By Olisemeka Sony

Umuoba Anam Community in Anambra East Local Government Area has formally submitted a request to the Anambra State Government, urging it to prioritize the construction of teachers’ quarters, a school clinic and a modern civic centre in the state’s 2027 fiscal budget.

The decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Umuoba Anam Town Hall, Otuocha, where the Town Union Executive, members of the royal cabinet and other community leaders unanimously agreed on the projects as the community’s most pressing development needs.

The meeting was presided over by the President-General of Umuoba Anam Town Union, Hon. Uchenna Anizor, while the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe George Obalum Ekwealor (Oba Agu II), was represented by the Onowu, Dr. John Oguegbunam.

The submission comes in response to a directive issued by the Anambra State Government in a letter dated July 13, 2026, requesting all Presidents-General of Town Unions to forward their communities’ priority projects for inclusion in the 2027 budget before the July 28, 2026 deadline.

Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Anizor said the selected projects were carefully chosen because they address critical gaps affecting education, healthcare and community development.

“One of the major challenges facing Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, is the lack of decent accommodation for teachers. Providing teachers’ quarters will improve staff welfare and ultimately enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the school,” he said.

He stressed that the absence of a health facility within the school also poses a significant challenge to both staff and students.

“We also identified the need for a school clinic because access to healthcare is essential for the wellbeing of teachers and students. A functional clinic will ensure prompt medical attention whenever the need arises.”

Anizor further noted that the community urgently requires a civic centre to serve as a venue for youth empowerment programmes, community engagements and other developmental activities.

“Our community also has an urgent need for a modern civic centre that will serve as a hub for youth development and community activities. We strongly believe that when our hardworking governor addresses these three critical needs, especially those that directly impact our young people, Umuoba Anam will be taking a significant step towards sustainable development.”

Community leaders expressed optimism that the Anambra State Government would give favourable consideration to the requests, describing the proposed projects as strategic investments capable of improving education, healthcare delivery and social development in Umuoba Anam.