In a thought-provoking and emotionally charged meeting, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Gift Worlu, met with the Obio/Akpor Indigenous Ministers Forum to seek partnership in transforming the mindset of the people towards sustainable development, moral reawakening, and community responsibility.
The meeting, held at the Council Secretariat, aimed to strengthen collaboration between the local government and the clergy in addressing pressing social challenges facing society.
In his speech, Dr Gift Worlu lamented the tragic death of two young boys who were swept away by floodwaters in Eligbolo Community, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the failure of collective responsibility β from governance to parental and community leadership.
βNow, what killed those children? Failure of good government. Failure of community leadership. Failure of parents,β he stated with deep emotion.
He narrated the unfortunate incident, recounting how one of the boys was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to retrieve his slippers, and his brother drowned while trying to rescue him. Dr Worlu questioned why Nigerians still live under such deplorable conditions despite the nationβs abundant resources, fertile land, and capable population.
βCan we explain why any Nigerian should live under such conditions? Why canβt our parents afford education for their children? Why is there no food in a nation with so much fertile land?β he asked rhetorically.
The council boss criticised a culture of mediocrity and dependency, calling for a shift in mindset towards productivity, education, and agricultural revival. He disclosed that when the councilβs agriculture department proposed funds for a World Food Day exhibition, he declined, demanding to know where the crops to be showcased were cultivated.
βWe canβt keep deceiving ourselves. If we didnβt plant anything, what are we exhibiting? Obio/Akpor has land for agriculture. What are we doing with it?β he queried.
Hon. Worlu further emphasised the importance of education, responsible parenting, and population control, urging citizens to focus on quality rather than the number of children they bear. He compared Nigeriaβs situation to that of China, which made bold decisions that later transformed its economy.
The Chairman decried the rising culture of quick wealth, land grabbing, cultism, and unemployment, which he said are eroding the dignity and economic value of the local government. He called on the church to join hands with his administration in reorienting the people towards moral discipline, skill acquisition, and self-reliance.
βThe partnership I want with the clergy is for you to help us change the way our people think, see, and act. Our people must understand that prayer without action will not change their situation. Even Jesus Christ will not do for you what you can do for yourself,β he said.
Dr Worlu urged the ministers to use their platforms to drive behavioural change, reminding them that prosperity is not in miracles or handouts but in diligence, innovation, and personal effort.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Bishop Prince Samuel Richard, Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Indigenous Ministers Forum, commended Hon. Gift Worlu for his passion for human and infrastructural development. He assured the council boss of the forumβs readiness to partner with the local government in advancing moral rebirth, community enlightenment, and youth reformation across the local government area.
The forum, thereafter, offered prayers for Godβs divine protection, health, and wisdom upon Hon. Dr Gift Worlu and his family, as well as guidance in leading the people of Obio/Akpor to greater heights.
Signed:
Office of the Chairman, Obio/Akpor LGA
October 15, 2025
