By Sunday Ani
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr Solomon Ogili, has emphasised the importance of empowering grassroots political party executives for effective party organisation and management, leading to successful electioneering and, ultimately, electoral victory.
Dr Ogili spoke on Thursday, June 19, at the PDP Maiden Conference 2025, held under the theme, ‘Empowering Grassroots Party Executives for Strategic and Sustainable Leadership’, at the Local Government Pavilion, Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, with Chief Festus Oshaba, a respected stakeholder and MD/CEO of Ferotex Construction Ltd, as Chairman.
In attendance were Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Government of Enugu State and the keynote speaker; Enugu State PDP Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike; Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Engr Michael Uchenna Ogalla; Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters and founding member of the PDP in Enugu State, Hon Deacon Okey Ogbodo; former SSG to Enugu State Government, Dr Dan Shere; former Enugu SSG and former PDP National Auditor, also the Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Arch Innocent Agbo; Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly and Member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency I, Hon Ejike Jude Eze; and Member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II and Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Hon Clifford Obe.
Others included former Igbo-Eze North Local Government chairmen, Engr Ejike Williams Itodo, Nze Chidi Nwomeh, and Dr Emeka Ukwuaba; former Member of Enugu State House of Assembly and former PDP Zonal Chairman, Enugu North, Rt Hon Mike Onyeze; Secretary to the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area (SLG), Mr Onyekachi Eya; PDP Woman Leader, Enugu North Zone, Hon (Mrs) Ngozi Ezeja; PDP ward chairmen from the 20 wards of Igbo-Eze North; Leader of Igbo-Eze North Legislative Council, Hon Celestine Ali Omeke, and other councillors; and HRH Igwe Chidi Abugu, Chinyereeze I of Umuokoro Autonomous Community and Royal Father of the Day, among others.
In his welcome address, Dr Ogili expressed appreciation for the invaluable contributions of grassroots party leadership to the growth and sustainability of the PDP in Igbo-Eze North, noting that the PDP has always been a party “built on the principles of democracy, inclusion, and the unwavering belief that true leadership originates from the grassroots.”
“The foundation of our great party rests not on the lofty speeches of those in power, but on the diligent work of those who live, breathe, and advocate for the people,” Ogili declared.
“It is often said that a tree cannot grow to heaven unless the roots reach down to hell. This metaphor speaks volumes about the importance of grassroots structures in any organisation, particularly a political party,” he stressed, adding that the conference aimed to awaken members and leaders to the collective imperative of acknowledging the “vital role that our grassroots executives play in shaping the future of our party and the lives of our constituents.”
The Igbo-Eze North PDP Chairman assured his administration’s dedication to “real change” at the grassroots level, disclosing that “over the past few months, we have made significant strides in advancing our party’s presence and influence throughout our local communities.”
“First and foremost, grassroots engagement has been at the heart of our strategy,” Ogili stated. “We believe that true democracy begins with the people. We are working tirelessly to ensure unbroken engagements within our constituencies. Our regular party meetings have helped us maintain a sustained connection with constituents, empowering them to engage with local governance more actively.”
According to Dr Ogili, one positive outcome of such engagements was the party’s reconciliation with some formerly aggrieved members who have since returned to the PDP.
“The new dynamics of our operation in Igbo-Eze North have proven instrumental in shaping our policy proposals and campaign strategies, because we recognise that our strength lies in our ability to listen and respond to the needs of our community. Indeed, power belongs to the people,” he stressed.
Another achievement, Ogili disclosed, is the development of a new party website, which he said would serve as a cornerstone for the party’s future not only in Igbo-Eze North but also in Enugu State and the nation at large.
“In this digital age, having an online presence is not just advantageous; it is essential,” Ogili argued. “In tandem with our determination to have a party of the now and future… our new website is designed to be a dynamic platform for engagement and information sharing, connecting us more closely with our constituents.
“This website will not only showcase our party’s vision, values, and policies but will also serve as a tool for community interaction. We envision features that will allow residents to submit questions, share their ideas, and receive timely updates on our initiatives. It will be a space where transparency reigns, measuring our progress and accountability in real time.”
Ogili emphasised the critical importance of the maiden Igbo-Eze North PDP Conference, explaining that it would enable the party to continue building momentum towards upcoming elections.
“Let us remember that the grassroots remain the bedrock of any democratic society; therefore, our efforts at this level are what will drive our success,” Ogili added. “It is at this level that we feel the pulse of our communities, the real issues affecting our people, and the tangible aspirations of our constituents. As party leaders, it is our responsibility to nurture this vital segment, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to lead effectively, hence this empowerment.
“These grassroots leaders being empowered serve as the bridge between the party and the communities, ambassadors in every nook and cranny of Igbo-Eze North, and when they thrive, our party thrives; when empowered, they are motivated and given a sense of belonging.”
Ogili used the occasion to address the urgent need for a permanent PDP secretariat in Igbo-Eze North LGA, lamenting that the party has operated for years without one, relying on “temporary and borrowed facilities to organise our meetings, coordinate our campaigns, and engage with our community.”
“While we have continued to deliver on our promises under these circumstances, the absence of a proper party secretariat hampers our potential, limits our ability to mobilise grassroots support, limits our outreach efforts, and stifles the innovative ideas that our members bring to the table,” he said.
According to him, a functional secretariat “would empower us to enhance coordination, facilitate community engagement, attract new members, cultivate leadership, improve public relations, and serve as a symbol of our commitment.”
“On this note, I humbly solicit the support of our leaders at all cadres in the State, and Igbo-Eze North in particular, to support us in the building of a party secretariat in Igbo-Eze North LGA, whose building plan has already been prepared and awaits physical implementation,” Ogili appealed.
He also addressed “heightened media conflicts” among party members, warning that while media assistants to party chieftains may have differing perspectives, such differences must not result in conflicts.
“The party, therefore, advises a harmonisation of these media teams to form a synergy to avoid further circulation of misguided and conflicting information to the public,” Ogili said.
He expressed gratitude to Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his “exemplary leadership” that has energised governance at all levels, including party organisation and management.
He also thanked the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon Engr Michael Uchenna Ogalla, for his “progressive” leadership and support for the PDP in the LGA.
“Thank you, Mayor, for providing true and outstanding leadership of the PDP in Igbo-Eze North and diligently following the footsteps of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Thank you, Mayor, for always setting the pace. The PDP family is proud of you,” Ogili said.
He concluded: “In conclusion, let us remember that the strength of the PDP lies not just in our numbers but in how well we empower and uplift one another. As we dedicate ourselves to empowering our grassroots party executives, we are laying the groundwork for a future where true leadership emerges from the hearts of our communities.”
One of the highlights of the occasion was the donation of N3m to the party secretariat appeal fund by the chairman of the occasion, Chief Oshaba, represented by the immediate past Igbo-Eze North Mayor and State Financial Secretary of the PDP, Engr Ejike Itodo. Another philanthropist, Chief Chirote Damian Odo (JP), supported the project with N2m.
