Okpe LGA Chairmanship: We need a chairman that will enhance Governor Oborevwori's work to represent us -Edward Ederaine.

Okpe LGA Chairmanship: We need a chairman that will enhance Governor Oborevwori's work to represent us -Edward Ederaine.

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

As residents of Okpe Local Government Area gets set to elect a new chairman in the upcoming local government elections, Okakuro Edward Ederaine, a philanthropist and immediate past President of Okpe Union North America speaks on the individual that should be nominated to represent residents of Orerokpe during the primary.

He believes that, there are clear expectations of the qualities and priorities that are needed to drive sustainable development in the region.

Speaking to Sapele Mirror journalist via a telephone conversation, Okakuro Edward Ederaine, a renowned promoter and advocate for education outlined the key issues that the next chairman must address to attain visible transformation in the area to improve the living standard of the people of the LGA, while urging youths with vision and drive to contest for the chairmanship position.

"Our youths should come out and contest, young people with vision, individuals with visionary leadership acumen that will enhance the work of His Excellency, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State.

No doubt, the out going chairman, Okakuro Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa has done well, but due to the enormous developmental challenge in the LGA, we need the next chairman to do much better.'

He highlighted the poor state of roads, schools, hospitals and other public facilities, stressing that infrastructural development is vital for improving quality of life and unlocking the economic potential of our communities.

"The new chairman's utmost priority should be enhancing the welfare of residents through providing much needed infrastructure, creating job opportunities for the unemployed, especially our youths that are willing to work and carry out effective social reforms in the education, healthcare and local security sectors" he emphasized.

"Our next chairman must prioritize completing long-delayed legacy projects and urgently address our infrastructure challenges," Ederaine insisted.

On job creation, Ederaine said attracting private sector investments through business-friendly policies could help reduce unemployment rates viz-a-viz providing skill and entrepreneurship training for the young ones of the LGA.

"The chairman should support skills training programs and promote locally-made products to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance," he advised, pointing to a similar scheme in other places that has seen many youths establish small businesses.

Ederaine, who is known as a friend of the vulnerables also called for social welfare programs to protect vulnerable residents, especially those living with disabilities.

"Financial aid for indigent citizens, affordable healthcare and educational scholarships can make a huge difference in their lives".

Beyond these issues, Ederaine emphasized that the chairman's vision must center on sustainable rural development, improved educational facilities and prioritize His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, 'More Agenda' for Delta State, especially in agriculture.

"By facilitating access to modern techniques and help with produce marketing, our hardworking farmers stand to gain immensely," he stated.

On governance, he stressed that accountability should be the focus. He advocated that the chairman should lead in an inclusive and transparent manner. "Regular project updates, proper financial audits and feedback platforms would ensure resources are prudently utilized for the benefit of all residents," he advised.

In wrapping up his remarks, he reiterated that the incoming chairman has a golden chance to positively transform Orerokpe if the right priorities around infrastructure, welfare, education, jobs and sustainable rural growth are addressed with residents' active participation.

"We want a leader who will put our community's development first with visible results. One that will enhance what Governor Sheriff has started. The next chairman's focus and performance will shape the LGA's future for years to come, and improve the Okpe kingdom as a whole" he concluded.