By Elvira Jordan
The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, James A. James, Esq., has charged councillors to strengthen community engagement, promote unity and bring governance closer to the people.
James gave the charge during the commissioning of internal roads at the council headquarters and the presentation of cars to councillors, the local government secretary and other beneficiaries in Opobo Town, as part of activities marking his first year in office.
The council chairman said the projects and vehicle presentation were aimed at improving administrative efficiency and strengthening service delivery across the local government.
“This is a major step forward in building functional, efficient local governance. Good governance requires both infrastructure and administrative mobility, which we have taken that step further to construct internal roads leading to the headquarters of this great local government.
“The provision of these vehicles will equip our legislators and my executive team with the mobility required to reach every ward, engage directly with our communities, and execute their oversight and administrative duties effectively,” he said.
While presenting the vehicles, James urged council leaders to prioritise the needs of residents, stressing that improved mobility would enable them to reach communities, monitor projects and carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
The Vice Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Gladys Daniel Jack, commended the chairman for his leadership and commitment to staff welfare, expressing confidence that the initiative would contribute to better governance.
Similarly, the Alaboo-Designate and former Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bennett George Daminabo, urged councillors to use the vehicles as tools for delivering good governance to the people.
Some beneficiaries also praised the chairman’s efforts to extend development to interior communities in Opobo/Nkoro and pledged their commitment to effective leadership.
The council has scheduled a week-long series of project commissioning and launch activities, including the presentation of fishing boats and nets to fishermen, distribution of motorcycles, and commissioning of water, sanitation and electrification projects.
Other planned activities include the commissioning of a mobile police post, the flag-off of the remodelling of Nkoro Police Station, and the commissioning of a customary court complex and an ultra-modern corps members’ lodge.
The programme will also feature celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area and a thanksgiving service.
