Edith CHUKU
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, has urged journalists in Rivers State to go beyond reporting events to providing constructive solutions to societal problems
Worlu gave this charge when he received executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Rivers State council, during a courtesy visit at the Council secretariat in Rumuodumaya.
He called on members of the state NUJ, to rise to their constitutional responsibility as watchdogs of society.
Addressing the journalists, Worlu said he assumed office on September 1, 2025 after signing what he described as a social contract with the people of Obio/Akpor to guarantee their welfare, safety, security and overall prosperity.
According to him, “governance in Obio/Akpor under his leadership is guided by the need to unite the people and create sustainable systems that will transform the local government.
“The major challenge confronting society today is the inability of citizens to come together to solve common problems, my administration is committed to fostering unity and collective action among residents.
“My administration is driven by the ARISE Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint developed to guide governance in Obio/Akpor, covering areas such as administrative reforms, infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment.
“Sustainable development should focus on empowering people with opportunities rather than offering temporary assistance.”
Earlier in his remarks, the state NUJ Chairman, Mr. Bazia-Nsaneh Paul, commended Worlu for what he described as bold and deliberate reforms aimed at improving governance and ease of doing business in Obio/Akpor.
Bazia-Nsaneh noted that the chairman occupied a strategic position in the State considering that a large percentage of industries operating in the state are located within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He particularly praised the digitalization of the local government tax system, which he said has reduced double taxation, eliminated harassment by revenue collectors, and created a more business-friendly environment.
According to him, the transformation around Rumuokoro, Oil mill Market and other parts of the local government has reduced gridlock and improved mobility for residents.
He recalled that during a recent media accountability programme, the chairman was the only council chairman who personally appeared to engage journalists, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability.
The visit ended with the presentation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint to the NUJ leadership to enable journalists better understand and communicate the development plans of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
