Ika South LG Chairman, Ehiwarior Receives Rootwatch Leadership Excellence Award ~ Truth Reporters

 

As a defined mark of the remarkable achievements so far recorded by his administration in less than one year in office, Ika South Local Government Chairman, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, alongside some of his counterparts  from different parts of Nigeria, was honoured by Rootwatch Magazine during its 23rd Distinguished Local Government Chairmen Merit Award.

The event, which took place at the National Merit House, Abuja, was graced by many personalities, including the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Issa Lanre Onilu, who also functioned as Chairman of the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Editor-In-Chief of Rootwatch Magazine and National Coordinator of Rootwatch Distinguished Local Government Chairmen Merit Award, Chief Bayo Ojo, said the award was initiated at the inception of the present democratic dispensation, with the sole intention to identify and encourage Local Government Chairmen who had distinguished themselves in grassroot development.

"The Rootwatch Dintinguished Local Government Chairmen Merit Award was instituted about 23 years ago to stimulate fair competition for service delivery among the local government chairmen nationwide, to honour the outstanding ones, and offer a platform for exchange of ideas on how best to attract development to the grassroots," he explained.

He disclosed that the selection process was tedious, but thorough and transparent to ensure the right and deserving Chairmen were identified and rewarded accordingly.

"The selection process of winners was quite tedious but thorough and transparent, from the first stage of Call of Nomination on radio and television stations, to publication in national newspapers for opinion polls. Members of the public were involved to ensure fairness and sustain the credibility of the award.

"Therefore, the winners being paraded here today could be said to have passed the litmus test. They are, therefore, worthy of being celebrated as performing local government chairmen who could serve as national brands in service delivery and good governance," he stated.

Chief Ojo stressed that, "today's celebration lies in being chosen among the hundreds of local government chairmen nominated for this highly coveted honour."

He assured that Rootwatch Magazine was deeply committed to identifying and showcasing hardworking and result- focused council chairmen who impact their various  local government areas.

Chief Ojo applauded the Supreme Court for the boldness exhibited in granting financial autonomy to the local government.

 He however, called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, State Government, Houses of Assembly, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the Constitution amendment, where necessary, to ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court's judgement.

 

According to him, "Doing this will guarantee meaningful development at the grassroots, and redress the socio-economic and security problems bedeviling the country."

He reminded the recipients of the award that they owe it as a duty to sustain and improve on the values that won them the honours.

"You must remain good examples of your colleagues in contributing more to the development of their respective council areas and the country in general.

 The Chairman of the occasion and Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Issa Lanre Onilu, noted that his agency was deeply committed to collaborating with local governments to ensure that citizens benefit from the government's policies and programmes.

He hailed the awardees for their hard work and uncommon dedication to the good of their people, and described them as "heroes of democracy and good governance."

He averred that it was only when local government administration "becomes fully functional" that Nigeria would attain her full potentials, and urged Nigerians to always support grassroot governance to move the country forward.

Receiving the award, which was in the category of 'Roads/Rural Integration,' Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, dedicated the award to the people of Ika South Local Government Area,

He said the award  was a challenge that would spur him to do more for the people.

Engr Ehiwarior thanked the people of Ika South Local Government Area for standing with his administration since inception, and promised to continue to put in his best in the service of the people.