Governance About Service, Adding Value To Humanity -Ariolu

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has said that his administration was about service to humanity as well as adding value to lives of citizens.
He said his administration would ensure that things were done right, and assured that he was absolutely committed to the progress of the people and the local government.
He gave this hint when he received a delegation of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Port Harcourt Branch led by their President, Engr. Hachimenum Amadi at the council headquarters, Rumuodomaya.
While reeling out some of his achievements, which include, sponsorship of Masters and PhD students to further their tertiary education, Ariolu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve in ensuring that things run smoothly in the area, saying “if the local government council is given its rightful place in government, we’ll get it right in governance.
“This is to the extent we have done within the space of one year. For us, we hope to do more for our people because governance is all about service to humanity and adding value no matter the dimension to the lives of the people,” he stated.
Speaking further at the Exco Chambers, Ariolu assured that his administration would partner the NSE in the establishment of a world-class Engineering Resource Centre in the area.
He added that the council would also partner the NSE in inspection of projects construction across the area to ensure such projects were built in line with the approved specifications.
“In the area of what you have told us, we desire to partner with you as a professional body. We have so many areas of interest that we’ll take our time to build upon.
“As a matter of fact, I will look at where we’ll leverage. Just like the NMA when they came visiting, told us the programmes they have that we can leverage on for the benefit our people, so, we also will want to explore that…having it, is for the interest of our people. We are aware, especially as it has to do with project construction,” he added.
“As projects are going on in our local government, we will desire to partner with you in respect of inspection of such projects whether they are built in line with specifications that got our approvals, so, that we’ll not fall into the disaster of collapsed buildings and people losing their lives, we’ll love to partner with you in that respect.
“As it has to do with your building project, we will make a commitment but we won’t be in a haste to do that. We need to meet with the project initiator to know where we can come in because we are a local government. We will be part of it, I assure you.”
According to him, the Engineering Resource Centre, when completed, would play a very vital role in the development of the society and improving the standard of living in the area.
Earlier, Leader of the delegation, Engr. Hachimenum Amadi, had stated that the purpose for the visit was to appreciate the chairman for availing himself at his investiture, which was held in January in Port Harcourt.
Speaking further, he described Obio/Akpor Local Government as a shining light of other LGAs in Rivers State, commending the local government council under the leadership of Ariolu, lauding his leadership prowess and proactive far-reaching policies and actions of his administration that has affected lives positively.
Similarly, he expressed confidence and optimism in the administration of Ariolu, while assuring him of the NSE partnership, support and commitment to further develop the area.
On his part, past Chairman and Fellow of the NSE, Engr. Basoene Benibo, revealed that the main purpose of the Engineering Resource Centre was to solve problems requiring engineering approach across the nation and world.
According to him, the Engineering Resource Centre would serve as a knowledge bank that would house ideas from engineers with vast knowledge and solutions on specific problems relating to engineering.
He added that the resource centre would also serve as a training centre where engineers would be taught to be abreast with modern technological changes and development through research methodologies.

By: Nelson Chukwudi