When Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba assumed office as the Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, on July 16, 2024, he brought with him a well-defined vision rooted in experience, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to improve the well-being of his people. Barely a year into his tenure, that vision has blossomed into tangible projects and policies that are rapidly changing the landscape of the local government, aligning firmly with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.

Hon. Ogorugba’s background as a two-term Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko North gave him unique insight into the yearnings of the people. That deep connection with grassroots aspirations formed the basis of his developmental blueprint. One of his first actions in office was to tackle one of Isoko’s most pressing concerns roads. The once-dilapidated Otor-Owhe–Owhelogbo Road, notorious for robberies and motorcycle snatching, has been rehabilitated to asphalt standard, restoring safety and easing movement. Similarly, failed portions of the Otor-Iyede Road, the Ozoro Etevie Community Road, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor Okuweh Road, Police Station Road in Emevor, three key streets in Owhelogbo, and internal roads within the Council Secretariat have been fixed. These interventions have not only enhanced transportation but also restored the confidence of road users across the area.

In the markets, Hon. Ogorugba has sparked a wave of modernization. At Ofagbe Community Market, the construction of 15 lock-up stores and 4 toilets marked a new chapter in local commerce, providing traders with safer and more hygienic spaces to conduct their business. The renovation of 65 open stores at Otor-Owhe Market and 60 more at Aradhe Market shows a consistent push to elevate market infrastructure across the local government.

To position the Isoko North Secretariat among the most modern in Nigeria, Ogorugba undertook the construction of a new administrative complex with perimeter fencing and a standard security house. He also introduced Skylink internet services, tiled several offices and walkways, and improved general office conditions. The result is a more professional, connected, and conducive work environment for council staff.

In the area of human capital development, the Chairman has not been left wanting. Over 50 youths have been trained in digital and computer skills, equipping them for a more competitive and tech-driven future. He also employed over 70 casual workers and appointed more than 100 aides, carefully selected across all 13 wards in the LGA, an inclusive gesture that promotes grassroots participation and political balance.

Hon. Ogorugba’s administration has made notable contributions to basic education, particularly at the primary level. The ongoing constructing of three class rooms with good toilet facilities at Imoh primary school Iyede, His free distribution of notebooks, school bags, sandals, shoes, water bottles, and writing materials to all 43 public primary schools across the local government has lessened the financial burden on parents and uplifted school attendance. He has also supported the enrollment of all Primary Six pupils, signaling a strong commitment to educational continuity.

Water, a basic necessity, has not been ignored. To curb the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, the Chairman rehabilitated water schemes in Otor-Igho and Oghara-Iyede communities. More significantly, he has promised that every community in Isoko North will benefit from at least one water project before the end of his tenure, a goal that, if achieved, could drastically improve public health across the area.

In healthcare delivery, Hon. Ogorugba has demonstrated both innovation and compassion. He distributed free soya milk across communities to improve child nutrition and oversaw the construction of nurses’ quarters in Oghara-Iyede and Otor-Igho, alongside the renovation of the Isi-Emevor Health Centre. These efforts not only bolster the availability of medical personnel but also create a healthier living environment for all.

Community development projects have also flourished under his watch. The reconstruction and fencing of the Otor-Igho Community Town Hall has revived a critical civic space, while ongoing residential construction projects including three-bedroom apartments for the Vice Chairman, Head of Personnel Management, (HPM) and Secretary to the Local Government, signal a commitment to providing decent accommodation for key council officials.

Regular Environmental sanitation has not been left out, as the Chairman is working in synergy with community leaders and other stakeholders in ensuring the environment is kept clean for habitable living. He ensured all over grown road shoulders, illegal dumpsites and drains are cleared across the local government.

Each of these projects, though distinct, collectively reflect Hon. Ogorugba’s leadership philosophy: people-centered, results-driven, and future-focused. His administration has laid solid infrastructural foundations while simultaneously investing in human potential, earning him the admiration of constituents who now believe that governance can indeed be transformative.

In just one year, Hon. Ogorugba has proven that visionary leadership, anchored in purpose and powered by action, can achieve lasting impact. As Isoko North continues to feel the positive ripple effects of his administration’s achievements, many believe that the best is yet to come.

Alebe Joshua – Supervisory Counsellor for Environment, Isoko North Local Government Council.