This release is made, to enable us present the major achievements of Hon. Hope Ikiriko’s Led administration for this three and half years. We believe it is important to do this for records purposes, especially against the background of the continuing efforts by some persons to obfuscate the steady progress being made by the Administration in all sectors, even in the face of dwindling resources. Those who are transparent and accountable to their people are always ready to showcase their accomplishments to encourage other leaders to deliver good governance to their respective people. Hope Ikiriko’s years in office have been a turning point in the history of Ahoada West, making the Local Government, a destination of interest to all lovers of growth, progress and development. This explains why the Local Government, has witnessed an influx of thousands of professionals and other individuals from across the State and the country.
Consequently, The achievements highlighted here, are by no means exhaustive, but they center-punch the progress made by the administration in the years under review. Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko CNA who was elected into office on the 16th 0f June 2018 and sworn in 18th June 2018 holds the view that, true Democratic governance is the one that work with the people and not for them. With this, it becomes necessary and tremendous that the people are involve in the decision making process of their government and can then bear witness of every effects resulting from the collective efforts, actions and sometimes inactions. The salient goal was to completely eliminate the arrogance of public affairs anonymity with the heavy tendency to heap the blame, successes of government decisions on the political leadership per time only. In combating this tendency, Hope Ikiriko’s strategy was not just to make the people the center focus of his administration but also increase their decision- taking, making stake in governance and resource utilization towards alleviating poverty in the local government. This he has done with unusual magnanimity and high openness. Till date, he has not change from this golden resolve. Furthermore, it is pertinent to appreciate the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr). E.N. Wike for delivering unto Ahoada west a platform to build upon the purpose he brought into governance has had a sincere, faithful and trustworthy influence on the poverty alleviation programs. While the administration of Hope Ikiriko is motivated by its modest success so far, he sees this as the beginning of a long endeavour that can only be cured by proven commitment to more works. He holds the view that excellence is the gradual result of striving to do better. He has his joy and worries. He is happy for every life he had made better and has drawn his courage, optimism and belief that he is moving in the right direction from the copious positive feedback that has trailed every step he takes in uplifting his people. The worry of his administration is contained in the abundance of works to be done which is inversely related to the resources available at his disposal. Like every other tiers of government. He is basically resolute in his resolve. He has painstakingly redirected and organized every unpalatable state of affairs he encounters in line with constitutional duties of local government among other things include Rural Electrification Project, enhancing, the protection of lives and properties, welfare and well-being of the people, provision of basic amenities, equipping the people as one of its necessary informal and formal educational and socio-economic skills, thereby having alleviation of poverty in the lives of the people as one of its constitutional duties.
HOPE IKIRIKO SCORECARD ON POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN ALLEVIATING AND ERADICATING POVERTY AHOADA WEST.
SECURITY DEVELOPMENT
Having been aware that, security of the local government, its citizens, economic, political, social, environmental and religious amongst others is a duty a government owes its people. He prioritized security of lives and properties and ensures freedom of movements, and association without interference as his Government is designed primarily to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Before the inception of the government the area was besieged with enormous security threats ranging from terrorism, crime, economic sabotage, kidnapping, beheading of people, environmental security. The people could not go to farm to seek for their means of livelihood, business men and women were no longer safe and all relocating outside the local government. Small businesses no longer strive because of no patronage, all spheres of economic means of sustenance are all threatened. The foundational element of the social contract between the people and government is security. Security must reasonably be the utmost priority and reasonably be one of both the government and opposition. To Hope Ikiriko, it’s important at this juncture to refocus and tackle the menace of security. In tackling this menace, he understands that, it should be a clear victory in the war of terrorism and war on drugs. These noble objectives, culminated into the formation of a 26 Man peace and security committee on July 4th 2018 In pursuance to Section 40 of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 2018, with the following members:
