The Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Barr. James Apolo James, on Monday 1 December declared open a three-day Legislative Capacity Development Training Workshop in Port Harcourt.
Declaring the programme open, Barr. James described the training as a strategic investment in human capital and institutional strengthening, stressing that quality legislation, representation and oversight functions remain the bedrock of good governance at the grassroots.
“A well-equipped legislative arm is indispensable to sustainable development and the restoration of public trust,” he said, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise capacity building to entrench accountability and responsive leadership.
He charged the councillors to embrace knowledge, discipline and professional competence in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned governance expert, Professor Emylia Jaja, urged participants to see legislative service as a call to nation-building at the local level, blending intellectual rigour with practical service delivery.
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Other resource persons included Dr. Okiete Solomon, who spoke on “Structure and Organization of Local Government in Nigeria”; Professor Joseph Kinanee, who examined “The Role of Psychology in Legislative Practices for Local Government Councillors”; and Dr. Barr. Damilola Nwaribe, who enlightened participants on “The Importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Legislative Business.”
The workshop featured interactive sessions, case studies and group discussions aimed at sharpening legislative skills and deepening democratic culture in the council.
In attendance was the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Mrs. Gladys Daniel Jack, legislative leaders, principal officers and council staff.
Barr. James commended the facilitators for their expertise and charged participants to translate the knowledge gained into improved legislative performance for the overall development of Opobo/Nkoro.
The theme for the workshop is “Building Effective Legislators for Sustainable Development in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.”
