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The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori has commended the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Otor-Udu, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, over his major milestone achievements in the past two years in office, highlighting the significance of local government councils in driving the needed development at the grassroot level.
Speaking during the presentation of the two-year stewardship report of the council boss to the people of Udu during a well-attended ceremony at the Council Secretariat, Otor-Udu, the Governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, described local government councils as the closest tier of government to the grassroots, emphasizing that their role in driving development and improving the lives of the people cannot be overemphasized.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of leadership being demonstrated by local government councils across Delta State, noting that it had resulted in the execution of people-oriented projects and the implementation of policies that align with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
Prince Erijo congratulated the Executive Chairman of Udu LGC, councillors, and the entire leadership of Udu Local Government Council for their prudent management of public resources, dedication to service, and commitment to delivering impactful projects for the benefit of the people.
Presenting his scorecard, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode said his administration had recorded remarkable achievements in infrastructure, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, community development, and good governance over the past two years.
He stated that the administration had significantly improved the living conditions of residents while restoring hope and confidence among the people through programmes and projects implemented in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Council Chairman highlighted several completed and ongoing infrastructural projects, including the purchase of official vehicles for key principal officers of the council, the construction and furnishing of the Executive Chairman’s Office Complex, the construction and furnishing of the Council Chapel, the ongoing construction of the Chairman’s Residential Quarters, rehabilitation of the Council Secretariat’s plumbing system, replacement of damaged roofing sheets, installation of solar power facilities, procurement of laptops and printers for strategic offices, and the construction of the NULGE Shopping Mall to promote commercial activities, improve staff welfare, create business opportunities, and enhance the Council’s Internally Generated Revenue.
On security, Oyibode noted that work was progressing steadily on the construction of a modern Divisional Police Headquarters and residential quarters for police officers in Otor-Udu. He also highlighted the council’s sustained campaign against drug abuse and cultism, which he said has contributed immensely to peace and security across the local government area.
In the area of roads and public utilities, he listed the emergency repair of the Udu-ECN Road using concrete pavement, the clearing of the Electricity Company of Nigeria/BEDC power line from Ovwodokpokpor and Egini through Orhuwhorun to improve electricity supply, the installation of transformer in Egini Community, and the opening and desilting of major canals and drainage channels from Express Junction and Ovwian through Ekete to the Udu River to improve flood control and environmental sanitation.
Speaking on agriculture and rural development, the Chairman disclosed that the council was constructing a modern Farmers’ Market at the Council Farm in Ubogo, comprising lock-up shops and open market stalls, while fencing of the council farm was also ongoing to boost agricultural productivity and rural commerce.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Ujevwu Community Town Hall as part of efforts to promote community development and social cohesion.
In the education sector, Oyibode announced the engagement of thirty-four teachers across the seventeen Adult Education Centres in Udu Local Government Area to strengthen adult education and human capital development.
On healthcare delivery, he disclosed that his administration has strengthened the Primary Health Care system through sustained support for healthcare programmes, improved routine immunisation services, promoted maternal and child healthcare, expanded health education campaigns, strengthened partnerships with the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other development partners, while encouraging behavioural change communication and attracting donations of medicines, medical consumables and healthcare equipment through partnerships with philanthropists, religious organisations, community groups and corporate bodies.
According to him, these interventions have improved access to quality healthcare services, increased immunisation coverage, strengthened disease prevention, enhanced environmental sanitation and boosted public confidence in government healthcare programmes.
The Chairman further stated that his administration had promoted peace and conflict resolution through the settlement of community leadership disputes and land-related conflicts, maintained excellent staff welfare through prompt payment of salaries and staff entitlements, sustained cordial Executive-Legislative relations, and successfully resolved the Udu traditional leadership question, culminating in the establishment of the Udu Council of Chiefs and the installation of His Royal Majesty, Engr. Michael Ogheneovo Orhugbo, JP, Okporua I, as the second Ovie of Udu Kingdom.
LHe added that the administration had also maintained cordial relationships with political parties, community stakeholders and pressure groups while demonstrating prudent financial management by settling numerous inherited liabilities, including debts relating to the Aladja Primary Health Care Centre, the Udu Garage and other contractual and administrative obligations left by previous administrations.
Oyibode also highlighted the council’s youth empowerment initiatives, noting that over 150 youths serving on various government committees receive monthly stipends, while many others have been appointed into strategic committees to promote leadership development, civic participation and grassroots governance.
The event was attended by the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kelly Penawou, alongside other government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and invited guests, who commended the council chairman for his developmental strides and commitment to improving the welfare of the people of Udu.
