The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has called on members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, to rise to their constitutional responsibility as watchdogs of society.
Dr. Worlu made the call when he received the Executive and members of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists during a courtesy visit at the Council secretariat in Rumuodumaya.
Addressing the journalists, the Chairman said he assumed office on September 1, 2025 after signing what he described as a social contract with the people of Obio/Akpor to guarantee their welfare, safety, security and overall prosperity.
According to him, governance in Obio/Akpor under his leadership is guided by the need to unite the people and create sustainable systems that will transform the local government.
The Chairman noted that the major challenge confronting society today is the inability of citizens to come together to solve common problems, stressing that his administration is committed to fostering unity and collective action among residents.
Dr. Gift Worlu explained that his administration is driven by the ARISE Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint developed to guide governance in Obio/Akpor, covering areas such as administrative reforms, infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment.
He emphasized that sustainable development should focus on empowering people with opportunities rather than offering temporary assistance.
He urged the media to go beyond reporting events to also providing constructive solutions to societal problems.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Mr. Bazia-Nsaneh Paul, commended Dr. Gift Worlu for what he described as bold and deliberate reforms aimed at improving governance and ease of doing business in Obio/Akpor.
Mr. Paul noted that the Chairman occupies a strategic position in Rivers State considering that a large percentage of industries operating in the state are located within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He particularly praised the digitalization of the local government tax system, which he said has reduced double taxation, eliminated harassment by revenue collectors, and created a more business-friendly environment.
According to him, the transformation around Rumuokoro, Oil mill Market and other parts of the local government has reduced gridlock and improved mobility for residents.
He recalled that during a recent media accountability programme, Dr. Gift Worlu was the only council chairman who personally appeared to engage journalists, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability.
The visit ended with the presentation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint to the NUJ leadership to enable journalists better understand and communicate the development plans of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Monday, March 16, 2026
