By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a bold move to commemorate his one-year anniversary in office, Honourable Warri Friday Ovoke, Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at empowering women, boosting local agriculture, and improving infrastructure.
At a colourful ceremony held at the Isoko South Council Secretariat in Oleh, the Council boss distributed a total of ₦11 million to 55 women, carefully selected from the 11 political wards in the local government area. Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support and grow their small businesses.
Speaking during the event, Honourable Warri Ovuoke Friday urged the women to use the funds wisely, emphasizing prudence and discipline in managing their new capital. He pledged that women who successfully grow their businesses will be further rewarded in future empowerment rounds.
“I want you to invest this money into your businesses, not into things that won’t yield returns. We are committed to lifting families out of poverty through small business support,” Warri Ovuoke Friday said.
The women, overwhelmed with joy, sang praises and offered prayers for the chairman, pledging to make the best use of the opportunity.
Legacy Projects and Community Development
Following the empowerment programme, Honourable Ovuoke hosted what many described as the first-ever local government anniversary press briefing in Delta State, where he outlined his administration’s achievements in the past year.
Journalists and community leaders were taken on a tour of ongoing projects, including:
- Renovation of the Council Secretariat and main entrance gate
- Construction of a new Secretary’s Quarters and Head of Personnel Management (HPM) official residence
- An ongoing project to build a new legislative building and offices
- Renovation of primary schools and distribution of exercise books to pupils
One project that particularly caught the attention of the visiting media was the Council’s pepper farm located within the Secretariat premises. As journalists watched workers harvest the special pepper species, many praised the initiative as a creative step toward local government involvement in agriculture.
“This is the first time we are seeing a local government actively investing in farming. If other councils follow this example, we can fight hunger and boost local food production,” a journalist remarked during the tour.
Healthcare and Security Interventions
The Chairman also highlighted strides made in the health sector. In partnership with the OMIWA Foundation, the Council recently organized a free medical outreach, offering residents free consultations, medications, eyeglasses, and laboratory tests.
On security, Honourable Warri Friday Ovuoke recounted the challenges his administration faced with herdsmen activities, which initially threatened farming in the area. He explained how strategic interventions helped curb the menace, restoring confidence among farmers.
An Administration Close to the People
Workers and constituents commended Honourable Warri Friday Ovuoke for his approachable leadership style and people-centered governance. Many described his administration as one that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the Council.
As the anniversary celebrations continue, residents of Isoko South are optimistic that the next years of Ovuoke’s administration will bring even greater development and grassroots empowerment.