KWALE/Nigeria: After spending two years on infrastructure and public facilities, the Ndokwa West Local Government Council says it is preparing to shift attention towards human capital development as the next phase of its development agenda.
The council said the new focus is intended to complement ongoing investments in healthcare, road infrastructure, environmental management and institutional development by equipping residents with skills and opportunities capable of improving livelihoods and driving sustainable economic growth across the local government area.
Chairman of the council, Hon. (Chief) Goddey Obi Nzete, disclosed the plan on Thursday during activities marking his second anniversary in office at the council secretariat in Kwale, where he reviewed his administration’s performance and outlined priorities for the remaining period of his tenure.
According to the council chairman, development projects have been spread across the six communities that make up the local government, with several completed while others remain at various stages of execution.
Among the completed projects, he listed the construction of an ultra-modern legislative complex at the council secretariat comprising more than 40 offices, alongside interventions in primary healthcare, rural electrification, environmental sanitation, commercial development and other public infrastructure.
He also highlighted ongoing projects, including the renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres at Ulogwe-Isumpe and Emu-Obodeti, as well as the construction of a modern cottage hospital within the council secretariat in Kwale.
The hospital project, according to him, includes residential quarters for medical doctors and nurses, a move expected to improve healthcare delivery and attract medical personnel to the local government.
Road rehabilitation also featured prominently in the administration’s scorecard, with grading and sand-filling of several roads aimed at improving transportation, easing the movement of agricultural produce and enhancing access to communities.
Looking ahead, Obi Nzete said his administration intends to place greater emphasis on programmes that directly impact the lives of residents through education, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and other human capital development initiatives.
He thanked residents for what he described as their continued support and cooperation over the past two years, saying the partnership between the people and the council had contributed significantly to the implementation of development projects across the area.
The council chairman also announced plans to reward members of staff with a financial incentive of ₦10,000 each within the next three months as a token of appreciation for their commitment and service.
Commenting on the administration’s relationship with the legislature, Leader of the Ndokwa West Legislative Arm, Hon. Adaeze Onugeku, described the working relationship between both arms of government as cordial, noting that the cooperation had contributed to the smooth operation of the council.
She commended the chairman for the support extended to the legislative arm since the inauguration of the present administration.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ndokwa West, Comrade Iyke Opone, praised the council for what he described as notable development efforts over the past two years.
He expressed optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements before the expiration of its tenure and wished the chairman a successful completion of his term in office.
The second anniversary provided an opportunity for the council to review ongoing projects, assess developmental milestones and outline priorities expected to shape governance in Ndokwa West over the coming months.
