By Ijoo Bosco
The election of a new leadership for the Ifwotu community in Torit County has raised fresh hopes for stronger unity, peacebuilding and development after a prolonged period without an active community administration.
Advocate Ajo Onyo Ohisa has been elected chairperson of the Ifwotu community, with Martine Okudo as his deputy.
The new leadership is expected to strengthen coordination among community members, local authorities and other stakeholders in addressing issues affecting the community.
Other elected officials include Hellen Ikang as women’s leader, deputised by Asunta Taban Franco, while Oyom Charles becomes secretary, assisted by Hellen Illam Sam.
Apostle Odong Louis was elected youth leader, with Akecha Ivan Augustine as his deputy. Okilek Augustine will serve as information officer, deputised by Dominic Oyom, while Clement John takes charge as finance officer, assisted by Martine Ohide.
The leadership was elected during a community general assembly held at Igele Farms on Sunday, in an exercise witnessed by representatives from Iyire, Himodongo, Lowoi and Ofiriha Payams.
Chairperson of the electoral committee, Steven Rufo, commended community members for conducting what he described as a peaceful and orderly election.
Rufo encouraged residents to preserve the spirit of peaceful participation, saying the election could provide a model for other Payams seeking to establish accountable and representative community leadership.
The new women’s leader, Hellen Ikang, called on women to become more actively involved in community affairs and participate in initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents across the Payams.
In his acceptance remarks, Chairperson Ajo Onyo Ohisa thanked the community for entrusting him and his team with leadership responsibilities.
He pledged to build an organised and responsive administration capable of addressing community concerns and promoting peace, unity and development.
Advocate Ajo also urged Boma chiefs to strengthen their administrative structures and maintain functional offices, warning that leaders who fail to perform their responsibilities would face appropriate action.
Meanwhile, Angela Ajana Pio, an Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly representative for Ifwotu Payam, welcomed the election and expressed hope that the new leadership would improve communication between the community and government.
She said stronger community leadership could help ensure that the concerns and priorities of Ifwotu residents are effectively communicated to government authorities.
With the new administration now in place, attention turns to how the leadership will translate its promises into practical action, particularly in strengthening community unity, promoting peace and advancing development across Ifwotu.