By Sunday Apah
On July 15, 2024, Hon. Dr. Lucky Irorefe Avweromre, PhD, JP was sworn in as Executive Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, ushering in a new era of visionary grassroots leadership.
One year later, his administration has become a benchmark for local governance in Delta State, delivering tangible progress through 24 completed projects and 4 ongoing initiatives.
Guided by a clear development agenda anchored on four cardinal pillars, Peace, Unity, Innovations, and Development (PUID), Dr. Avweromre has redefined service delivery, placing the well-being of citizens at the heart of governance.
PEACE: A Foundation for Progress
Recognizing peace as the bedrock of development, the Avweromre-led administration has prioritized social cohesion through consistent community engagement.
Regular town hall meetings, dialogue sessions, and inclusive consultative platforms have helped de-escalate tensions and foster mutual understanding among diverse community interests.
UNITY: Building Stronger Bonds
Deliberate efforts to foster unity have seen the administration rally traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in a bid to transcend ethnic and political divides.
This inclusive leadership style has created an environment where collective governance thrives, ensuring that no group is left behind in the development process.
INNOVATIONS: Modernizing Local Governance
In a bold departure from convention, Dr. Avweromre’s government has embraced innovation, introducing digital systems to monitor project execution, enhance transparency, and engage citizens more effectively.
Technological solutions are being integrated into healthcare, education, and administrative functions to improve service delivery.
DEVELOPMENT: Infrastructure that Impacts Lives
Dr. Avweromre’s administration has made infrastructure development a top priority. In just twelve months, residents of Ughelli South have witnessed unprecedented transformation, marked by strategic investments in healthcare, education, roads, security, and economic empowerment.
Key Completed Projects Include:
Rehabilitation of Okwagbe Health Centre, including the construction of a security house to enhance safety for patients and staff.
Solar energy installations across key public facilities, reducing dependency on the national grid and enabling 24/7 operations.
Solar-powered water system at Baba-Ido Primary School, improving access to safe drinking water.
Renovation of Gbaregolor Primary School, coupled with the provision of modern desks and chairs for pupils and teachers.
Scholarship awards to 21 students of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, promoting educational advancement.
Completion of the 4.3km Ewu–Oviri-Olomu Road, significantly enhancing transportation and local trade.
Construction of a wooden bridge connecting Omosuomo Inland and Waterside communities, boosting rural access.
Car parks built at the Ughelli South Legislative Complex, providing improved infrastructure for public service.
Distribution of cassava grinding machines to rural communities, empowering women and local entrepreneurs.
Procurement of operational vehicles for staff to enhance service delivery and workforce efficiency.
Construction of multiple security outposts, reinforcing the administration’s proactive approach to safety.
Ongoing Projects Reflect Continued Momentum
Dr. Avweromre’s commitment to sustainable growth is evident in the projects currently underway:
Renovation of the Old Administrative Block, aimed at modernizing the nerve center of local governance.
Construction of a Resettlement Centre in Okuama, featuring a solar-powered borehole, toilets, and kitchen facilities, to support displaced and vulnerable populations.
Ward-level constituency projects, equitably distributed across all 20 wards, ensure balanced development and local relevance in governance.
A Vision Rooted in Service
Marking the administration’s first anniversary, Dr. Avweromre reaffirmed his pledge to drive development through transparency, accountability, and community involvement.
His leadership has shown that effective governance is not about occupying an office — it’s about delivering results that resonate with the people.
Looking ahead, the administration is poised to deepen its development footprint, leveraging partnerships and public support to sustain the momentum.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
As Ughelli South reflects on a year of impactful leadership, residents have reason to be hopeful. Dr. Avweromre’s administration has laid a solid foundation for progress, setting an example for other local governments across Nigeria.
With unity of purpose, continuous citizen engagement, and unwavering focus on the PUID blueprint, the local government is well on its way to achieving lasting peace, prosperity, and transformation.
