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By Ngozi Nwoke
The executive chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr. George Ariolu, has assured his constituents that his mandate and vision of grassroots development will be completely fulfilled.
He said: “We, as a government, acknowledge that it is a privilege to be chosen and elected by the people to serve them. It is our responsibility to add value to the lives of the people. This administration is focused on making unforgettable investment in human capital development.
“We emulated this pattern of leadership from our principal, Chief Nyesom Wike. We try as much as possible to redeem and keep to the promises that we have made. Part of our mandate is also to fulfil our obligations to the grassroots. It’s not that we have so much funds; what we are doing here is in line with our focal thrust, which is service to humanity at its peak. It is no longer an issue of political gimmicks. We are true to our promises and we have procured three transformers for the use of the people.
“As part of our vision to improve human capacity development and effect infrastructural change, we gave out scholarship grants for master’s and PhD students who are already undergoing the programme.
“We also supported youths and women who engage in small and medium enterprises and need to grow their businesses. All these are ways to improve and enhance human capacity. No effort would be spared to harness the potential embedded in the council for the progress and success of the people. We want to cultivate our youths, positively engage them and channel their energies for productivity.”
The chairman stated that, despite the challenges of funding, which is not peculiar to Obio/Akpor LGA, his administration has not relented in offering good leadership to improve grassroots development for the people.
He said the governor’s outstanding performance was the driving force behind the various people-oriented projects his administration carried out in the last one year in office.
He further promised that his administration will soon commence construction work at the fish farm procured by the past administration to create jobs, while thanking the Rivers State governor for extending infrastructure projects to the local government, which will invariably boost socio-economic activities in the area.
“It is clear to all that the governor is concentrating on giving our people good governance. We are learning from him positively, and it was the basis for our motivation. Good governance is giving providing basic amenities to the people. Good governance is providing infrastructure for the people. Providing good governance is about valuable leadership. The governor is flagging off projects, commissioning projects even though his tenure is coming to an end.
“On assumption of office, the first thing we discovered was that there was no alternative power supply and that was affecting the zeal of workers to do their work. So, we promised to provide power supply, and within three weeks. We delivered on that promise when a 500KVA generator was purchased to ensure a-24hour power supply to the council.
“Soon, we shall begin the construction of the fish farm for the sole purpose of creating jobs for indigenes. We will have fisheries, poultry and other agricultural produce in the farm. We have properly secured the property to avoid any encroachment by anyone until we are fully ready to commence construction work on the site. We want to maintain the confidence and trust we have earned from the people of Obio/Akpor LGA.
“The executive governor of the state has also proved that human capacity development is the best investment any responsible government can do, with the ongoing projects in the state. He also gave it as a mandate that all local government area chairmen must carry out meaningful development projects and outstanding performance.
“So, if a governor of a state would have such agenda that would benefit the people he governs, we, as local government chairmen, must emulate his strides towards development. The mandate of the Rivers State government is to ensure that its citizens live well, in safety and comfort.”
While commending the council chairman on his commitment in fulfilling his promises in the council, Senator Noble Chukumati said: “Each time I look at the tenacity and enthusiasm in the council chairman to perform his duties, I always say that the people of Obio/Akpor are blessed and privileged to have him as their leader. He is a visionary who seeks the welfare of his workers. The people made a wise decision by choosing him as their leader. It is for their own benefit that they chose him to serve them and evidently, he is serving with a high altitude.
“We are, indeed, proud of him and we believe that he will continue to make the people of Obio/Akpor proud, by the grace of God. It is not a surprise that the executive chairman was appointed the vice-chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State chapter. People do not understand that it is these tasks they consider as minor that they are assessed with during their tenure.”
A council worker and indigene of Obio/Akpor, Mrs. Nkesi Alerum, described the achievements of the council chairman as outstanding and commendable: “Our chairman is the best-performing chairman in Rivers State. Since his administration came on board, workers have not been owed their salaries. We have uninterrupted power supply. All dilapidated structures in the council have been renovated by the chairman. We will continue to give him our support and offer prayers for the success of his administration.”
