The Orashi National Congress, ONC, has hailed the Executive Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon. Engr. Owolobi Michael Ofori, for one year of purposeful leadership, describing it as a period of practical development, improved welfare and a renewed narrative for the LGA.
In a statement, ONC said the Chairman’s commitment to service delivery is already evident across infrastructure, education, security, health and transportation in the last 12 months.
The administration has turned Abua/Odual into a construction hub with several landmark projects completed or ongoing.
Key projects include:
– *Ayama-Okana Road* – now over 95% completed
– *Abua Division of the Rivers State High Court Complex* – completed and awaiting commissioning
– *New Abolga Ultra-Modern Park* – ongoing
– *Hon. Udi Odum ICT/CBT Centre* – ongoing, designed to provide modern ICT and computer-based testing facilities for students and residents
Education remains a top priority. The Chairman’s interventions include the engagement of Volunteer Teachers to fill gaps in schools, payment of education grants and support, quarterly ₦300,000 grants to Law School students, and undergraduate bursaries.
The council has also embarked on the reconstruction and renovation of public schools, including State Primary Schools in Omelema, Omokwa, Ekunuga and Emelego, to improve teaching and learning conditions across the LGA.
The security of lives and property has been placed at the center of governance.
To tackle stealing, criminality and substance abuse, the administration eliminated scrap-dump activities linked to crime, established the Abolga Security Network, and strengthened collaboration among conventional security agencies and community-based formations including Hunters, Civilian JTF and Vigilante groups.
In addition, over 25 motorcycles, five new security vehicles and communication gadgets have been provided, with continued logistics and operational support to security agencies across the LGA.
Through the Abolga Mass Transit Scheme, transportation has been significantly improved.
Four luxury buses were added to the fleet, an intra-town transportation scheme with over 30 minibuses was introduced, and two cargo lorries were provided to support farmers and traders in moving agricultural produce and goods.
Healthcare support has been strengthened through emergency response and ambulance services, as well as medical interventions and assistance for the sick, children, women and the elderly.
Within the first year, the administration also:
– Remodeled, upgraded and furnished the Abua/Odual Local Government Council Secretariat
– Completed, landscaped and furnished Emoh Town Hall
– Empowered youths through the distribution of over 60 motorcycles
– Completed the Ogboloma Water Project and the Odau Water Project
– Commenced construction of a Water Project at Emesu Community
– Continued the remodeling and upgrading of the Abolga Mall
– Through the Grassroot Support Scheme, over 1,000 households have directly benefited from various forms of support, ensuring governance is felt at the grassroots
ONC noted that these achievements are not merely statistics, but represent a deliberate commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities for the people of Abua/Odual.
“We’re particularly proud of the progress made within just one year, but we appreciate the fact that he said ‘I am also conscious that there is still much more to do,’” the statement said.
The Congress expressed confidence that the Chairman will continue to consolidate on these achievements, complete ongoing projects and initiate new interventions that will make Abua/Odual safer, more prosperous and economically vibrant.
“We sincerely appreciate the Executive Chairman of Abua/Odual for the good work he is doing,” ONC concluded.