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The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their partnership with the local government in order to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Dr. Worlu made the call on Tuesday at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, while declaring open the Quarterly General Meeting of the Obio/Akpor Government Recognised Traditional Rulers Council.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for their consistent efforts in promoting peace, unity, and progress across the various communities within the local government area. He emphasized that meaningful development can only be achieved when government and traditional institutions work hand in hand.
βWe canβt have a sane local government if government and the traditional institutions are not on the same page,β Dr. Worlu said. βWe must be united at all times to tackle the numerous challenges confronting us as a city local government.β
He lamented the increasing social challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal, flooding, insecurity, land grabbing, cultism, drug abuse, and prostitution, which he said have become worrisome trends among the youth.
The Chairman recounted the tragic incident of flooding in Eligbolo Community, which claimed the lives of two siblings aged 16 and 17, and called for more community vigilance against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and obstruction of drainages.
βThe problem is deeper than we think,β he said. βWe must put on our thinking caps as leaders and tackle these issues collectively. Our traditional rulers must take the lead in sensitizing their communities.β
Dr. Gift Worlu also urged traditional rulers to involve enlightened sons and daughters of their communities β including lawyers, engineers, and other professionals β in governance and community development.
He further revealed that the local government is embarking on a digital transformation project to modernize its administrative processes, particularly in revenue collection, to improve efficiency and increase internally generated revenue for greater development impact.
βWe are digitizing the administration and revenue systems of Obio/Akpor,β he announced. βWith this, we will generate more funds to serve our people better. But we need the support of our traditional institutions to make it successful.β
On his part, Eze Morgan Nwenendah Amadi (KSC, JP), Eze Ohna Okporo Okwurusi who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Government Recognised Traditional Rulers Council, commended the Chairman for his visionary leadership and inclusive approach to governance.
Eze Amadi congratulated Dr. Gift Worlu on his electoral victory and commended his administrationβs strides in grassroots development, describing them as βa clear testament to his passion for the welfare of the people.β
The royal fathers, however, appealed for more attention to issues affecting their communities, including rural road networks, youth empowerment, improved waste management, provision of transformers, healthcare infrastructure, security, and an office complex for the council of traditional rulers.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both the government and the traditional institutions to deliberate on the challenges facing the local government and explore collaborative strategies for sustainable development and peace in Obio/Akpor.
Signed:
Office of the Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government
October 14, 2025
