Meet LG Chairman Who Appointed SSAs On Garden Egg, Yam, And Pepper

The Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, Eric Odo, has appointed Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to oversee specific agricultural produce, including yam, garden egg, and pepper.

He appointed Ezeugwu Frederick Ogbonna as the SSA on Yam and Pepper, while Nwodo Everestus Ugonna was assigned as the SSA on Garden Egg and Pepper.

According to their appointment letters dated November 1, both officials have been directed to report to the office of the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA in Ogbede for further briefing and deployment.

The letter addressed to Ezeugwu reads: “I am pleased to inform you that the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman on Agriculture (Yam and Pepper).

You should report to the Executive Chairman’s office in Ogbede for a briefing and deployment.

“It is pertinent to note that this is not a career civil service appointment but a temporary appointment, which you hold at the pleasure of the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA.”

Similarly, Ugonna’s appointment letter states: “I am pleased to inform you that the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman on Agriculture (Garden Egg and Pepper).”

In an update, the LG Chairman, Dr. Eric Odo, faulted negative media reports on his appointment of Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, on Agriculture, Garden, Yam, and Pepper.

Odo said the appointment of SSAs on Agriculture, Garden Egg, Yam, and Pepper was a strategic move to boost the production of the crops in large quantities.

He said it would satisfy local demands and boost exports.

Also, reacting to the public’s reactions, Odo maintained that it was important to point out that Igbo-Etiti do well in growing these crops.

He said they had a great comparative advantage, hence the need to engage individuals who have the competence to develop that aspect of agriculture.

This, he said, was to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support, and expertise to enhance production, improve market access, and increase income for farmers.

According to him, “In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers and opposition, reinforces my determination to create a thriving local economy based on the strengths and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape.”

The chairman added that the decision was a well-thought-out one aimed at enhancing productivity, and job creation, and to uplift farmers and communities in a way that resonates with both short-term and long-term development goals.

He urged the public to disregard any online or offline comment aimed at discrediting the laudable and visionary efforts to reposition and set Igbo-Etiti LGA on the path of massive food production and sustainable development.