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Wilson Macaulay
Comrade Nelson Agbajor, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sapele Correspondents’ Chapel, stated that the primary essence of local government was to bring governance closer to the people through quality service delivery, grassroots development, and the improvement of the standard of living of residents. He observed that the administration of Hon. Bright Afure Abeke, Executive Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, had consistently demonstrated that visionary leadership, prudent management, and genuine commitment to public service could translate into meaningful development at the grassroots.
According to Agbajor, since assuming office, Hon. Abeke had distinguished himself as a leader motivated by purpose rather than personal interest. He explained that the council chairman had articulated a clear vision for the development of Sapele Local Government Area and immediately set out to consolidate on the achievements of previous administrations while introducing innovative initiatives designed to accelerate growth. He noted that the administration had remained focused on projects and policies that directly improved the lives of the people, thereby earning widespread admiration across the council area.
Agbajor further remarked that Hon. Abeke’s leadership had been characterized by efficient management of both human and financial resources. He pointed out that through prudent utilization of internally generated revenue and careful prioritization of developmental projects, the administration had continued to deliver the dividends of democracy despite prevailing economic challenges. According to him, this disciplined approach to governance had strengthened public confidence and reinforced the belief that responsible leadership could produce tangible and measurable results.
Speaking further, the NUJ chairman said that beyond prudent financial management, the council chairman had implemented a comprehensive development blueprint focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, rural and urban development, youth and women empowerment, and improved public service delivery. He maintained that the administration’s strategic vision had enabled it to execute projects addressing the immediate needs of residents while laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.
Agbajor also emphasized that environmental sanitation and public health had remained central priorities of the administration. He stated that recognizing the importance of a clean environment to healthy living, the council had intensified public sensitization on proper waste disposal through the Private Sector Participation (PSP) scheme, ensured the regular evacuation of refuse dumps, and maintained drainage channels to reduce flooding and improve sanitation throughout the local government area. According to him, these initiatives had contributed significantly to making Sapele cleaner and healthier.
He further observed that Hon. Abeke’s administration had made remarkable efforts to improve the working environment for council employees. Agbajor explained that understanding the importance of a motivated workforce, the chairman had fulfilled his promise to renovate sections of the council secretariat, provide modern office furniture, and create a more conducive working environment. He added that these improvements had enhanced staff morale while giving the council secretariat a more professional and befitting appearance.
The NUJ chairman equally commended Hon. Abeke’s inclusive style of leadership, describing it as one of the defining strengths of the administration. He noted that the chairman’s open-door policy, respect for traditional institutions, and readiness to engage stakeholders across political, social, and cultural divides had fostered unity and strengthened the relationship between government and the people. He stressed that the administration had consistently demonstrated that effective governance flourished through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect.
On youth and women development, Agbajor stated that empowerment had remained one of the administration’s major priorities. He explained that through various empowerment programmes and opportunities for participation in governance, the council had ensured that women and young people were not marginalized. According to him, these initiatives had expanded opportunities for economic advancement while promoting inclusive decision-making and sustainable social development across the local government area.
Agbajor further stated that Sapele Local Government Area was steadily evolving into a model of participatory governance where every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or social status, had a sense of belonging. He said the administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and people-centred governance had strengthened democratic values while fostering greater unity and confidence among residents.
In conclusion, Comrade Nelson Agbajor asserted that Hon. Bright Afure Abeke’s achievements within just two years in office spoke eloquently about his commitment to accountability, service delivery, and sustainable development. He maintained that the administration’s record in infrastructural development, environmental reforms, administrative efficiency, and empowerment initiatives had positioned Sapele Local Government Area on a steady path of continuous progress. He expressed confidence that as Hon. Abeke continued to implement his developmental vision with determination and dedication, his administration would remain a shining example of purposeful leadership and good governance worthy of emulation by local government administrations across Nigeria.
