By Rommy Imah
When Chief Sunny Afurobi assumed office as the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, on November 4, 2024, he was under no illusion about the enormity of the task before him. What he met on the ground was a council that had lost its vitality, a place defined by decay, disillusionment, and disconnection from the people it was meant to serve.
Yet, one year down the line, the story of Umunneochi is no longer one of neglect or abandonment. It is now a story of rebirth, resilience, and renewal, all driven by the vision, discipline, and determination of one man whose passion for service has reawakened hope in the hearts of Ndi Umunneochi.
“Do Not Weigh Me by the Height, but by the Width…”
Chief Sunny Afurobi often draws inspiration from a simple but profound quotation he first encountered early in life. During his youth service days, after taking up employment at a company in Nnewi known as Vivian Biscuits, he noticed an inscription on the office wall that left an indelible mark on his spirit. It read: “Do not weigh me by the height with which I have risen, but by the width with which I have spread my influence and touched lives.”
That timeless quotation has since become his life’s compass. It perfectly captures the philosophy behind his leadership in Umunneochi, a leadership that measures success not by titles or tenure, but by tangible impact and the number of lives uplifted.
Over the past 365 days, Chief Afurobi has spread his influence far and wide, breathing new life into communities, reviving infrastructure, restoring workers’ morale, and rekindling public confidence in local governance.
From Hopelessness to Hope Restored
When Chief Afurobi stepped into the council headquarters for the first time as Mayor, the sight before him was heartbreaking. The administrative complex, meant to be the engine room of local governance, was in ruins. Roofs leaked, the environment was unkempt, power supply was non-existent, and workers were demoralized.
“I met a local government in darkness, literally and figuratively. The morale was low, the facilities were dead, and hope had vanished. I knew we had to begin from the basics: light, water, dignity,” the Mayor once recalled.
True to his word, his first action was to revive the infrastructural backbone of the Council. Within weeks, major renovations began, leaking roofs were repaired, offices refurbished, internal roads rehabilitated, and power restored.
Today, the once desolate Umunneochi LGA headquarters now stands as a model of administrative renewal. There is 24-hour electricity powered by a 75KV solar inverter system, steady water supply, and a digitized work environment supported by Starlink Internet service, one of the most reliable broadband providers globally.
Offices now have ceiling fans and computer systems, while workers enjoy a clean, connected, and comfortable workspace that inspires productivity.
For added security, 360-degree solar-powered CCTV cameras have been installed within the council headquarters and at five other strategic points, all linked to a central monitoring control room. “Our goal,” the Mayor explained, “is to build a safe, efficient, and transparent system of governance. The people must see that government can work.”
The Council Hall, once a shadow of its purpose, has also been refitted and furnished to a standard befitting of a modern local government headquarters. Visitors and staff now testify that the difference between the “before” and “after” is like night and day.
The Fierce Battle that Tested His Resolve
Barely two months into his tenure, Chief Afurobi faced what would become one of the fiercest political storms of his career. About six dissident councillors, allegedly backed by some self-styled political godfathers, launched an attempt to destabilize his administration and seize control of the local government’s political machinery. It was a defining moment, a test of character and leadership.
But rather than bow to intimidation, Afurobi chose focus over fury. He stood firm, continued working, and allowed his results to speak louder than the noise of his detractors. His calm composure in the face of political turbulence won him admiration and respect across Umunneochi.
“Leadership is not about reacting to noise. It’s about consistency, patience, and visible progress,” he once told reporters.
Today, those who once doubted his resolve are witnesses to the enduring truth that purpose-driven leadership always triumphs over politics.
Operation Light Up Umunneochi
Perhaps no initiative has been more symbolic of the Afurobi administration than the “Operation Light Up Umunneochi” project.
Under this scheme, 140 solar-powered streetlights have been installed across 12 strategic locations in the LGA, including Leru–Spiritan University–Lomara road, Leru–Ndiawa road, Ahor Umuaku market square, Nkwo Mbala, Nkwoagu–Eke Isuochi, and Nkwoagu–Ngodo road, among others.
The result? A brighter, safer, and more economically active Umunneochi. The once dark and unsafe roads now sparkle at night, and residents can move freely and trade confidently even after sunset.
One resident, Gracebond32, captured the public mood in a social media post: “Follow who know road! The Ndiawa–Leru axis illuminated under Light Up Umunneochi project. One can now ply the route at night without fear of attack.”
Plans are also underway to complement the lighting project with CCTV installations at major intersections, creating a digital layer of community policing across the LGA.
Recognizing the importance of reliable electricity, the Afurobi administration focused on restoring power in several areas, repairing vandalized transformers, and installing new ones. The Mayor has continued to work with collaboratively with the EEDC and other electricity stakeholders to ensure that Umunneochi enjoys steady power supply.
Infrastructure Renewal: Connecting Communities
From road rehabilitation to culvert construction, Umunneochi’s physical landscape has been transformed within one year. The key projects include:
- Refilling and grading of Umukparo–Umuerim road with granite and laterite.
- Construction of new culverts at Obilikpa Eziama Nneato and Ndiawa road.
- Massive culvert construction at Akpugo Umumeze and Amuda Isuochi.
- Drainage and erosion control works at Umuelem.
- Completion of a major bridge at Umuokpara Achara Isuochi, one of the most durable in this part of the State.
