Chairman creates representation for persons with disabilities and women, provides wheelchairs to beneficiaries
SABONGIDA-ORA, EDO STATE — The Executive Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Aikpokpo Enahoro, has sworn in five newly appointed Supervisors and appointed nine Special Advisers as part of efforts to strengthen the council’s administrative structure and promote inclusive governance.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the council’s administrative headquarters in Sabongida-Ora, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Executive Chairman and signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Ilevbare Duro Sylvester.
The inauguration of the five Supervisors followed their successful screening by the legislative arm of the local government, in line with the established procedures for their appointment.
The newly inaugurated Supervisors are David Edward, Iruedo David, Uangbaoje Anthony Ohiomokhia, Emma Ozede and Friday Akhimieho.
Their inauguration is expected to strengthen the council’s administrative machinery, support effective service delivery and facilitate the implementation of the administration’s development priorities.
The Chairman also appointed nine Special Advisers to support his administration in policy development, community engagement and the execution of government programmes.
The appointments include representatives of persons with disabilities and women, in what the council described as a deliberate effort to broaden participation in local government administration.
Nine Special Advisers Appointed
The nine Special Advisers appointed by Enahoro are Anthony Ihonde, Aigbodion Ohiremen Lucky, Ehelofun Pope Ebenezer, Jimoh Iyoyo and Samuel Osayande Alele.
The list also includes Uaboi Miracle Eromose and Angela Ugbijie, who were appointed to represent persons with disabilities, as well as Aisekhaghe Ilekukpe Esther and Patricia Elefan, appointed under the Women’s Quota.
According to the council, the appointments are intended to ensure that different segments of society have opportunities to contribute to governance and decision-making in Owan West.
The administration said the inclusion of representatives from underrepresented groups reflects its commitment to participatory governance and the consideration of diverse perspectives in the formulation and implementation of policies.
Persons with Disabilities Get Representation
The appointment of two Special Advisers representing persons with disabilities followed a courtesy visit to the Chairman earlier in October by members of the disability community.
During the visit, the group reportedly appealed to Enahoro for intervention and support in addressing the socioeconomic challenges confronting persons living with disabilities.
The appeal highlighted concerns relating to the difficulties faced by members of the community and the need for greater inclusion in government programmes and decision-making processes.
In response, the Chairman appointed Uaboi Miracle Eromose and Angela Ugbijie to serve as representatives of persons with disabilities within his administration.
The appointments are expected to provide an avenue for the concerns, experiences and interests of persons with disabilities to be communicated to the council and considered in relevant policy discussions.
Beyond the appointments, the Chairman also provided wheelchairs to individuals identified as requiring urgent mobility assistance and pledged to extend further support to members of the disability community.
The intervention is intended to improve mobility for the beneficiaries and demonstrate attention to the practical challenges confronting residents with disabilities.
However, the broader impact of the initiative will depend on sustained support, accessibility measures and the extent to which the concerns of persons with disabilities are reflected in the council’s programmes and public services.
Women Included Under Representation Quota
The appointment of Aisekhaghe Ilekukpe Esther and Patricia Elefan under the Women’s Quota represents another component of the administration’s approach to inclusive governance.
Their appointments are intended to create opportunities for greater female participation in policy discussions, community development initiatives and the council’s decision-making processes.
Women’s representation in local government can provide additional perspectives on issues affecting households, livelihoods, healthcare, education, social welfare and community development.
The council said the appointments form part of efforts to ensure that women and other underrepresented groups have opportunities to contribute to the affairs of Owan West.
The effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on the responsibilities assigned to the appointees and their participation in the administration’s programmes and deliberations.
Council Seeks to Strengthen Administrative Capacity
The inauguration of the five Supervisors and appointment of the nine Special Advisers come as the Aikpokpo administration continues to organise its governance structure and pursue its development priorities.
Supervisors are expected to support the council’s executive administration in their assigned areas of responsibility, while Special Advisers provide guidance and assistance to the Chairman on designated policy and administrative matters.
Together, the appointments are intended to strengthen coordination, improve engagement with communities and support the implementation of programmes at the grassroots level.
The development also places renewed attention on the responsibilities of the council administration to translate its policy commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
Owan West, like other local government areas, faces expectations concerning roads, primary healthcare, electricity, social welfare and other essential services. The capacity of the newly inaugurated officials and appointed advisers to contribute to practical solutions will be an important part of the administration’s work going forward.
The inclusion of representatives of persons with disabilities and women adds a social representation component to the council’s administrative arrangements, although sustained engagement and measurable interventions will be necessary to ensure that the appointments produce meaningful outcomes.
The swearing-in and appointments mark another step in the formation of Enahoro’s administrative team as the council works towards its stated objectives of effective service delivery, broader representation and community development.
The press release was signed by Comrade Ilevbare Duro Sylvester, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council.
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