There was joy and merriment at Okehi, the Headquarters of Etche LGA, when the Niger Delta Assessment Team, an NGO based in Niger Delta Zone, arrived and presented the authentic certificate of the best performing council chairman in the 23 LGAs of Rivers state, to Barr. Reginald I. Okwuoma, the chairman of of Etche LGA.
The ceremony took place at the Etche Council Headquarters, Okehi.
After the presentation of the most best performing chairman to Barr. Ukwuoma at LGA, at Kings stadium Road, Obio/Akpor LGA, the team later moved to Etche LGA, to present the Etche chairman, the authentic certificate of the Most Best Performing Council Chairman in Rivers State.
Presenting the authentic certificate to Barr. Reginald Ukwuoma in his office, the team leader of the Niger Delta Assessment Team, Comrade Emmanuel S. Nkweke, who recalled the scenario during the assessment in the LGAs, noted that the Etche council chairman performed excellently within his 100 days in office, in the Rt. Hon. Chibuike’s second term in office, compared with other LGA chairman in Rivers State..
According to him, during the assessment period, where they lodged at the presidential Hotel Port Harcourt, apart from visiting the LGAs, they interacted with some persons in each of the 23 LGAs as a contact person who gave them all the performing details of their council chairmen which also helped them to make good assessment.
Comrade Nkweke who rated Etche council chairman’s performance 80%, noted that they have submitted his performance record to the Governor, assuring that the team would assist to ensure that two Etche indigenes get the next award as well as ensure that NDDC constructed Abandoned roads in Etche LGA which they could not finished.
Comrade Nkweke further revealed that the team was working to ensure that a factory is established in Etche through the NDDC in recognition of the award bestowed on the chairman.
In his speech, His Excellency, Bishop Prof. Chidi Ehiriodo JP International Director of United Nation Polac who expressed satisfaction for the turn-up of Etche people at the ceremony noted that the people of Etche are united.
Presenting the Etche council chairman with the authentic certificate of the most best performing chairman in Rivers State, he noted that the team was satisfied with what they saw in Etche hence they bestowed him the award.
In his speech, Eze E.M.B Opurum the Onyisi Etche who expressed his gratitude for the award presented to their son noted that Etche people did not make mistake in chosing him as their chairman, adding that he would continue to perform.
Similarly, Dr. J.C Ihejirika, the president General of Ogbakor Etche ethnic Nationality, described the chairman as a performer who has made Etche people proud, adding that Etche people are solidly behind him.
In the same vein Chief Johnson Amadi the chairman of the advisory council in Etche noted that Etche people are very happy for their son’s award and thanked the assessment team for considering him worthy for the award.
According to him, “I am not surprised of this award because the chairman merited it.”
In his response, the chairman of Etch LGA, Barr. Reginald I. Ukwuoma expressed gratitude for the award.
According to him, “I have seen this dispassionate and detached unbiased assessment in the Niger Delta Assessment team when they were on the assessment. We saw seriousness in them, they are independent, have integrity and nice. He appealed that Etche people be given national award as well as make NDDC to do projects in Etche as earlier promised, praying that God should lead every one safely to their destination. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