In this vein, Chairmanships of the Council, Vice Chairman of Council, Secretary to the Council, Representative of: Nigeria Police, State Security Service, Army Unit, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Council of Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and Women Organization Representative. This was subsequently followed by a first ever security summit held on 17th June 2019 at the Council Secretariat, Akinima as the only Local Government to have hosted such summit in Rivers State. As the journey continuous, Ikiriko has become an enigma. While he is being commended for one thing, he performs another. Indeed, Ahoada West has never had a proactive Chairman and all these are timely and spot on, given the recent upsurge in crime related activities within the LGA as a transit point. He has continued to match words with action. He vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure the security of lives and property in the Local Government, to reduce the rate of crime to the barest minimum and to ensuring an optimum safety of lives. It is however interesting to note that the measures so far taken to arrest acts of criminality in Ahoada west has bared profound fruits, normalcy has been restored by the consistent raids at some black spots by the security agencies whose confidence was been boosted with the Provision of patrol vehicles, Renovation of Police Station, Akinima and logistics regularly by Hope Ikiriko’s led administration. Of recent, it’s the renovation of Divisional Police, Akinima intercepted over 160 unidentified young men coming into Rivers State from Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa States through the Mbiama Border points, despite the Border Closure directives. Thereafter, he championed the EKPEYE SECURITY for both Ahoada West and Ahoada East Local Governments.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIAL SERVICE
If there is any area in which this Administration has been consistent in terms of development, it is in the area of building and revamping critical infrastructure. such infrastructural projects are Rural Electrification Project, Feeder roads, power, Acquisition of land for the construction of a trailer park, along the East/West road, Building of Chairman’s lodge, The fencing of the Council premises with a befitting entrance, Renovation and furnishing of the legislative complex etc. No Administration has ever embarked on such a massive infrastructural renewal, more so at a time of dwindling earnings. It is his utmost belief that lack of social infrastructure affects community well-being. Every community in his view requires services and support not just mere building of town halls, renovation of offices. this infrastructures and social services initiatives targeted for entrepreneurs to invest and boost potentially growing business-like information communications and technology and agriculture.
In a related development, this government played its role in stimulating and developing sustainable local economies by undertaking in shared economic activities with stakeholders in the economic generating sectors, capable of inducing local employment opportunities and advancing the socio-economic interests of the people. These priority areas include Information and Communications technology agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry; manufacturing industries like fabrications, bakeries and palm oil and palm kernel. In doing this, Hope Ikiriko coordinated his optimal infrastructure in the following two areas:
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT (REP)
Undoubtedly therefore, one of the boldest decisions ever taken by any administration in Ahoada West is the decision to embark on Rural Electrification Project; Hope Ikiriko in a landmark move to keep HOPE ALIVE, he began RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT (REP) in 2019.Tthe effect of the Rural Electrification Project has been phenomenal and positive. Today, Ahoada West is closer to attaining self-sufficiency in growth and development than at any time in the Local Government history. Over the years, Ahoada West with few host communities to multinationals, were electrified with provision of generators plant, to power the electricity and this involves the regular and monthly supply of diesel. It is crucial to expatiate that, these communities only have power supply at nights when Diesel is available. In most cases, when the plant gets spoilt, the people suffer total black out for months because of financial constraint in repairing the plant. Most times, it will take the communities trading on the diesel due them to ensure that the plant is repaired. The host communities becoming worried of such situation of incessant black out, they prayed for a Messiah that will deliver them from such hopelessness, Hope Ikiriko came, he electrified the communities and hook them up to the national grid. Hope Ikiriko, thereby becomes the Hope for Awelga, the Narrative Changer and the man helped in them to keep Hope Alive.
Nonetheless, the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko CNA massively commenced Rural Electrification Projects (REP) in Ahoada West Communities that hitherto had no hope of electricity, while extension of Electricity is done in those communities with already existing Electricity from both Government and Multinationals and hook them up to the National grid. This major landmark project of Ikiriko’s administration, stands the biggest and most impactful project since the inception of the LGA, THE AHOADA WEST RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT, covers the entire Local Government with distribution within over 41 communities- Project was well thought out, feasibility study carried out, survey plans and map well developed and estimates produced. however, Hon. Hope Ikiriko, embarked on Rural Electrification Projects (REP) in the Local Government Area after he successfully carried out the Needs and Sustainable Livelihood Assessments. As seasoned administrator he came up with a feasible developmental plan of ensuring all communities in Ahoada West are connected to the National Grid, including communities hosting Multinational with a view to remedying the constant black out ravaging the area for decades now. In a bid to also ensuring that, Ahoada West people love to live, do business and established themselves, after making Ahoada West a peaceful and inhabitable place and ready for Business as he fought insecurity to a halt and immediately began the ongoing Rural Electrification Project.
