As part of efforts to promote accountability and encourage grassroots development, the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held an interactive session with the Executive and Legislative arms of the Warri South Local Government Council.
The visit, led by NUJ State Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyowe, was aimed at strengthening media-government engagement and assessing development strides being made at the local level in line with the Delta State Government’s MORE Agenda.
In his remarks, Mr. Oyowe said the Union’s visit was to encourage the local government in its efforts, while also gaining firsthand insight into ongoing developmental activities. He acknowledged the relatively peaceful atmosphere in Warri and noted the role of effective local governance in sustaining it.
“As journalists, we are here to understand and report objectively on what is happening at the grassroots, and to also offer support where needed in promoting responsive leadership,” Oyowe stated.
Representing the Council Chairman of Warri South, Hon. Isaac Agbateyiniro, the Deputy Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Emmanuel Egbe, presented a comprehensive overview of the administration’s achievements under the MORE GRACE Agenda.of the Warri South administration.
Key projects highlighted included:
Construction of Old UCC Road and Mosque Road in Igbudu
Beautification of Ogunu Bypass and erection of the “Keep Warri Clean” statue
Establishment of a ranch at Merogun
Construction of two ultra-modern cold rooms at Pessu Market and a modern Abattoir
Reconstruction of the burnt section of the Igbudu Market
Facilitating of the Ugbuwangwe Pedestrian Bridge
Construction of the Obodo-Omadino Road
Completion of a ₦60 million bridge project at Ifiekporo Community
Installation and repair of several transformers to improve power supply
Hon. Egbe also highlighted the Council’s sanitation drive, including regular environmental exercises, employment of 50 environmental taskforce staff, introduction of branded waste buckets, and clearing of water hyacinths to reopen river routes for local transport and fishing.
The Supervisor for Health, Hon. Gift Ese, noted the administration’s support for vulnerable residents and its active participation in immunisation awareness programmes. Meanwhile, Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Femi Okorodiden, detailed ongoing efforts in cleanliness, beautification, and effective waste management.
Further underscoring the administration’s broad impact, Supervisor for Innovation and Sports Development, Hon. Butler Igbigbi, highlighted youth-focused initiatives aimed at building talent and promoting grassroots sports. He noted that the Chairman has supported local competitions, training schemes, and tech-friendly youth engagement—helping to steer young people away from social vices.
In the agricultural sector, the Council’s efforts were also acknowledged, especially with the establishment of a functional ranch at Merogun, distribution of farm inputs and support for small-scale farmers—efforts aimed at enhancing food security and economic empowerment within the local government.
The NUJ delegation was later taken on a guided tour of key project sites, led by the Council Chairman. The inspection covered the newly constructed Pessu Market Abattoir, rebuilt shops at Igbudu Market, and the reconstructed Mosque Road in Igbudu—all of which showcase the Council’s commitment to infrastructure, economic recovery, and improved living conditions.
The tour provided the media team with a clearer understanding of the Council’s development trajectory, while the Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s focus on inclusive, transparent, and service-driven leadership.
The engagement ended with a mutual commitment by both parties to deepen collaboration in promoting community development and accurate reportage of governance at the grassroots.
