Akume Commends Asekutu For Justifying LGs Existence In Nigeria

THE Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume has commended the Chairman of Warri North Local Government Arew, Hon. Smart Asekutu for sustaining the existence of local government areas in the country.

The Minister gave the commendation on Thursday in Koko, headquarters of the council Area during a Peer Review Assessment visit to spotlight the activities of the 774 council areas in the country.

Akume, who was represented by Engr. Kayode Adebayor said there is an urgent need for Nigerians to see the effects and good developmental strides of local government administration in Nigeria, which can also sustain her existence when the need arises, hence this visit.

Engr. Kayode stated that the peer review visit is to harvest and also spotlight the financial prudence and proper prioritisation of projects in council areas all over the federation, to justify the creation of local government councils as defined by the 1979 Constitution.

On his part, Hon. Asekutu described the visit as divine, strategic and a unique opportunity to consolidate on his developmental strides; even within the short period of his taking over as the council chairman.

He said members of staff and the good people of the council area are very supportive, to see that priority projects are highlighted, that will provide utilities satisfaction to the people, irrespective of the difficult terrain in the council area which is almost 98 per cent riverine.

Hon.Asekutu, who was acccompanied by top council officials took the ministerial team to see for themselves, some of the laudable projects his administration has achieved, which includes building of a befiting staff resturant, buying of 100KVA generator in the council secretariat, buying of a passport 19 with 200 horsepower engine, eletrification and environmental sustainability projects, among others

He commended the Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa for his humanistic supportive projects that are visible in all the nooks and crannies of the state, showing that there is no council area that is left out in the governor’s development programes, giving him the name, “Road Master”.

The Warri North Council boss, sited the Koko-Ogheye road project, which will connect the inland to urban centres and open up trade links between Delta (Warri North Local Governnent Area) with over five states of the federation, saying that this will drive development and create employment opportunities for the populace and other commercial industries like banks and others.

The council boss however, prayed for the minister for his lofty ideas of bringing local governments to the international communities and the entire globe at large.

The visit had top management officials of the council area, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Solomon Milkie, Secretary to the Local Governnent, Samuel Meyiwa Khalil, the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Jacob Atirene, Head of Personnel Management, Chief Daddy Amudo, the Head of Department of Works, and Nigeria Union of Local Governnent Employees (NULGE) Chairman and other senior officials of the council area.