TARGETED COMMUNITIES IN THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT
Oshiobele, Ombor, Olokuma, Ikodu-Ekpeye, Egbe, Ihuakpa, Ebiriba EbiribaII Ebrass, Idu-Ekpeye (Extension), Upatabo (Extension), Anakpor, Oshika, Oyigba (Extension), Ula-Okobo I, Ula-Okobo II, Ogbologbolo, Odigwe, Obodhi, Uyakama, Okobe, Ogbede, Emezhi, Akalamini, Eluma, Odhiolugboji, Odhiogbor, Odhiopiti, Odieke, Mbiama, Agbo, Akiogbologbo, Ugovia Kunusha, Udoda, Kala Ogbogolo, OpuOgbogolo, Egbeama Ogbogolo-Okarki (Extension), Okparaki (Extension) and Ukodi- Engenni
AREAS WHERE ELECTRICAL UTILITY POLES HAVE BEEN MOUNTED
Successfully, in spite of the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hope Ikiriko’s led administration has mounted Electrical Utility Poles (EUP) in the following communities; Oshiobele, Ombor, Olokuma, Ebrass, Idu-Ekpeye (Extension), Upatabo (Extension), Anakpor, Oshika, Oyigba (Extension), UlaOkobo I, Ula-Okobo II to Okogbe, Ogbologbolo, Odhiogbor, Odhiopiti, Odieke. All the Government seeks now, is his support for the Rural Electrification Project (REP) across Ahoada West Communities, this Project will bring about Development and employment, people can set up medium and Small Scale Businesses in Ahoada West thereby, alleviating and eradicating poverty.
GRADING AND OPENING UP FEEDER ROADS
In a bid to ensure the movement of persons and commodities, especially during the rainy season, the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State begun the grading and opening of feeder roads a cross the Local Government Area. This move was in line with the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko’s vision to provide rural infrastructure and social amenities to the citizenry. The communities had over time contended with dilapidated roads and infrastructure, which Ikiriko’s Government is fixing according to the efforts of his administration to make the rural areas more habitable and comfortable, hence over 25 feeder roads across various communities within the Ahoada West Local Government had been opened up as more are undergoing the process. The opening and grading of the roads across the Local Government, include Ula Ehuda-Odiokwu, Anmunugbokor, Ubeta and Odiereke link Road, grading of Ula Ubie-Ogoda and Oyigba road between 2018-2019. Others in 2020 are Ula-Okobo – Ogbogbolo roads, Odiereke – Ombor – Oshiobele roads, just to mention a few. The roads spanning about 25 kilometers each, have helped the rural dwellers to move farm produce easily from the farm to the final destination because the roads are now motorable and accessible. The grading and opening of these roads is geared towards preparing the entire community for the fast approaching rainy season against erosion and unforeseen disaster that might come with the rain.
SURVEYING, EVACUATION, SAND FILLING AND RECLAMATION OF THE COUNCIL’ S LAND
Before now, Ahoada West Local Government failed to secure and protect the land mass and territorial boundary of its secretariat located at Akinima, because of protracted litigations over the land and lack of political will. But this Administration has broken the jinx by properly surveying, evacuating, sand fillig and reclamation of the forest at the Council secretariat. It is crystal clear, that since the creation of Ahoada West local government, the Council Secretariat, had an Evil forest-(Deity). Successive Government has come and gone but the evil forest at the front of the secretariat was left uncleared and un-evacuated, posing security risks and keeping the council secretariat in a dark shape until an Evangelist, a leader with capacity track record, a servant of God, with his sagacious and fearless life style, believing that Power belongs to God, ordered the immediate clearing, evacuation, reclamation and sand filling of the (Evil forest) -Deity which raises fear and surprise in the minds of many especially the community. To the glory of God, the Evil forest was cleared and the land put into use, with the Council Secretariat having a new look. This administration has recorded laudable feat in the area of land reclamation which has even preempted successive administrations from taking full control of portions of land situated within Council. Hon. Hope Ikiriko’ s led administration swung into actions and as it stands today, the council has taken full control of the lands. Which underscored the fencing of the Council, proper documentation and legal certifications of the land.
OTHERS INCLUDE;
*Acquisition of land for the construction of a trailer park, along the East/West road.
*Building of Chairman’s lodge
*The fencing of the Council premises with a befitting entrance (Ongoing).
*Renovation and furnishing of the legislative complex
HEALTH
When the government of Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko took over the mantle of leadership in Ahoada West, the leadership observed that a healthy community is one which all the systems work and in which all citizens enjoy a good quality of life which will be affected by social determinants of health development. The Executive Chairman reminisced the Ottawa Charter that lays out Peace, Shelter, Education, Food, Income, Stable Ecosystem, sustainable Resources, Social Justice, Equity as prerequisites for a healthy local government because good health extends far beyond medical treatment to all aspects of his common life. All of these have now contributed to his achievable and measurable goal strides, Identification and use of health assets and resources for the primary health care and disperses across the local government. With this, he holds strongly the belief that to keep the body in good health is a duty otherwise he would not be able to keep his mind strong and clearer. To this effect, he has continued to take strong initiatives to improve access to quality health care. Paramount among these includes: Free Medical Service, Regular and prompt release of fund to purchase of drugs to dispensaries and distribution to primary health care centers.
