Critically examining all that transpired over Delta state Local Government (LG) elections for Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) held Saturday 13 July 2024, it is not in doubt to say about 80% of the electorate in the Area reposed their trust, love and confidence in the brand new Executive Chairman elect for Ughelli North Local Government, Olorogun Jaro Christopher Egbo popular known also as ‘High Voltage’.
This assertion is backed by facts and actions witnessed beginning from the day he was unanimously endorsed and adopted as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) party flag bearer by members, Elders and Leaders of the party.Â
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This was also displayed through the party primary to the campaigns and the elections eventually held on Saturday, July 13, 2024. It suffices to say his choice by his party was never a mistake, but a priority for the party.Â
Sources revealed that as soon as Elders and Leaders of the party concluded plans to unanimously endorsed a candidate in his person, all other contestants seems to be comfortable with his candidacy and pledged their supports for him. They knew his pedigree, ability, capacity, courage and discipline.Â
Those close to him describe him as a smart, agile, knowledgeable, exposed, fast and realistic, one of his close allies also describes him as a temperament.
His qualities are enormous according to his associates, and if truly as he is described, Jaro Egbo must strive hard to ensure he reward the confidence reposed in him by the peoples by providing them with a local government administration that will take him higher. He must be a local government chairman for all, but not to some or PDP alone. He must make policies that will benefit all residents, but not for politicians, families, cronies and touts alone.Â
While addressing Journalists at Afiesere Community and congratulating Jaro Egbo on his perceived victory on the day of the local government elections, a prominent indigene of Ughelli and Transport magnate, Chief Richard Ovwreghederohwo, popularly known as Aduvie, said; “Chief Jaro Egbo, is a credible son of Ughelli Kingdom with many qualities. I will only advise him to always listen to advises, even that of his Aides, Staff and the least working with him.Â
“Always give a listening ears to everyone irrespective of their status and positions”, he concluded.
A lot needed to be done in the area of infrastructures, Security, Schools and Electricity. For example, infrastructure, security and provision of other basic amenities, if holistically tackled with sincere and purposeful intentions, will no doubt transform the economic settings of Ughelli within few years.
Now that Chief Jaro Egbo has emerged, for the accolades to be sustained throughout his tenure, it is imperative he stays on same page with the expectant Ughelli North people on a clear agenda for good governance.
Infrastructures Revolution:
Upgrade and maintain crucial infrastructures like roads, schools, health facilities, provision of electricity and good water supply systems.
The Post Road leading to the Local Government Headquarters without wasting time needs an urgent attention of the Executive Chairman as soon as he resumed office. The High Court frontage demands urgent attention without bringing in politics by awarding the contract to your political associates, family members, cronies and godfathers, but people with ideas in regard to roads that can serve the people and durable.
Driving through the streets of Ughelli metropolis, one discovers that majority of the streets are in a sorry state and have not been attended to in the past years. These is causing residents a lot of pains and set backs to businesses and other economic activities. For example, Akpodiete Street which is the ICT hub (Phones, computers and accessories market)Â in Ughelli North Local Government has been so neglected and begging for attention over the years. As it is today, its no longer in the state of mere repairs, but a fresh construction of the worst affected portion, and at least with drainages on both sides.Â
Streets or roads like the Olori Road, Aro Road, Adonovwe Street, Imoniame Road, Olotu Street, Emurotu Street, Oteri-New Road by Isodje Junction, Onoharigho Street, Afiesere Road, Awhinawhin Road, Uloho Avenue, Ezewu Street, Second Amekpa, Oghenevweta Street, Daniel Mukoro, Omoyibo Street, Ighagbomi Street, and others need the chairman’s attention.Â
Our public Primary and Secondary Schools, most of them are fast dilapidating. Some have no roof, doors, windows, poor floor, and no desk for pupils to seat on.
The buildings and floor of some of the classrooms are in ruin and worse than some buildings worst hit in Gaza today. For Olorogun Jaro Christopher Egbo popular known as ‘High Voltage’ to prove the confidence reposed in him, he must endeavor to attend to infrastructure as key element in achieving success.
Tackle Frightening Insecurity:
Jaro Egbo must strive to Improve security measures in Ughelli North Local Government Council. One of the ways to do and achieve this, is by enhancing collaboration with security agencies for discreet intelligence gatherings, honest and sincere investigations and supporting community policing initiatives, but and only with men and women of integrity, good character and honest background.Â
In recent times, one will attest to the fact that security in Ughelli has become so porous despite the presence of vigilantes, Hunters and many others patrolling the streets daily. Majority of them has no scope or security plans, but only extort residents with gross impunity. They harassed, embarrassed innocent road users and peasant business owners. The newly elected local government chairman must stopped.Â
Comprehensive Plan For Public Assets:
Develop a comprehensive plan for the construction and renovation of public buildings, such as marketplaces, town halls, and administrative offices. In the last administration, the Oshimili South council chairman did that by building a modern community town hall in Ogbogonogo area of Asaba.
Sustainable Clean Environment:
There is the need for you to implement initiatives to improve waste management and sanitation practices in the local government area. A lot of drains are covered and need there us an urgent need to clean such drains. One of the major tasks of the environmental officers is to ensure that such obstacles to flow of drains are tackled to avoid incessant malaria, other diseases and to maintain a clean environment.
Heads of such departments should be mobilized financially and put on their toes to ensure the metropolis is cleaned. As a chairman, you could also set up task force to enforce the monthly clearing of dirts from the streets, market and the environs.Â
Job, Empowerment Opportunities:
Your administration must also create employment opportunities through infrastructure development projects and partnerships with private sector companies in achieving that.
Proactive Youth Development:
Prioritize the welfare and development of youth in Ughelli North by promoting skills training programs and educational opportunities. Create scholarship scheme that will sponsor responsible youths on trades and education.Â
One thing that will never promote your programmed is encouraging thugs and touts. The impunity of Agberos in Ughelli North and community youths is so scaring that investors are beginning to label Ughelli as hostile town that strangers cod no longer build.Â
For instance, before siting a project in some communities in Ughelli town, one pay through the nose as a result of youth groups that demands more than the amount spent in acquiring such properties. This must be tackle to encourage investors.
Collective Bargaining:
Engaging community leaders and stakeholders to address specific issues and infrastructure challenges they needed. Your accessibility and closeness to community leaders and critical stakeholders will enhance government policies and relationship with communities.Â
Through your interactions with them, someone of the obnoxious laws and collections can be put to a stop. Excesses of youth leaders in community can also be brought to a halt.Â
Godwin-Maria Utuedoye is a Journalist & Publisher. He writes from Ughelli. 08101480553