The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has flagged off the second phase of an on-the-spot assessment tour of public facilities across the council, expressing shock at the level of decay in schools and primary healthcare centres.
Leading a high-powered team, Dr. Worlu on Wednesday 19th November visited several communities, including Iriebe, Elelenwo, Oginigba, Rumuodara, Okporo, Atali, and Eliozu, where he inspected facilities such as the Model Primary Health Centre (MPHC) Elelenwo, Community Boys Secondary School Elelenwo, Community Secondary School Oginigba, Primary Health Centre Oginigba, Community Primary Health Centre Rumuodara, Community Secondary School Okporo, Community Secondary School Atali, and Model Primary Health Centre Eliozu.
The tour revealed widespread dilapidation: collapsed perimeter fences, overgrown weeds, dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, acute shortage of teachers, and inadequate learning materials.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Worlu lamented the unfortunate state of the facilities despite primary education and healthcare being under the state government’s purview.
“This is the second time we are embarking on this tour. The level of decay is unfortunate, and we cannot fold our arms.
Those children and residents are our people. We will support the Schools Board and health authorities to ensure our people receive the best services,” the chairman declared.
He disclosed that the second phase of the inspection was designed to gather firsthand information critical for responsive and effective governance, adding that the council would engage the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and provide direct support where necessary.
While on a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Highness Eze Jeremiah Worenwu, Eze Oha Iriebe IX and Paramount Ruler of Iriebe Community, Dr. Worlu described boundary communities like Iriebe as historically and strategically significant, pledging partnerships to revitalise public infrastructure.
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“Iriebe is a key community. Communities located at boundary points have significant historical importance. We will partner with you to ensure that public facilities here are revitalised,” he assured.
In his remarks, Eze Worenwu commended Dr. Worlu for his courage, sincerity, and commitment to service, while highlighting the community’s challenges, including bad roads, inadequate classrooms, land grabbing threats, and general underdevelopment despite hosting major oil installations.
“We are happy to have you as our chairman. Your leadership gives us hope, and we believe your coming will bring remarkable improvements,” the monarch said.
Dr. Worlu assured all communities in the LGA of follow-up engagements and concrete actions to address the issues identified during the tour.