EDUCATION
The leadership of Ahoada West strongly belief that functional education is the bedrock of every sane society and its commitment to education remains unabridged just as enshrined in the Education Mission Statement: To promote quality education and lifelong learning relevant to the dynamics of global change through effective policy formulation and the setting and monitoring of standards at all levels in conjunction with the underlying principles and values which states as follows:
– Scholarship to indigenes students
– Payment of Law Students School fees
– Over 100 school fees assistant to the students’ communities
– Over 20 Scholarship Slots
– Free WEAC Registration.
-Good relationship between the students and the local government
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Imperatively, as part of our efforts in driving the economy of the council through TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, we have in 2020, encouraged to carry out Human Capital Development (HCD), so that Youths can be seen as valuable assets with quantifiable value that can be increased through specific and measurable management techniques and human capital development solutions. Therefore, we have developed and equipped over 1000 Ahoada West indigenes with the relevant knowledge and skills required to qualify them for various positions of employment toward poverty alleviation. These efforts include, Technical and vocational training, business grant and assistant to qualified entrepreneurs. Such human capital developments include; Bead Making, Cinematography, Coding and Programing Language, Database Development, Website Design and development, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Catering, Agric Farming, Fishery, Piggery, Fashion design, Almaco designs, Cyber Security, Hard Wares, Networking, Gamming, App Development, Animation, Graphics Design Etc. at the Rivers State ICT.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Been aware that improved productivity has become universally accepted and it depends on efficient and effective training for advancement globally. Training both the physical, social, intellectual and mentally are essentials not only to productivity but also to the development of personnel in an organization. Human resources are the most valuable assets of any organization, with the machines, materials and money nothing gets done without manpower. He had to organized staff interactive forum sessions as a means of evaluating, sensitization on the need to build and develop themselves through his encouragement and lectures, seminars symposiums etc. with an appraisal and feedback to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence atmosphere between staff and management to have hitch free working atmosphere /environment, this harmonious relationship was evident in prompt payment of staff salaries and provision of a BUS to NULGE, and including the recent tripartite arrangement on reducing cost of transportation through the introduction of Staff transportation scheme thereby helping in the poverty alleviation programs .
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
As part of his effort to providing opportunity for the youth of Ahoada West Local Government in engaging them in sporting activities and help in weaning them away from militancy, the Ahoada West youth soccer tournament (AWELGA UNITY CUP 20018 and 2019) tournament is aimed at promoting the economic development and healthy Life style, strengthening the peace, unity and harmony among the youths and People of Ahoada West and grooming talented youths. The essence of the Unity Cup has yielded fruits, the peace enjoyed today after his security summit was subsidiary by the unity cup. It is important to state here that, Hope Ikiriko has sponsored many of his sons to different sporting activities, notable among them is KENNETH AZUBUIKE who was sponsored for his football career, with all expenses required for his trip and visa to Australia, been paid for. He believes having made that achievement it’s time to gain more, and he is willing to partner with youths to build more progress. Other noted progress is the provision of the sporting equipment to secondary schools; one among them is UBARAMA SECONDARY SCHOOL.
2018 AND 2019 DEVASTATED FLOOD
Ahoada West was again, one of the worst-hit Local Governments in the 2018 and 2019 Rivers flooding disaster, which prompted business moguls and philanthropists, concerned stakeholders to come to the rescue of the Local Government as it grappled with the impacts of the flood and care for internally displaced persons. In a bid to securing live and property, immediate evacuation of People, Provision of relieve materials and immediate remediation by the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West, Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko CNA, approved and established ‘A Flood Management and Victims Welfare Committee”. As the ravaging flood continues to submerge coastal communities, the Chairman of Ahoada West local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon (Evang.) Hope Ikiriko ordered the Flood Management and Victims Welfare Committee to move into impacted communities and evacuate people who are yet to relocate to the temporary established displaced camps. The proactive measures taken by Hope Ikiriko’s administration to check the effects of the flood on the people, earned him the people trust.
