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• As he received 4th Estate Reporters team on project tour
… Commended for good governance
While the conservatives may be of the opinion that 100 days is too a short period to judge the performance or otherwise of any governments, nevertheless, there are a few elected government functionaries who have demonstrated tenacity by hitting the ground running immediately after assumption of office. Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, no doubt, is among them. And in his unwavering commitment to implementing people- oriented projects, policies, and programs aimed at redefining local government administration in the Niger Delta region; on Monday, January 20, 2025, played host to members of 4th Estate Reporters, a team of independent and investigative developmental news reporters on a significant facility tour to commemorate the occasion marking his 100 days in office.
The engaged facility tour anchored by a Nigerian media expert, public analyst, and publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, as he was conducted round the various ongoing projects initiated by the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Boss, Chijioke Ihunwo, as a testament to his commitment to execution of people – oriented projects, stewardship, and accountability.
Presenting a scorecard of his achievements; the youthful and useful council chairman, Ihunwo, reiterated the commitment of his administration to serve the people of Obio/Akpor and not to be served, as he remains focused on performance, service delivery, unalloyed solidarity to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and inclusive leadership.
The facility tour which captured very prominently a number of ongoing projects as members of 4th Estate Reporters were taken to the construction site of the first-ever Chairman’s lodge, including administrative block with state of the art facilities which after completion, shall replace the old one built in 1999 by Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In his avowed efforts to ensure proficiency and effective service delivery during official assignments while saving them the stress and embarrassment of dragging public transport with regular commutters, the performance -driven Council Chairman, Chief Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, donated over 20 brand new utility cars to the vice chairman, principal officers, as well as elected councillors of Obio Akpor LGA, recording a historic first for the council. A pace which he set among elected council chairmen across the state, as others now follow suit.
Marking a significant milestone in encouraging academic pursuits and celebrating outstanding achievements in education, research, and innovation, the Council Chairman, Ihunwo, within his 100 days in office launched an Education Sholarship Fund for Rivers State students struggling to pay tuition fees in Nigerian universities as the sum of N300,000 to N500,000 will be given to such students to help ease the financial burden on their parents. Other educational and youth empowerment programs include purchasing JAMB forms for underprivileged students, offering N500,000 grants to high-performing Master’s and Ph.D students, and the establishment of an Employment Bureau to streamline job opportunities with IOC’s
He also announced an initiative to provide free Jamb enrollment/CTB classes for both indigenes and non-indigenes in Obio/Akpor local government who are interested in taking the exams. This initiative, according to the Council Chairman, aims to support students in their preparation for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam, a crucial step in their academic journey; offering valuable opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and skills in preparation for the JAMB examination. And by providing free classes, the Chijioke Ihunwo led Administration is ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder any students from accessing quality education and exam preparation resources, as this is very essential for students to be well-prepared for the exam to increase their chances of success and secure admission into their desired institutions.
He however, announced other community- driven projects such as the construction of a women’s center at SARS Road, which will serve as both a conference hub for women and a revenue generator for the local government council. In addressing power challenges, Ihunwo announced the distribution and installation of transformers across various communities in Obio/Akpor to improve electricity supply. Additionally, a town hall meeting was planned to gather community feedbacks on pressing concerns.
Meanwhile , in a bold move to improve security, Ihunwo disbanded the OSPAC vigilante group while steps are taken for a new formation or re- energize the existing one; urging residents to report cases of touting as he cited its negative impact on the LGA’s reputation.
The broad-minded Council Chairman, Chief Ihunwo, also announced an empowerment initiative of N1,000.000,00 , a grant aimed at helping women start or grow their businesses, fostering self-sufficiency. He also disclosed a collaboration with Kenyan partners to revive a fish farm acquired by former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Timothy Nsirim, a project designed to create youth employment and empower the community operating with IOC’s in the area.
The proactive and pragmatic Council Chairman, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, underscored the LGA’s focus on inclusivity with initiatives such as an empowerment program that will provide brand new cars to families that could use them to help themselves through commercial services. Additionally, a widow empowerment initiative that will offer N500,000 to support their welfare.
On education, the ongoing model 20-classroom block at Rumuekini is expected to be completed in three months, and a two-storey classroom building at Akpor Grammar School is in view.
The creation of a youth village along SARS Road, where young people can learn technical skills such as phone repairs, is set to be launched in celebration of International Youth Day on August 12.
In response to traffic congestion issues along Rumuokoro Road, Ihunwo acknowledged that the market is privately owned and efforts are being made with legal counsel, to collaborate with the market owner in order to reduce congestion and improve road safety.
By providing these essential amenities and public goods, the uncommon transformation of Obio/Akpor local government council under Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo has marked a significant turning point in the evolution of local government system not just in Rivers State but across the Niger Delta region.
These transformative initiatives, aimed at fostering development and community inclusivity, reflect Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Obio Akpor residents and setting a new benchmark for good governance, robust engagement , and effective local government administration in Nigeria.
