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The National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Anani Hamisu Mohammed, has outlined major outcomes from the 52nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association, which took place on July 16–17, 2025, at Zuma Hill Resort, Niger State.

Addressing journalists at the close of the high-level gathering, Hon. Mohammed—who also serves as the Executive Chairman of Wasa Local Government Area in Plateau State—emphasized the NEC’s renewed commitment to grassroots development, enhanced primary healthcare delivery, strategic partnerships, and local government reform.

ALGON Mourns National and Local Heroes

The meeting commenced with a solemn tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari. “His passing is a great national loss,” Hon. Anani stated, noting Buhari’s historic support for local government autonomy and development. ALGON also paid respects to two fallen chairmen—Hon. Lawal Yau’u of Gumel LGA (Jigawa State) and Hon. Aminu Hamidu of Bakori LGA (Katsina State)—honoring their service to their communities.

Engr. Ikenna Adikibe Elected Deputy National President

A major highlight of the NEC meeting was the election of Hon. Engr. Ikenna Adikibe, Executive Chairman of Oru West LGA in Imo State, as ALGON’s new Deputy National President. His appointment fills a long-standing vacancy in the national leadership.

Hon. Mohammed praised the decision, describing Engr. Adikibe as “a seasoned administrator with over 30 years of experience in governance and capacity building, whose expertise will align perfectly with ALGON’s reform agenda.”

In his acceptance remarks, Engr. Adikibe thanked Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, ALGON President Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Chief Odunayo Ategbero, and all members of the NEC and staff for their trust. He pledged loyalty and results-oriented service to the Association and its members.

Embracing Digital Healthcare at the Grassroots

Hon. Anani announced that the NEC approved the rollout of a digital primary healthcare management system across all 774 Local Government Areas. This system will focus on improving governance, financing, accountability, and citizen engagement in healthcare delivery.

“This is a groundbreaking move,” he said, “and it reflects our determination to modernize healthcare at the grassroots level in partnership with stakeholders, including the Office of the Vice President, NPHCDA, UNICEF, and other development agencies.”

Strengthening Private Sector Collaboration

ALGON’s NEC also resolved to deepen collaboration with the private sector through best-practice Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the expansion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The aim, according to Hon. Mohammed, is to mobilize additional resources and innovation for healthcare and social service delivery.

Reinforcing the Role of Local Governments

The NEC reaffirmed the capacity of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Councils to deliver effective governance, public services, and community development at the third tier of government. “ALGON remains committed to promoting leadership, accountability, and constitutional relevance at the local level,” Hon. Mohammed stressed.

The meeting concluded with the formal adoption of the NEC communiqué and a renewed resolve by ALGON to lead reforms from the bottom up, guided by inclusiveness, digital innovation, and strategic collaboration.

With these resolutions, the 52nd ALGON NEC meeting marks a major step forward in strengthening the role of local governments in national development and improving the lives of citizens across Nigeria.

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