FINANCIAL PRUDENCE: AUDIT AND STAFF VERIFICATION
Governance is not a capsule terminology or a separate entity beyond the realms of the society hence establishment of policies, continuous monitoring, proper implementation as well as the prosperity and viability of the organization, covering gaps identified through needs assessment are major goals. Restructuring, changing, introduction of new policies, monitoring and implementations are accompanied by sacrifices and challenges. To this end, Hope Ikiriko carried out a staff audit by inaugurating the Staff Verification and Personnel Audit Committee on the 12th of July 2018. Consequently, the committee scrutinized, verified and conducted, staff Oral interviews within 5 months’ span of work. After a careful, intelligent, diligent, efficient and committed as well as uncompromising exercise, the Committee which was made up of seasoned administrators submitted its comprehensive reports to the Finance and General Purpose Committee. (F&GPC). And the Report was accepted and approved for implementation.
Specifically, for Years, payroll fraud has continued to drained incredible sums of money from the Local Government coffer. Infamously known as ghost workers, various methods have been employed by Hope IKiriko to check the syndrome, but those behind it continues to find new Tactical Ways to Perpetuate this infamous crime. At all levels there is a renewed effort to tackle the problem, especially since the coming of this administration. The term ghost worker was born in reference to employees who convert salaries through false means, or where a fictitious worker simply did not work but got paid. This, of course, is perpetuated almost exclusively by Civil Servants. The full implementation of the 2018 Personnel Audit and Staff Verification report and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPP IS) are, among others, were steps he took to check ghost workers.
SPECIAL EFFORT ON CONTAINMENT OF COVID-19 IN ENSURING THE WELFARE AND WELLBEING OF THE PEOPLE.
Consequent upon the outbreak of the Coronavirus, Ahoada West Local Government where God has placed him as the Executive Chairman is contributing its quota in various ways at its utmost discomfort in supporting the Orders of the Federal and State Governments and has contributed in the following in the help to containing the spread of the Novel Corona Virus Disease which began in China in 2019 popularly known as COVID-19 finding its way to all nations of the earth, hence a Corona Virus Pandemic: He was appointed among the LGA Chairmen as a member of State Surveillance Committee, State Palliative Distribution Committee, and State Palliative Purchase Committee by His Excellency Governor of Rivers State on the 24th March, 2020, 6th April and 7th respectively. Inauguration of Ahoada West LGA COVID-19 Sensitization and Prevention Committee on the 24th March 2020 headed by the Vice Chairman of Council Hon. Ubile Jack. Appointment of the LGA Palliatives Purchasing Committee, headed by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ezekiel Agri F. on the 11th April, 2020.
Succinctly, appointment of interstate border monitoring Committee and Task Force on Enforcement of Compliance to His Excellency Executive Orders on the 30th April, 2020. Appointment of the LGA Committee on State Palliatives Distribution chaired by the Vice Chairman of Council Ubile Jack on the 11th of April, 2020. Appointment of the Wards 5-member Committee on State Palliatives Distribution each chaired by the Councilor representing the ward on 11th April, 2020. Construction of some road furniture at the Mbiama, border axis of the East/West road. Engagement of Public Health Personnel who administered the hygiene materials, on pedestrians and persons on essential duties and movements. Purchase of hygiene materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks and distribution to Committee and Communities, Production of clearance pass to natives of AWELGA Communities living across the border, 16th May 2020. Inauguration of enforcement Task Force on His Excellency Executive Order 30th April, 2020. Inauguration of Task Force on His Excellency Executive Order on closure of hotels and allied business 7th May, 2020. Request for establishment of Mobile Courts and commencement of same to conduct trials of violators of the Executive Orders of the Governor of Rivers State and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is interesting to note that, Mobilization of security agencies and the members of the Rivers State COVID-19 Task Forces in Ahoada West LGA who checked and uncovered movement of idle and disorderly persons without fixed addresses moving into the State through the Mbiama border from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano and Jigawa States. The disorderly persons were accordingly handed over to the Mobile Court by the Police. Discovering of unknown and unauthorized gun men named NATFORCE who engage in escorts of men and vehicles without authorization by the State and Federal Governments. Discovering of combination of cows, goats and disorderly young men carried in the same truck buckets especially from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano and Jigawa States.
