By Joshua Alebe
The Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, has described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major gain for Delta State.
He commended the governor for his bold and strategic move, which he believes will strengthen the state’s alignment with the federal government and attract more developmental benefits under the Tinubu-led administration.
Hon. Ogorugba made this known last Monday during an interview with Leadership Hub for Justice and Economic Advancement (LJE Nigeria) in his office at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Council, Delta state.
He also expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support for local government administrations across the state. According to him, Delta is one of the few states not celebrating the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy because Governor Oborevwori has never tampered with council funds.
“Delta State has been fortunate to have governors, including the current one, who have respected the financial autonomy of local governments and gone the extra mile to support them. That is why the recent Supreme Court ruling did not spark any jubilation here, we already enjoyed that autonomy,” he said.
Highlighting his achievements in Infrastructure and Governance, Hon. Ogorugba noted that major projects are ongoing at the council secretariat, including the nearly completed Administrative Complex, perimeter fencing, and a modern gatehouse.
He revealed that nine roads are currently being rehabilitated across the LGA, with new streets being opened up, and staff quarters for nurses are under construction in all 18 health centres.
“We’re building new staff quarters and rehabilitating existing ones for nurses in all health centres across the local government. We’re also planning to install solar panels to reduce dependence on generators and ensure uninterrupted services, especially for night-duty staff,” he explained.
On empowerment, Ogorugba highlighted the construction and renovation of over 200 shops across the LGA, digital skills training for youth, and women empowerment initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of food security and disclosed plans to provide farm inputs, fertilizers, and financial support to women farmers in order to improve their productivity and standard of living.
“If people can not feed themselves, it is a serious issue. That is why we are empowering our women in the next few months with farming tools and resources they need to be productive and self-reliant,” he added.
In the area of education, the chairman noted that the council has taken over the fees for all Primary Six pupils and is working towards a near-free primary education system, which includes the provision of notebooks, textbooks, sandals, bags and report cards.
“Our responsibility lies in primary education, and we are stepping in to support rural families struggling to educate their children. This includes both financial assistance and learning materials,” he stated.
Speaking on security, Hon. Ogorugba commended the efforts of security agencies for working in synergy which have drastically reduced the crime rate within the university community and the entire local government, disclosing the ongoing plans to equip the newly formed local vigilante groups to be more proactive in security intelligence gathering and better protect communities within the Local Government Area.
The Council Boss reaffirmed his support for the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State and his laudable decision to join the APC, describing it as a step that would further integrate Delta State into national development efforts.
