Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas, urging them to make the welfare and development of residents their top priority.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Friday at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, marking the beginning of a new administration at the local government level across the state.
Okpebholo described the inauguration as a new chapter in grassroots governance and called on the council chairmen to complement the development initiatives of the state government.
He urged them to ensure that government programmes have a visible impact on communities, stressing that local governments are closest to the people and therefore have a crucial role in improving the lives of residents.
The governor also charged the new council leaders to shun corruption and conduct themselves with humility, integrity and accountability.
He noted that greater local government autonomy comes with increased responsibility, urging the chairmen to justify the confidence placed in them by the electorate through effective service delivery.
Okpebholo further encouraged the new officials to align their programmes with the administration’s development agenda and work towards promoting peace, progress and prosperity throughout Edo State.
The governor also praised the people of the state for participating in the recent local government elections, which he described as an indication of growing confidence in the democratic process.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, the Oredo Local Government Chairman, Gabriel Iduseri, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged that the chairmen would take their responsibilities seriously.
The new council administrations are expected to focus on delivering development and basic services at the grassroots while working alongside the state government to improve communities across Edo State.
