–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
The former chairman of Isoko South local government area, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has commended Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, Isoko South elders and leaders, members of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta State and the National for their assistance during the past six years of his administration as chairman of Isoko South council area of Delta State.
Ikpokpo made the commendation at Uro Irri community, Isoko South local government area, during the thanksgiving church service held to commemorate two terms successful tenure he served as executive chairman of the local government area.
He stated that strict policy of administration gave credence to the success story. “We needed to implement strict policy in ensuring that only those who worked got paid. People were living in abroad and earning salary and some had two jobs, they took our names for evil, but I can’t fight because it is only on the altar that I have my feet and so I did not fear”.
Ikpokpo commended the immediate past chairman of Isoko North local government area, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor. He said, both of them had similar experience as local government chairmen. “I and my brother did things same way, same policy for the past six years”.
He thanked the two Delta State House Of Assembly members representing Isoko South constituency 1 and 2, Hon. Kenneth Ogba and Hon. Ferguson Onwo.
While commending the President of ALGON, Hon. Kolade David Alabi and 17 other members of the association, Ikpokpo said, “It is time for the local government to grow in this country, and until the local government operates well, the country will remain in a circle, because that is the bases of development where value is added to citizens of the country”.
“Our governor does not take it for granted because he knows that if the local government succeeds, he also succeeds”. He maintained that the development of Nigeria is at the local government and grass root level.
The thanksgiving was attended by top government officials, among them was the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Chiedu Ebie, Commissioner for finance, Chief Sir Fidelis Okemor Tilije, Special Adviser to governor Okowa on Project Monitoring and Implementation, Hon. Johnson Erijo and Executive Assistant Protocol to Governor Okowa, Pastor Powell Ovuokeyen Tos, Esq.
Others are the Pere of Akugbene Mein kingdom, Pere Luke Kalanama V111, AIG. Hafis Inuwa, from Zone 8, Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Hon. (Deacon) Joseph Otirhue, parent of the former ALGON boss, Chief and Mrs. Dominic Luckie Ikpokpo, Hon. Eta Enahoro, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, High Chief Denis Etaluku and traditional rulers from Owhe and Irri communities.
Earlier, a valedictory session in honor of Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, was held at the local government council Oleh, Isoko South local government area and was followed by the formal handover to the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) of the council, Mr. James Kolo.
Ikpokpo while commending the former Vice Chairman and Secretary of the council, Hon Alex Ebah and Mr. Denis Obrogo, councilors and supervisory councilors, urged them to always say the truth as anyone can showcase themselves any day.
“I surrendered myself to those who can say the truth, because it adds value to the system and individual”, he said.
He commended the security agents for the love shown towards effective governance of the local government council.
Ikpokpo was sober while commending the staffs that worked under him. “This job would not have been easy without you as you accepted my shouting and scolding, I wouldn’t have been who I am today”.
The highlights of the event was praise and worship session in appreciation to God, tagged “an Evening in His presence that featured Paulnams, Soloking and Elohozino, held at Ikpokpo’s residence, Uro Irri, Isoko South local government area.
Ikpokpo thanked God for fulfillment saying, “today six years after, I returned praise and glory to God for the journey that started since 2014. I give him thanks and praises, it’s not about the labour, but what God has used us to do”.
He commended everyone that attended and prayed for blessings. He urged the people to remain focused and serve God diliqently in the year 2021 as power belongs to God.
