BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly sworn-in chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas to prioritise grassroots development, shun corruption and justify the confidence reposed in them by the people.
Okpebholo gave the charge on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 18 local government chairmen held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
The governor described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance and development in Edo State, urging the chairmen to ensure that the impact of government was felt across communities.
According to him, local governments, being the tier of government closest to the people, have a greater responsibility to deliver development and improve the welfare of residents.
He said the recent local government elections were free, fair and credible, adding that the turnout reflected growing confidence in democracy and his administration.
Okpebholo also noted that the renewed commitment to local government autonomy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had placed greater responsibility on the newly elected council chairmen.
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our party at the recent polls is a call for more work.
“I charge you to 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,” he said.
The governor urged the council chairmen to regard public office as a sacred trust and an opportunity to serve, warning them against corruption and misuse of public resources.
He said their legacies would be determined by the lives they touched, the problems they solved and how effectively they utilised the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Okpebholo further charged the chairmen to strengthen political structures at the grassroots and mobilise support for President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged them to work towards achieving the state’s collective target of 2.5 million votes for the President, stressing that the objective would require hard work, unity and sustained engagement with the people.
“The best way to earn their continued support is through good governance and visible development.
“The people have entrusted you with leadership. Go and justify that trust. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion,” the governor added.
He expressed optimism that the tenure of the new council chairmen would usher in progress, peace and prosperity across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Gabriel Iduseri, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them.
Iduseri said the chairmen were honoured by the opportunity to serve their people, noting that the mandate came with significant responsibilities.
“We pledge our commitment to providing purposeful, transparent and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.
“We are ready to key into the SHINE Agenda of the governor and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, and to bring development to our various local governments,” he said.
