Oghe Town Hall, June 22, 2025 — The Oghe Social Development Association (OSDA) recently hosted a highly engaging Political Dialogue Forum at the Oghe Town Hall, responding to increasing community interest in local governance and development. The forum brought together elected officials, community activists, youth representatives, and residents for an open and constructive discussion on pressing issues affecting the Oghe people.
A Platform for Open Dialogue and Accountability
The forum was convened with the goal of fostering transparency and accountability between political leaders and the community they serve. OSDA chairman, Chief Emeka Nwosu, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in governance.
“Good governance begins with dialogue,” Chief Nwosu stated. “Our community deserves leaders who listen and act on the needs of the people. This forum is a step toward building that trust.”
Key Issues Discussed
Participants engaged in lively discussions on a range of topics critical to the community’s well-being:
- Education Funding: Concerns were raised about the state of local schools, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teaching materials, and the need for better teacher training. Political representatives acknowledged these challenges and outlined plans to lobby for increased budget allocations and partnerships with NGOs to improve educational facilities.
- Environmental Protection: With Oghe’s natural environment facing threats from illegal logging and waste management issues, activists called for stronger environmental policies and community-led conservation efforts. Officials promised to enforce existing regulations and explore sustainable development initiatives.
- Youth Inclusion in Decision-Making: Recognizing the vital role of youth in shaping the future, the forum stressed the need for greater youth representation in local councils and advisory boards. Several young attendees shared their experiences of marginalization and expressed hope that political leaders would create more inclusive platforms.
Promises and Commitments from Leaders
Several elected officials present at the forum made concrete commitments to address the community’s concerns. Honorable Chukwuma Eze, representing Oghe Central Senatorial District, pledged to prioritize education and youth empowerment in his upcoming policy agenda.
“We hear your voices loud and clear,” Hon. Eze said. “I commit to working with OSDA and other stakeholders to ensure that our schools are better funded and that young people have a seat at the table.”
Similarly, Honorable Ifeoma Okonkwo, a local government councilor, promised to champion environmental sustainability projects and support community clean-up campaigns.
Community Reactions and Future Engagement
Residents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with their leaders. “It is encouraging to see our concerns taken seriously,” said Mrs. Nneka Ude, a community activist. “We hope this forum becomes a regular event to keep the dialogue ongoing.”
OSDA announced plans to hold follow-up forums and establish a community monitoring committee to track the progress of commitments made during the dialogue.
Conclusion
The Political Dialogue Forum marks a significant step toward strengthening democratic governance and community participation in Oghe. By creating a space for honest conversation and accountability, OSDA is helping to build a more responsive and inclusive political environment that prioritizes the needs of all Oghe people.
