Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed support for financial autonomy of local government areas in the country.
Oborevwori expressed his support on Wednesday during the inauguration of a 30-bed Ultra Modern Cottage Hospital built by the Warri South Local Government Area.
The governor said that financial autonomy for local government areas was vital to the growth of the nation’s democracy because of its closeness to the grassroots.
“Warri South Local Government is an example why local government administration is needed. I am in support of financial autonomy for the local governments because it is important for our democracy.
“As the third tier of government and closest to the grassroot, the peoples’ conditions of living improved when it lived up to expectations.
“I am glad that Warri South Local Government under the Chairmanship of Dr Michael Tidi has done very well with the arrays of projects executed by the Council,” he said.
Oborevwori commended Tidi for the cottage hospital, noting that it would help address the healthcare needs of the people
“Our women, children and the vulnerable will have access to quality healthcare services.
“Tidi has done very well and I expect that this momentum should be sustained by the next administration,” the governor said.
Oborevwori observed that there was no pride in governance, noting that a lot still needed to be done in the aspect of environmental sanitation to keep the metropolis clean always.
“We need to keep Warri clean because it is the pride of Delta. We should not rely on infrastructure alone without getting the environment clean,” he advised.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Tidi said that the Cottage Hospital would bring healthcare service delivery closer to the residents.
He appealed to the governor to assist the Council with qualified medical personnel that could help put the facilities to its maximum use.
“Besides the massive structure, the equipment are unprecedented, as my people deserve nothing but the best.
“My administration came on board when the Local Government was in need of a credible and purposeful leadership.
“Leadership that will have the political will of providing the desired roadmap to lead our people from a condition of despair to hope and prosperity,” he said.
Tidi added that his administration came on board with a firm determination to impact positively on the entire local government area and leave an indelible mark in the history of Warri South.
He said that his team upon assumption of office swung into action with the zeal to uplift not only the face of the Council secretariat but also the negative narratives of Warri.
Among the array of projects executed by Tidi’s administration included: Installation of solar street lights at Okere-Urhobo Phase Two and Bowen ward.
Construction of 120 open market stalls at Ugbuwangue Modern Market, purchase of two refuse compact trucks, renovation and furnishing of the legislative complex and among others.
Bright Okumagba, who spoke on behalf of the host communities to the cottage hospital, promised that the facilities would be adequately protected.
In attendance were former governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Ogheneochuko Eyekpimi-Egbobonye, among others.
Recall that Tidi’s second tenure in office will end in March 2024.
