...Urges Council Chairmen to Replicate Performance under Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his outstanding performance in delivering on campaign promises through massive infrastructure projects across the state.
Dr. Oghenesivbe made the commendation on Wednesday during the Award Presentation Ceremony for the 10 Best Performing Local Government Council Chairmen, organized by the Editorial Board of Radar Magazine at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Conference Hall, Asaba.
Delivering a lecture titled “Local Government Good Governance: An Important Factor in Eradicating Poverty and Promoting Development,” the Bureau Chief lauded the governor’s pragmatic leadership and prudent management of state resources, describing his approach to governance as “people-oriented and development-driven.”
According to him, Governor Oborevwori has “demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills in public administration,” citing the unprecedented number of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects launched since May 2023.
Dr. Oghenesivbe emphasized that the projects are clear evidence of the governor’s commitment to his MORE Agenda, which continues to advance the socio-economic fortunes of Delta State without borrowing from any financial institution.
He further disclosed that Governor Oborevwori was the first to comply with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, releasing ₦14 billion to the 25 local government councils shortly after the swearing-in of their chairmen last year. The fund, he said, enabled the councils to embark on developmental programmes and infrastructure projects in their areas.
“Delta was the first state to implement the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy,” he noted. “The ₦14 billion allocation gave councils the financial capacity to begin full-scale socio-economic development, while the governor continues to monitor their performance.”
Dr. Oghenesivbe urged council chairmen to emulate Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style by adopting the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of both the federal and state governments to achieve uniform development across Delta.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring local government autonomy nationwide, urging council chairmen to embrace transparency, increase internally generated revenue, and focus on delivering quality services in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“Good governance at the local level is vital for eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development,” he stated. “With autonomy, councils can manage their resources effectively and deliver tangible results to the people.”
Dr. Oghenesivbe also encouraged council chairmen to support empowerment initiatives such as the M.O.R.E Cap-Up and D-CARES Programmes, which provide financial support, agricultural assistance, and skills training to women and youths in rural areas.
He commended the top 10 performing council chairmen recognized at the event, adding that “by next year, more council chairmen will emerge as award winners based on their developmental strides.”
The Bureau DG was later honoured with the Star Medal for Leadership Excellence in Strategic Communication and Media Management in Public Service for his outstanding contributions to public communication and governance advocacy in Delta State.