OLEH/Nigeria: The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area in Delta State, Mr Friday Ovoke Warri, has pledged unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy, despite the considerable financial limitations facing his administration. Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, marking his first 100 days in office at the council’s headquarters in Oleh, Mr Warri detailed his achievements since assuming leadership on 15 July 2024, noting he was met with numerous unexpected challenges.
“When you inherit leadership, you take on both assets and liabilities,” he began, highlighting his commitment to revamping long-standing issues across the area. “Upon assuming office, I assessed our immediate surroundings, particularly Ogbemudia Road, which has been in disrepair for years. I promised my team we’d change that narrative in a matter of weeks, and I am pleased to report that today, before even reaching the 100-day mark, it’s a promise kept.”
Addressing structural renovations, Mr Warri noted the state of the Chairman’s quarters, which he described as “uninhabitable.” “We are approximately 75 percent through a complete refurbishment of the building, bringing it up to a respectable standard,” he affirmed. He also emphasised the need to improve the council’s premises, with ongoing projects such as constructing a modern gate and fencing, which are expected to be completed by year’s end.
Mr Warri underscored his focus on peace-building efforts within the communities. “In Olomoro, where there had been unrest, we now have peace. Similarly, in my own community of Okpolo-Enhwe and Enhwe, we’ve resolved longstanding leadership disputes that had caused significant division,” he said.
Noting the poor state of local education, Mr Warri spoke about a recent visit to Ikpide-Irri, where he found the primary school severely under-resourced, with just one teacher doubling as headmistress. “The facilities were simply inadequate. We’re working closely with the Local Education Authority to ensure more teachers are posted there in the coming weeks,” he stated, expressing confidence in improving education for the area’s youth.
On public safety, Mr Warri cited the former “death trap” at Oleh’s Yanga junction. “We tackled the issue during September’s sanitation exercise, clearing most illegal structures, particularly those situated under high-tension wires. Although some of them have returned, we are determined to transform the junction into a safer and more attractive site in Isoko South,” he said.
He also commended the improved work ethic among council staff, stating that many now report to work promptly, a change he attributed to his close oversight. “Today, I can proudly score our staff at an 85 percent attendance rate, with most arriving by 8 a.m.,” he said. Rejecting past practices, Mr Warri noted he lives in his village rather than costly accommodation near the council. “I make the daily commute from my village and work from 8 a.m. till late. The era of chairmen governing from afar, only showing up for allocation disbursements, is over.”
On the matter of local government autonomy, Mr Warri acknowledged the federal government’s promise of independence for councils but cautioned that the implementation remains in process. “While the federal government has assured us there’s no going back, for now, the allocations we receive remain minimal. Given the unique demands of Isoko South, particularly with many primary school teachers reliant on our resources, we are working towards ensuring that only those genuinely working receive their salaries,” he added.
Mr Warri concluded by pledging his administration’s continued dedication to improving the lives of Isoko South residents, working within the confines of available resources.
