused on delivering practical development despite financial constraints, reflecting the administration's commitment to improving the welfare of its people.
