The Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Rome Ibekwe, has launched a book titled Vision, Leadership, Service: Building a Greater Anaocha — A Blueprint for Transformative Governance at the Grassroots.
The book, authored by Ibekwe, documents his administration’s vision, experiences, achievements and challenges in providing grassroots leadership in Anaocha.
Speaking during the unveiling, Ibekwe said the publication was inspired by his long-held desire to leave behind an intellectual and documentary legacy for the people of Anaocha.
“I wanted to do more than govern; I wanted to document. I wanted to leave behind a record that would allow the present generation, and generations yet unborn, to understand what we attempted, what we achieved, the challenges we encountered, the decisions we made, and the sacrifices that accompanied them,” Ibekwe said.
The local government chairman explained that the book goes beyond a catalogue of projects, noting that it examines the ideas, decisions, challenges and sacrifices that shaped his administration’s approach to grassroots governance.
Comrade Ibekwe also expressed appreciation to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Anaocha, saying the responsibility enabled him to translate the administration’s broader vision into practical grassroots governance.
In his goodwill message, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, represented by the Director-General of the Dozie Nwankwo Campaign Organisation, Chief Titus Akpudo, commended Ibekwe for the literary initiative.
Chief Nwankwo described the book as a testament to productive leadership and intellectual depth, adding that it offers a practical roadmap for repositioning local government administration.
He also commended Ibekwe for translating his vision into visible developmental strides across Anaocha, noting that the mayor had demonstrated his ideas through what he described as impactful grassroots governance.
Nwankwo urged leaders at all levels to study the principles contained in the book and apply them towards achieving sustainable development.
In there separate remarks, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Aneke, and the state APGA Chairman, Sir Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, acknowledged the depth and relevance of the publication, expressing optimism that it would serve as a useful reference for present and future generations.
They maintained that the publication provides a platform for broader conversations about what is possible when grassroots leadership is anchored on clear objectives and a sustained commitment to development.
Also speaking on the publication, Chief Anthony Ugorji who praised Ibekwe for documenting his thoughts and vision for Anaocha through the publication, noted that the initiative as an important step towards encouraging intellectual engagement around leadership and development at the grassroots.
The unveiling ceremony attracted political stakeholders, community leaders and other prominent personalities, who gathered to witness the presentation of a publication that places the development of Anaocha and the strengthening of grassroots governance at the centre of its message.
