Mr. Stephen Nwogha, Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area (LGA) in Ebonyi State, has announced a new policy requiring the National Identification Number (NIN) and other relevant personal data as mandatory prerequisites for renting apartments within the council.
The directive, disclosed during a Wednesday briefing on his two-year tenure, aims to bolster security and reduce crime rates across the region.
Nwogha emphasized that the measure is a cornerstone of the council’s aggressive stance against crime and criminality.
“We are committed to fighting crime head-on,” he stated, highlighting ongoing collaborations with security agencies, including the police and the army, to maintain safety in Abakaliki.
The NIN requirement is expected to enhance traceability and accountability, deterring potential criminal activities by ensuring tenant identities are verified.Beyond security, Nwogha outlined significant strides in infrastructure and socio-economic development.
In response to a recent cholera outbreak, the council successfully contained the disease by providing potable water through newly dug boreholes in rural communities.
To combat open defecation, toilets were constructed in public spaces such as markets, schools, and communities, accompanied by awareness campaigns.
“We’ve worked to ensure our people have access to clean water and proper sanitation,” Nwogha noted.
The council has also prioritized infrastructure, constructing roads, bridges, and lock-up shops to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In a bid to tackle unemployment, approximately 1,000 youths have been trained in various vocational skills and provided with starter packs to foster self-reliance.
“These initiatives are designed to reduce unemployment and decongest the streets,” the chairman explained, urging youths to leverage federal, state, and local government job creation programs.
Nwogha’s administration has also made strides in health, education, and agriculture, positioning Abakaliki LGA as a hub of progress. He called on residents to support these policies, emphasizing that collective engagement is key to sustainable development and security.
