2 Years of Purposeful Leadership at Isoko South Under Hon. (Comr.) Warri Ovoke Friday

The Journey So Far

By Akpdhoma Michael Ajirioghene

As Hon. (Comr.) Warri Ovoke Friday marks two years in office as Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, it is an appropriate moment to reflect on the milestones recorded by his administration since assuming office on July 15, 2024. Over the past two years, the administration has pursued what it describes as a development-driven agenda, focusing on infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment, environmental sanitation, security, and institutional reforms. Through a series of projects and interventions, the council says it has sought to improve public services and enhance the quality of life for residents across the local government area.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Infrastructure has remained one of the administration’s major priorities, with several projects either completed or underway. These include: Rehabilitation and construction of a new culvert on Ogbemudia Road, Oleh. Rehabilitation of the failed section of the Oyede-Irri Road. Rehabilitation of internal roads in Emede.
Remodeling of the official residence of the Isoko South Local Government Chairman. Renovation of the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) quarters. Renovation of the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) quarters. Construction of an ultra-modern gatehouse and perimeter fence at the council secretariat. Renovation of Olomoro Market, including fifteen open market stalls and one block of lock-up shops.

Renovation of Idheze-Irri Market, including three blocks of open market stalls. Installation of solar-powered electricity at the Chairman’s official residence. Installation of solar-powered electricity at the Isoko South Local Government Administrative Secretariat. Emergency repairs on the Oleh–Emede–Olomoro Road extending to Otor-Iyede. Emergency repairs on the Idheze-Irri back road leading to the Isoko North boundary. Intervention in the repair of the vandalized high-tension electricity line linking Igbide and Olomoro communities, restoring electricity supply to affected residents.

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STRATEGIC PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

The administration is also executing a number of capital projects aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery. These include: Construction of a modern Isoko South Local Government Administrative Secretariat. Construction of an administrative and staff block at Enwhe Comprehensive Grammar School. Construction of a modern police station in Enwhe.
Distribution of classroom desks to government-owned primary schools across Isoko South. Strengthening the Education Sector
Recognising education as a critical driver of development, the administration has implemented several initiatives to improve learning conditions and educational standards. These include:
Distribution of over 18,000 exercise books to pupils in public primary schools across the eleven wards.

Verification of primary school teachers to promote accountability and efficiency within the education system. Regular inspection visits to public primary schools to monitor academic standards and address operational challenges.

HEALTHCARE INTERVENTIONS

Healthcare has also received considerable attention through targeted interventions designed to improve access to essential medical services. Key initiatives include: Prompt response to the cholera outbreak in the Ikpide-Irri riverine community.
Organisation of a free medical outreach in collaboration with the Omodu Foundation to commemorate the administration’s first anniversary. Distribution of medical equipment to primary healthcare centres across the local government area.
Public sensitisation campaigns on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

PROMOTING AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

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In an effort to strengthen food production and encourage modern farming practices, the administration has: Distributed improved cassava stems to beneficiaries across the eleven wards.
Established pilot farms for pepper, potato and watermelon cultivation to boost local agricultural production and promote food security.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

To stimulate local economic growth and support entrepreneurship, the administration provided financial assistance amounting to ₦11 million to small-scale business owners, enabling beneficiaries to expand and strengthen their businesses.
Legislative and Administrative Support To improve governance and enhance official operations, the administration procured:
An official vehicle for the Vice Chairman of Isoko South Local Government. An official vehicle for the Leader of the Isoko South Legislative Arm.

PEACE, SECURITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Beyond physical infrastructure, the administration has also focused on fostering peace, security and social cohesion across the local government area. Notable interventions include:
Peace-building efforts in the Olomoro community. Resolution of the Idheze-Irri leadership dispute, which led to the peaceful emergence of new community leadership. Timely intervention in addressing security concerns in Emede and neighbouring communities. Sustained collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE

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The administration has equally sustained programmes aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and improving social welfare through: Regular environmental sanitation exercises across major towns, including Oleh, Irri and Emede. Annual Children’s Day celebrations, providing opportunities for children to learn, interact and celebrate in a conducive environment.

CONCLUSION

Two years into office, Hon. (Comr.) Warri Ovoke Friday’s administration has pursued a governance agenda centred on infrastructure development, improved public services and community engagement. While several flagship projects are still under construction, the projects and programmes undertaken across infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment, environmental sanitation and security represent the administration’s efforts to expand development across Isoko South Local Government Area.

As work continues on ongoing projects, residents and stakeholders will be watching to see how these initiatives are completed and what additional milestones the administration records in the years ahead.