More so, as the Executive Chairman also led the Security agencies, Rivers State COVID-19 Task Forces and Community Leaders on enforcement of the Executive Orders of the Governor of Rivers State and the Executive Orders of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Border closure among others in various parts of the Local Government Area
THE ECONOMIC VALUES OF HOPE IKIRIKO’S SCORECARD
Dear Awelgans, as the Executive Chairman of this LGA, I have the burdens of industrializing Ahoada west and to realistically enthroned it the business hub of the state. Hence, the Electrification Project has invariably serves as entrepreneur vista in the lives and shapes of all and sundries specifically to the:
STUDENTS: (1) it will increased education possibilities as pupils and students are now able to study during night time.
HEALTH PRACTITIONERS: (1) clinics and hospitals can now operate at night.
(2). Fewer unhealthy kerosene lamps, meaning improved health conditions
(3). Increased basic comfort generally.
TRADERS/ BUSINESSMEN: High Income Generating Value; the electricity project will in no small measure generates wide range of services for end-users down to phone charging business.
THE FARMERS/ AGRICULTURALISTS: (1). It will create value added product, preserve product to enable selling in higher- value markets.
(2). It create value-added product from raw agricultural commodity.
(3). It will better yields, higher value crops, greater reliability, growing during periods when the market prices are higher because the availability of power has enabled irrigation.
SOCIO-TECHNOLOGY: It will improve access to information and strengthen local education, entertainment, knowledge sharing, communication etc. Through TV, Radio, Internet and Cinema. Human Capital Development, will help in driving the economy of the Local Government through TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, the Youths will be seen as valuable assets with quantifiable value that can be increased through specific and measurable management techniques and human capital development solutions. Communities along the East- West road axis of Ahoada West by the realities of the Rural Electrification Projects will now witnessed unprecedented economic boost of revenue generations. Notably, Communities like Ula-Okobo I and II, Odhiologboji, Eleuma, Odhiogbho, Ogbede as well as Mbiama will in no small measures experience business boom as a result of the availability of power supply, which has given Rural dwellers sense of belongings.
PECULIAR GEOGRAPHICAL CHALLENGES IN AHOADA WEST THAT THREATENS RAPID DEVELOPMENT
It is imperative to mention here, for the public knowledge and perhaps to equally appreciate the tremendous efforts of the council administration, some challenges peculiar to Ahoada west as a result of its geographical situations. These challenges could be considered natural which often hampered rapid developmental planned actions which include but not limited to:
FLOODING: This has become a recurring decimal to the coastal communities of Ahoada West that hampered steady actions of the administration. In that, it has been rocking the government as crisis thereby distructing planned programms of actions when other local government of the state are concentrating on other programs, AWELGA utilized same resources and energy to cater for the necessary needs of her discomfort and displaced citizens to ensure they are comfortable atleast.
TYPOLOGICAL STRUCTURE: the natural formations of land in Ahoada west its quite unique compared to other local governments area within the state. This obviously pose a major challenge which drained resources in terms of constructions. The cost of building in Ahoada west especially within the Secretariat its usually on the high side because of rich pilings before building could commenced while in other local governments it’s as good ready to go.
Dear AWELGANS, there is no gain saying the fact, that the economy of Ahoada West has witnessed a strong performance, building on the steady growth and progress in areas of Rural Electrification, Information and communications, agriculture, transportation & storage as well as manufacturing, all of which, have seen considerable economic activities witnessed positive expansion with trends indicating an overall macroeconomic stability. In the area of small scale businesses, the administration has launched a series of funding and capacity development initiatives designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The Administration demonstrated a single-minded commitment to developing Power Infrastructure. For the first time, over 300 thousand Ahoada West People will start to receive a fair return on the surfeit of resources of our lands. Increased income, for new hospitals, schools, infrastructure and jobs. For their support and perseverance, the Administration will continue to take all measures necessary to secure the lives and property of all citizens while enhancing their welfare. As a government we urge our brothers and sisters to join hands with us to move Ahoada West Forward, instead of engaging in scorched-earth style that benefits no one.
Finally, as he steps, into the last lap of this administration, you are encouraged to remain resolute and continue to support the Executive Chairman Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko CNA, and our Dear Governor, His Excellency Chief E.N. Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa, in helping to build a united Local Government and Rivers State.
I passionately appealed to all Awelgans, key-into the vision and task of Hon. Hope Ikiriko of making his dear Local Government a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. Therefore, as the Executive Chairman has expressed his commitment to deliver of all his campaign promises “I am ready and willing to do more in the last year of the JOURNEY, to support the FULL implementation of Ahoada West Rural Electrification Project that is ongoing, in every possible way. Because this administration has identified electricity as the major need of the people”, as connecting electricity to the various communities’ tops Ikiriko’s agenda.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL