Delta Governor calls for proactive security, people-centered projects, and accountable service delivery at Councillors Forum Symposium in Asaba
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged local government chairmen and councillors across the state to take full advantage of the newly granted financial autonomy to transform their communities, tackle insecurity, and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
The Governor gave the charge on Wednesday during the 2025 Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium held in Asaba, describing the gathering as a turning point for local governance in Nigeria. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial independence to councils was a constitutional breakthrough that removes any excuse for underperformance.
“This autonomy is a powerful catalyst for unhindered grassroots development, free from political interference and administrative obstacles. It is now the responsibility of chairpersons and councillors to fulfill their mandates without excuses,” he declared.
Oborevwori reminded the audience that the essence of councilorship was service, sacrifice, and accountability, stressing that councillors serve as the vital link between government and the people. He urged them to approach their mandates with integrity and to ensure that every constituency project reflects the true needs of the community.
On security, the Governor called on local leaders to work closely with communities and security agencies in gathering intelligence to forestall threats, noting that safety must begin at the grassroots. “Councils must adopt a proactive stance, rather than a reactive one,” he stated. He also announced that his administration would resume statewide town hall meetings in 2026 to provide updates on government achievements and engage citizens on pressing challenges.
Turning to the welfare of councillors, Oborevwori clarified that recent adjustments to salaries were based on recommendations from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and not arbitrary decisions. He highlighted improvements in the system, including severance benefits that are now disbursed in installments before the end of tenure.
He further directed local government chairpersons to involve councillors actively in all constituency projects while urging councils to handle tax and levy collections with civility, employing only well-trained personnel for the exercise.
Earlier, Mr. Samuel Ekpemupolo, Chairman of the Delta State Councillors Forum and Leader of the Warri South-West Legislative Arm, described the symposium as “the voice of the grassroots.” He underscored that the newly secured autonomy must be translated into real accountability and tangible improvements in communities. Ekpemupolo also appealed to the Delta State Government and House of Assembly to harmonize state laws with the Supreme Court’s ruling on four-year terms for local councils.
He decried what he called the relegation of councillors’ roles to “a mere empowerment scheme,” stressing that they deserve recognition as lawmakers at the grassroots.
The event drew notable figures, including former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as experts, legislators, board members, and representatives of partner organizations who delivered keynote presentations on strengthening local governance for sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori, while declaring the symposium open, urged councillors to seize the moment, harness the gains of autonomy, and commit wholeheartedly to transforming their constituencies. “This symposium should signify a transformative moment for grassroots governance in Delta State,” he affirmed.
0 Comments