Gov Oborevwori’s mega Infrastructure projects, promises fulfilled – Bureau DG
…Urges council chairmen to replicate performance under Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda
Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the several mega road infrastructure projects, and ground breaking flag off of new ones across the state, are in fulfilment of the 2023 electioneering campaign promises made to the people by governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dr Oghenesivbe made the disclosure at the Award presentation ceremony for 10 Best Performing Local Government Council Chairmen on Wednesday, held at the Conference Hall of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Asaba. The ceremony was organised by the Editorial Board of Radar Magazine.
The Bureau Chief who was the guest speaker at the event, stated that governor Oborevwori has demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills in public administration through pragmatic leadership and prudent management of the state resources, focusing on people oriented projects that would continue to advance the socioeconomic fortunes of the state beyond 2027.
He emphasized the need for good governance at the local government level to fasttrack the eradication of poverty and promote development, especially now that local government council autonomy has come to stay, which enables local governments to promote economic growth, and provide better services to citizens.
Speaking on the topic titled “Local Government Good Governance: An Important Factor In Eradicating Poverty And Promoting Development,” Dr Oghenesivbe stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori released N14 billion allocation to the 25 local government councils after swearing-in the newly elected chairmen last year, pointing out that the move follows the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
He noted that Delta State was the first to comply with the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy wherein the N14 billion served as major boost for the 25 local government councils to commence full-scale infrastructure and socioeconomic development programmes, while the governor consistently monitor their performance and projects delivery.
Dr Oghenesivbe posited that students of political science and public administration are already adopting governor Oborevwori’s administration as a major case study on good governance as a result of the unprecedented scale of development witnessed in the state since May 29, 2023, without borrowing a Kobo from any bank or financial institution anywhere in the world.
He appealed to local government council chairmen in Delta State, to replicate infrastructure development and socioeconomic remodelling programmes of the governor, and to fully adopt the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of the federal and state governments in their respective local councils, so that the chain of development can be identical, while they savour the Awards for excellence and performance.
Dr Oghenesivbe, commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring local government autonomy which has enabled the 774 local councils in Nigeria, to manage their finances without interference from the state governments, while urging council chairmen to ensure that resources are used for the benefits of the people at the grassroots under the principle of “Service Above Self.”
He urged local government council chairmen to leverage on the advantages of local government autonomy to foster development by Increasing revenue generation, manage their revenue more prudently, and prioritize better services to citizens including; healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The Bureau Chief said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has made significant strides in promoting good governance, citing construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the state.
Dr Oghenesivbe charged council Chairmen in Delta State, to emulate governor Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to job and wealth creation by supporting initiatives like the M.O.R.E Cap-Up and D-CARES Programmes, which provides financial and agricultural assistance, skills training, and promotes creativity and innovation among women and youth in rural areas to help uplift individual families and strengthen the state’s economy.
“By prioritizing these areas, local governments in Delta State can help address the unique challenges faced by rural communities and promote sustainable development.
“Good governance at the local government level is essential for eradicating poverty and promoting development. With autonomy, local governments can manage their affairs more effectively, promote economic growth, and provide better services to citizens.
“His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, released N14 billion allocation to the 25 local government councils after swearing in the newly elected chairmen last year after their swearing-in ceremony. This move follows the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
“During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Oborevwori tasked the chairmen to prioritize visible infrastructural projects, improve environmental sanitation, and boost internally generated revenue. He emphasized the need for fiscal discipline, prudent management, and excellent service delivery. It is noteworthy that a substantial number of Council chairmen complied.
“This administration has made significant strides in promoting good governance and development in Delta State, and we commend the top 10 performing local government council chairmen for their efforts. By next year more council chairmen will emerged as award winners, judging from their good governance strides.
“Let us continue to work together to build a more prosperous and equitable society for all,” Oghenesivbe said.
Dr Oghenesivbe was decorated with the prestigious “Star Medal” for leadership excellence in Strategic Communication and Media Management in public service.
