The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Gift Worlu, has declared that his administration will not continue to do things the old way, emphasising the need for a new approach to governance, accountability, and grassroots development.Dr Worlu made this known on Thursday when he received members of the Obio/Akpor Social Media Group who paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat, Rumuodomaya. He stressed that leadership is not about comfort or enjoyment but about responsibility that demands focus, innovation, and hard work.
“We can’t continue to do things the old way and expect a different result,” he said. “Our people must begin to think beyond politics. While you support the system, you must also develop yourselves, acquire skills, and build sustainable livelihoods.”
The Council Boss, who spoke candidly about the challenges confronting the local government, revealed that his administration started without an approved 2025 budget due to the political crisis that nullified the previous administration’s fiscal plan. He explained that his team has been managing the situation prudently while preparing a new financial framework to stabilise the system.
Dr Gift Worlu expressed gratitude to the group for their steadfast support, noting that under normal circumstances, he should have been the one visiting them to appreciate their efforts during and after the elections. He stated that, despite the absence of key administrative officers, his administration remains focused on delivering services and maintaining transparency.
The Chairman further announced plans to convene an Economic Summit next month, aimed at harnessing the untapped potential of Obio/Akpor, which he described as “the second richest local government in Nigeria by potential, but not yet in reality.”
“We must begin to create new systems that work,” he added. “This administration is committed to economic diversification, digitisation of processes, and empowering our youths to become self-reliant employers of labour.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the Obio/Akpor Social Media Group, Mr Martins Wachukwu, congratulated Dr Gift Worlu on his emergence as Chairman and commended his leadership style. He explained that the group, which once had over 240 members, was significantly reduced later, but some remained, stood firm to their convictions and continued to promote peace and development through digital advocacy.
Mr Martins Wachukwu also announced the group’s upcoming Business Empowerment Program, scheduled for December 12, 2025, designed to support members engaged in small-scale enterprises such as photography, computer appreciation, digital marketing, POS operations, and other vocational ventures. He appealed to the Chairman for support and inclusion in the Council’s December welfare package.
In his contribution, the Deputy Coordinator and former Supervisor for Youths and Sports, Hon. Newman Ibuchi, commended the Chairman for his leadership and developmental strides. He noted that the group comprises graduates from various disciplines and appealed for their inclusion in the Council’s programs, adding that members have been actively promoting the Chairman’s activities since his assumption of office.
Signed:
Obio/Akpor Press Unit
November 13, 2025
