The Obio/Akpor Local Government Council has commenced the second phase of its on-the-spot assessment tour of public facilities across the Local Government Area to examine the state of affairs, especially in schools and primary health centres.
Led by the Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. Dr Gift Worlu, the assessment team visited several strategic locations, including Iriebe Community, public schools, and health facilities and found that most of the facilities are in deplorable states and needed urgent intervention.
Among the facilities inspected were the Model Primary Health Centre (MPHC), Elenlewo; Community Boys Secondary School, Elenlewo; Community Secondary School, Oginigba; Primary Health Centre, Oginigba; Community Primary Health Centre, Rumuodara; Community Secondary School, Okporo; Community Secondary School, Atali; and the Model Primary Health Centre, Eliosu.
During the tour, Dr Gift Worlu expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of some of the facilities. A Community Secondary School principal highlighted acute shortage of teachers, dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate learning materials as major challenges confronting the school.
Although primary healthcare and basic education fall under the purview of the state government, Dr Gift Worlu stressed that the council would not abandon its people.
“This is the second time we are embarking on this tour. The level of decay is unfortunate, and we cannot fold our arms. Those children and residents are our people, and we will support the Schools Board and health authorities to ensure our people receive the best services,” he said.
According to the chairman, the second round of inspection is aimed at obtaining firsthand information necessary for responsive and effective governance.
During a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze Jeremiah Worenwu, the Paramount Ruler of Iriebe Community, Dr Gift Worlu emphasised the historical and strategic significance of boundary communities like Iriebe.
He thanked the traditional ruler for the warm reception and noted that the government must not only benefit from such communities but must also prioritise their development.
“Iriebe is a key community. Communities located at boundary points have significant historical importance. We will partner with you to ensure that public facilities here are revitalised,” he assured.
Dr Gift Worlu further disclosed plans to engage the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to address the deteriorating conditions of schools, while also offering direct council support where necessary. He urged traditional rulers to remain fair to all residents, while reminding them that “all politics is local.”
The chairman assured communities across the LGA that the Council would return for follow-up engagements and concrete actions based on issues observed during the tour.
In his response, HRH Eze Jeremiah Worenwu commended the chairman for his courage, sincerity, and commitment to public service. He outlined the community’s pressing concerns, including poor road networks, inadequate classrooms, overcrowded learning conditions, the threat of land grabbing, and general underdevelopment despite hosting major assets and oil wells.
“We are happy to have you as our chairman. Your leadership gives us hope, and we believe your coming will bring remarkable improvements,” the traditional ruler stated.
Signed:
Obio/Akpor Press Unit
November 19, 2025
