The evaluation of a successful Local Government Council Chairman can be based on several factors, including but not limited to effective governance, transparency, accountability, efficient service delivery, financial management and Infrastructural development.
One may also add collaborative relationships, safety and security, as well as accessibility and inclusivity, to mention but a few.
Fact checks among Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria reveal that the Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government of Rivers State, Hon (Barr) George Ariolu occupies an enviable place in the league of administrators who have met almost all of the factors enumerated above.
A few will suffice: First and foremost, Ariolu has provided effective governance using limited resources to create policies and programmes that are beneficial to the people of Obio Akpor.
He has demonstrated transparency and accountability by providing regular reports and updates to his people on his activities, budget, and decision-making processes.
On efficient service delivery, Ariolu’s programs are timely and cost-effective, and he responds promptly to requests from the people.
He is reputed for effective and responsible management of Council’s finances. He balances the budget, prioritizes spending, and maintain a healthy financial position.
Hon (Barr) George Ariolu has promoted infrastructural development in Obio Akpor Local Government Area far and above his predecessors. They include road construction, housing and other community facilities.
On safety and security, he had successfully and collaboratively made Obio Akpor Local Government a safe haven.
He has developed and implemented programs and policies that has checkmated crime, traffic safety, emergency preparedness, and other safety issues.
It was on the strength of his monumental achievements within the timeframe of his administration that Port Harcourt based National Network newspaper, during its 18th anniversary celebration in October, 2022, conferred on Ariolu, the coveted “National Network Best Local Government Council Chairman Award”.
Thankfully, the workaholic Council boss has not stopped to work as the award has propelled him to do more!
The award has also thrown a challenge to other Council Chairmen in the state to up their game and position their councils in the race for the next edition of the award.
But the radar of National Network has not ceased to beam on George Ariolu’s everyday activities.
Less than two years in office, he is consciously changing the narrative to improve the quality of life of the people of Obio Akpor LGA, providing services and amenities that enhance their health, safety, and well-being.
He continues to dazzle in projects delivery with finesse, in a timely and cost-effective manner, and respond promptly to requests from the people.
Some of the Projects already completed and ongoing, include:
* Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Administrative Block
* Obio Akpor Legislative Block
* Ongoing Construction of Woji Community Secondary School, comprising of 19 classroom blocks with male and female toilets, principal and teachers offices.
* Ongoing construction of second phase of Rumuepirikom Market
* Ongoing construction of six classroom blocks at Rumuomoi.
* Ongoing construction of Oginigba Market
* Ongoing construction of Primary School Road, Rumuolumeni.
* Fencing of Obio/Akpor hectares of land in Rumuekini, and
* Construction of Dike Ariolu Street.
Additionally, there is the two storey ultramodern Obio/Akpor Legislative Complex comprising 19 offices, meeting halls, Chambers, kitchen, Restaurant, Control room, Store facilities, CCTV Cameras, Intercoms, Inbuilt speakers and others.
Certainly, the OBALGA boss will not only be remembered for his drive and passion for human-capacity, he will be remembered for his penchant in Infrastructure.
