Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, assured the people of Oshimili North Local Government Area that his administration would complete the ongoing construction of the Ugbolu-Akwukwu-Igbo road in the area.
The Governor also announced that the government would construct Achalla-Ibusa road also in the same area before the end of his tenure.
Okowa made this known at the inauguration of Oshimili North Local Government Area Liaison Office, Ibusa.
He commended the Chairman of the local government, Mr Innocent Esewezie, for his commitment and dedication to duty, which was already reflecting in his performance in just about nine months in office, and expressed confidence that the chairman’s best was yet to come.
According to the governor, this project came from someone who had already prepared himself for office.
“He obviously hit the ground running and in less than nine months he has put up this building, a liaison office that will help the council in ensuring effective communication with the people of this area.
“I congratulate you, chairman, on this wonderful edifice and I must also thank the councillors because this can only happen when there is co-operation.
“At a time local government councils are having difficulty in paying salaries, it can only be a government with probity and accountability that can achieve this at this time,” he said.
He, therefore, urged the chairman to remain focused, adding that a bright future awaited him.
“Keep your eyes focused and I am convinced that you will do a lot more in the future,’’ he said.
Alluding to the council election that brought Esewezie to power, Okowa said ‘
“we ensured a level-playing ground because we were convinced that you will win in a free and fair contest.
“When people are in office and you allow them to perform, the best will come out from them, but when you want to dictate every decision to them you would have destroyed them by denying them the use of initiative.
“I thank God that the chairman is operating from a free environment; he is not chained by any decision from outside.
“Whatever office we occupy we must occupy it and do things in the best interest of the people.
“There are financial challenges in the country but within these difficult times, he was able to deliver this project.
“The project adds to the beauty of Ibusa town, and anyone passing here and sees this will wonder if it was executed by a local government council.
“I thank God for what we are seeing here today and for the other things you are doing because beyond your role as a council chairman we recognise the role you have played in organising the youths of Delta,’’ he stated.
He urged the people of Ibusa and Oshimili North to continue supporting the chairman and his team to do better for the local government.
“I am thankful for the presence of each and every one of you and by the grace of God, we hope to complete the Ugbolu-Akwukwu-Igbo Road before the end of 2022.
“We are also committed to completing Achalla-Ibusa road before the end of my tenure,” Okowa stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, Esewezie had thanked the governor and the people of the council area for the opportunity to serve.
He said his administration embarked on the construction of the Liaison Office, which comprised several offices, a conference hall, a 500-seater event centre and an 80kva generator because of its potential to boost the council’s internally generated revenue.
The ceremony was attended by the Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu; Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso and top government functionaries.