The Nkwoagu roundabout and Bus Stop have been renovated, with more bus shelters lined up for facelift in coming months. Roadside clearing in all four zones of the LGA has been completed, improving visibility and aesthetics.
“These are not cosmetic projects,” says the Mayor. “They are strategic, community-driven, and built to last.”
Driving Digital Transformation in Governance
One of the most innovative aspects of Chief Afurobi’s administration is his commitment to digital governance. His administration has procured modern computers, printers, and digital equipment to streamline documentation and enhance service delivery.
The Council has begun the process of street naming and numbering, data documentation of motorcycle and tricycle operators, and the creation of a security database across all autonomous communities.
By investing in technology, Afurobi is positioning Umunneochi as a forward-looking local government that embraces transparency and efficiency.
Agriculture and Economic Revitalization
Determined to make agriculture the backbone of local prosperity, Chief Afurobi’s administration has distributed 1,000 stems of improved cassava varieties to farmers across Umunneochi.
The next phase of this agricultural revolution includes the establishment of:
A large-scale piggery covering 22 plots of land, equipped with a feed mill and capacity for 2,000 mature pigs at a time.
A 20-hectare cassava farm and processing center to produce “Umunneochi Dry Garri” — a proudly local brand aimed at value addition and job creation.
“We want to create wealth from the soil,” the Mayor explained. “Those who give land will partner with government under profit-sharing agreements. Everyone must benefit, that is how development becomes sustainable.”
The administration’s plan to establish four new evening markets at Nneato, Lekwesi, Ngodo, and Mbala, will further strengthen rural commerce. Each market will have solar power, boreholes, and conveniences to encourage safe night-time trading and boost microeconomic activities.
Youth Development, Creativity, and Tech Empowerment
For Chief Afurobi, the youth are the heartbeat of Umunneochi’s future. His administration has prioritized capacity building, entrepreneurship, and creative industry revival.
In collaboration with the Abia State Government, the LGA successfully trained 30 youths in ICT under the TechRise 1 initiative. Another 50 young people are currently undergoing TechRise 2 training in Aba, complete with accommodation, feeding, and free laptops upon completion.
Graduates of the programme are expected to establish their own ICT ventures or apply their skills in productive employment.
Beyond technology, the Mayor has also invested in creative youth engagement through the Umunneochi Nollywood Project, an initiative designed to tell local stories and nurture entertainment talents. Although the first phase suffered setbacks due to fund mismanagement, the Mayor has pledged to revive it “in a more strategic and sustainable way.”
“Our young people are gifted. We will give them platforms to express their talents, create jobs, and make Umunneochi a hub of creativity and innovation,” he affirmed.
Security and Peacebuilding
Security remains a cornerstone of the Afurobi administration. Beyond the installation of streetlights and CCTV cameras, construction is underway for a major security operational base in Zone 2 of the local government, strategically positioned to monitor border incursions and coordinate rapid response teams.
Through synergy with traditional rulers, community vigilantes, and security agencies, the Mayor has fostered a culture of vigilance, making Umunneochi one of the safest LGAs in Abia State.
“Security is the oxygen of development. Without safety, nothing else thrives,” he often says.
Voices of the People: Testimonies of Transformation
As Umunneochi marks this milestone, residents have not held back their admiration and gratitude for their Mayor’s commitment and results.
“May God continue to grant you wisdom to lead Umunneochi LGA to greater heights. The lighting initiative going around the LGA is a huge success, sir.” — NwaSouth
“Follow who knows road. Ndiawa–Leru axis illuminated under Light Up Umunneochi project. One can now ply the route at night without fear of attack.” — Gracebond32
“Independent video clips, pictures, and testimonies have proved that these projects are real. Some may hate him for not sharing political cake, but the truth is, his integrity and resolve to develop Umunneochi are unmatched.” — Basil Madu JP
“This is the ongoing culvert at Ohii Stream connecting Obilikpa and Ikpabu in Eziama Agbor. Mayor Afurobi is truly working for his people.” — Rev. Promise Ekeledirichukwu Nwankwo
“Posterity and heaven will reward you, the people’s Mayor, for all you are doing for us. Jisie ike!” — Anonymous Resident
These heartfelt voices reflect a community that sees and feels governance in action, not as promises, but as reality.
A Mayor with a Mission
Despite challenges and distractions, Chief Sunny Afurobi remains unshaken in his mission to transform Umunneochi. His leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with the development agenda of the Abia State Government, which emphasizes grassroots empowerment and people-centred governance.
“My desire is to make a great difference in line with what our Governor is doing in the state. At the end of our tenure, my team and I want to look back and say: indeed, we worked, and our work spoke for the people,” he declared.
A Year of Renewal, A Legacy in the Making
One year may seem short, but in the history of Umunneochi, the first year of Chief Sunny Afurobi’s administration will be remembered as the year of rebirth, when governance became visible, hope was rekindled, and public trust was restored.
From infrastructure to agriculture, from digital governance to youth empowerment, from security to commerce, the Mayor has set a pace that will define the future of the LGA for years to come.
As the people celebrate this first anniversary, one truth shines clear: Chief Sunny Afurobi has not only risen to the height of leadership, he has spread his influence wide, touching lives and transforming destinies.
And in that, the words he once read on a wall in Nnewi ring true again: he is a leader not measured by position, but by impact.
**Rommy Imah, an indigene of Umunneochi LGA, is a Lagos-based development journalist