Gov. Oborevwori’s Aide, Odogu, Organises Workshop for Community Leaders, Vigilantes on Protection of Govt Facilities ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Hon. Emakpor Odogu, has organised a two-day workshop for community leaders and vigilantes in Isoko Nation on the protection of government facilities.

The workshop, themed “The Role of Community Leaders in Isoko,” was held at the ancient Ekpre Otobo Hall, Oleh, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Described as the first of its kind in Isoko Nation, the workshop attracted five delegates each from all the clans in Isoko, as well as Isoko communities in Ndokwa.

In his address, the convener, Hon. Emakpor Odogu, said the two-day workshop on the protection of government facilities was a testament to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development under the MORE Agenda.

According to him, the workshop was organised to explore effective ways of safeguarding government facilities while promoting socio-economic growth across Delta State.

Hon. Odogu further noted that he recognised the critical role community leaders play in safeguarding public assets and advancing development, stressing that their participation demonstrated a shared commitment to the noble task of protecting government facilities.

He emphasised that community leaders, as custodians of collective heritage, are the bedrock upon which society is built, urging them to chart a course for a safer, more prosperous and resilient Delta State where government facilities are cherished, protected and properly utilised for the benefit of all.

Earlier, the Executive Assistant paid courtesy visits to some traditional rulers in Isoko Nation to intimate them of the workshop scheduled to hold at the Ekpre Otobo Hall.

Delivering the keynote lecture on the roles and responsibilities of communities in protecting government facilities, the President General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. 

Chris Akpotu, said community leaders, as custodians of their communities, occupy a unique position to influence and mobilise their people to safeguard public assets.

Prof. Akpotu called for a change in mindset, urging community leaders and residents to see government facilities as their own property, noting that public assets are often vandalised or stolen because they are wrongly perceived as belonging solely to government.

He also advocated the introduction of a reward mechanism by relevant government agencies for vigilantes who have been safeguarding public assets without remuneration, stating that such incentives would motivate them to do more in protecting public property.

In his lecture on an overview of government facilities in Delta State and their importance, Chief Dr. Jimoh Eshenake explained that government facilities are vital because they support service delivery, create jobs, attract investment, maintain law and order, and improve the overall quality of life.

Also speaking, Mr. Alex Sanco, who delivered a paper on identifying and mitigating security risks to government facilities in Isoko Nation, stressed that community leaders must demonstrate integrity and vision in putting effective security structures in place to ensure the protection of government facilities in their areas.

He further emphasised the need for close collaboration between community leaders and security agencies, as well as proper training of vigilantes, to enhance the protection of government facilities across Isoko Nation.