Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in 18 newly elected Local Government Area chairman, charging them to deliver tangible development, uphold integrity and justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.
The governor, who administered the oath of office on the new council bosses on Friday, described public office as a “sacred trust” and urged the chairmen to make the welfare of residents the centrepiece of their administration.
Okpebholo called on the newly inaugurated chairmen to reject corruption, embrace transparency and maximise the benefits of local government autonomy to accelerate development at the grassroots.
He expressed confidence that their tenure would usher in greater progress, peace and prosperity across communities in Edo State.
Addressing the council chairmen, the governor said their success would ultimately be measured by the impact their administrations had on ordinary residents.
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“Go and work for the people, complement the development efforts of the State Government and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community. Your legacies will be defined by the lives you touch, the problems you solve.”
He further urged the chairmen to prioritise visible development and responsible governance, stressing that effective service delivery remained the best way to sustain public confidence.
“The best way to earn continued support is through good governance and visible development. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion,” Okpebholo said.
The governor’s charge comes amid renewed emphasis on strengthening local government administration and ensuring that government programmes have a direct impact on communities.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Gabriel Iduseri, pledged that the newly elected council chairmen would provide purposeful, transparent and people-oriented leadership.
Iduseri said the council bosses were prepared to work with both the state and federal governments to advance development across the state.
“We are ready to key into the SHINE AGENDA of the governor and the Renewed Hope of the president, and to bring development to our various local governments,” he said.
The chairmen are expected to translate the administration’s development agenda into grassroots programmes while ensuring accountability in the management of local government resources.