The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed the strategic importance of town unions in grassroots governance, describing them as indispensable partners in community administration, peacebuilding and sustainable local development.
The government also charged Presidents-General of town unions across the state to promote peace in their communities and resist any attempt to use their offices to foment discord or destabilisation.
The charge was given by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, during his maiden official meeting with town union Presidents-General at the ministry in Enugu on Wednesday.
Egumgbe, whose portfolio includes oversight of town unions, said Governor Peter Mbah had mandated the ministry to strengthen traditional and community governance structures in line with the administration’s development agenda.
He explained that the core responsibilities of the ministry include the formulation and implementation of policies on chieftaincy matters, the creation of autonomous communities, village integration, and the establishment and supervision of palace courts for effective dispute resolution.
Other functions, he said, cover the registration and regulation of chieftaincy constitutions, town unions, social clubs and community-based organisations, as well as policies aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and improving community governance.
According to the commissioner, town unions remain central to infrastructure development, social stability and effective grassroots administration across the state.
“There is a need to partner with Governor Peter Mbah, whose political philosophy and governance style have become a visible game-changer in Enugu State. No sector of development is paused,” he said.
Egumgbe described town unions as critical agents of community development, noting that they serve as grassroots administrative and self-regulating structures that promote infrastructure such as roads and schools, maintain social harmony and function effectively as a fourth tier of governance.
He, however, stressed that town union leaders must take responsibility for peace and order in their communities, lamenting the volume of petitions received by the ministry over avoidable communal conflicts.
The commissioner frowned at attempts by some individuals to hijack community leadership without due process or proper stakeholder engagement.
“Presidents-General must ensure peace and tranquillity in their communities. It is time to do the right thing and uphold responsible leadership,” he added, while assuring town unions that the state government would give due consideration to their welfare.
Responding on behalf of the town unions, the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Presidents-General of Town Unions, Hon. Chief Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as visible and far-reaching development across the state.
Ogbodo said the engagement had strengthened the confidence of town union leaders in the ministry and pledged their continued support for the administration’s development agenda.
“This engagement is very important to us. With the new commissioner overseeing the ministry that relates directly with town unions, our confidence has been reinforced. We will continue to support His Excellency to achieve his vision for the people of Enugu State,” he said.
Also speaking, the Presidents-General of Ikpamodo Autonomous Community in Igbo-Eze North LGA, Mr. Christian Ugwuanyi; Okorouba-Ozalla Autonomous Community in Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Chukwunonso Igwe; and Mgbagbu Owa in Ezeagu LGA, Ozo Chibuike Okafor, pledged their support for the commissioner and the Mbah administration.
They praised the governor’s inclusive development approach, noting that key initiatives such as Smart Green Schools and modern healthcare centres were having positive impact across communities and electoral wards in the state.
