Tuesday March 6, 2012 will ever remain one of the busiest days in the history of Wakirike local government area particularly for the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Tamuno Williams, as the day was jam-packed with activities.
The day witnessed the inauguration of the new executive members, 16 of them, supervisors and advisers.
Giving accounts of total revenue received from June 2011 to December 2011, launching of free preparatory classes for WAEC and NECO for students, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding for socio-economic development of the area with the Integrated Catering Company owners of the brand name, The Promise and Southern Fields Development Partners, Corpers sendforth party and meeting with C.D.C Chairmen and Secretaries.
“The last time we had summer classes we bought laptops for the best performing students. But I want to make a firm promise that by the end of your NECO, WAEC exams, the best male students, the best female students, that has gone through our programmes, we are going to give you a Special Scholarship” Hon. Williams told the students as he launched the free preparatory classes.
The scholarship money, he said, would be paid en-block to avoid succeeding chairmen from stopping it.
“I had on ground excess revenue of N80 million before I was suspended in January. We were also expecting N36m and N8m expected from winning first position during RIVIFEST”. We were also expecting N4m as tenement rate from NNPC. I met only N4m when I came back”.
“In June 2011, when I became Chairman, not one penny was in the council treasury. I had to bring out my own money. I brought in N2.8m of my personal money to start”, he said as he gave account of his stewardship.
The tradition before was to take overdraft at random but he stopped it and began to run the local government area with his personal money without interest.
Three months arrears I met when I came back have been paid and increase of 70% salary paid, and N18, 000 minimum salary paid.
Payment voucher to be given to me before 15th of every month.
He told the Community Development Committee members, CDC that he would give them hard copies of the account for their information.
He danced with the National Youth Corps members and assured them of ready hospitality by Okrikans whenever they choose to come back.
“The “Promise” Eatery Home promised to employ 50 indigenes when they come on board, while Access Bank promised to provide the fund to erect the building for The Promise.
Southern Fields Development on their part promised to develop and maintain data bank for useful information to develop the community.
The Newswriter will give up details next week.
Here are some pictures at the occasion.
Kenneth Amabipi
