BY PRECIOUS ONOME EJENAKE
Ughelli South Local Government is one of the twenty five Local Governments in Delta State and one among the eight Local Governments in Delta Central. According to the 2006 national population cencus figure, Ughelli South Local Government Area has a population strength of about 213,256(109,379 males and 104,197 females) and has a land mass of 786 Square kilometers.
Ughelli South Local Government Area is bound in the North by Ughelli North Local Government Area, in the East by Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas, in the South by Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Areas, and in the West by Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas.
Its Politically delineated into eleven (11) Federal wards and twenty (20) State Electoral wards. The Local Government is marked uniquely by mangrove swamp (marshy ) and Rain Forest vegetation. The people are predominately Urhobo Speaking ethnic nationality and are traditionally farmers and fishermen with some commercial activities. The Local Government has Petroleum and Natural Gas deposit in economic quantities.
Ughelli South Local Government was created from the then Ughelli Local Government on 23rd September, 1991. Mr. Luke E. Ejohwomu was Sworn in on 30th September 1991 by Group Captain Luke Chijuba Ochulor as the First Sole Administrator of Ughelli South.
Mr. Luke E. Ejohwomu formally assumed duty on 3rd October, 1991 at Agbarho, the then head quarters of Ughelli South Local Government Council and later reported at Otu - Jeremi on 7th October, 1991 due to the change of the Local Government Headquarters from Agbarho to Otu - Jeremi. This development enraged the people of Agbarho thus sending protest letters to appropriate authorities which resulted in carving out Agbarho Clan from Ughelli South to Ughelli North Local Government.
Having moved the Headquarters of Ughelli South to Otu - Jeremi, a rural Community, Mr. Luke E. Ejohwomu was faced with the challenges of a befitting building to serve as temporary office and residential accommodation for staff. First, an abandoned Hospital project was identified but was not accepted due to the absence of the Contractor. Consequently, Barr. Ideh allowed the Council to occupy the first and second floors of his building to serve as offices while Chief Gbemre rented his story building at Iwhreaka Community at an annual fee.
There was also the challenge of a police station and accommodation for Officers as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his men were deployed to Otu Jeremi the new Headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government. Due to the importance of Security, one of the buildings abandoned at the General Hospital was renovated to serve as the police station.
It will interest you to know that Otu - Jeremi Community donated parcels of land measuring 3.127 hectares to the council for the building of a permanent site. It is pertinent to also note that the extension of Electricity to Ewu main town and the Egbo - Uhurie electrification projects were ongoing projects inherited from the Defunct Ughelli Local Government Council.
Following the creation of Ughelli South Local Government, all the Junior Staff of Ughelli South origin who were serving in the Defunct Ughelli Local Government were shared to Ughelli South Local Government while staff on grade level 07 and above were posted from various Local Government Councils in the State to Ughelli South Local Government Council. On the whole, the staff strength then was thirty four (34) Senior Staff ( GL 07 and above) and one hundred and forty three (143) Junior Staff (GL 01 to 06) making a total of one hundred and seventy seven (177) staff – with a total wage bill of one hundred and thirteen thousand, forty eight Naira, Seventy eight kobo (N113,048.78).
Also as a newly created Local Government, there were four hundred and thirteen (413) Primary School Teachers with a wage bill of three hundred and forty one thousand, one hundred and twenty seven naira, sixteen kobo (N341,127.16) and a total of fifty three (53) Primary Schools.
Mr. Luke E. Ejohwomu completed his tenure and formally handed over to the first Elected Executive Chairman of Ughelli South – Dr. Akpokiboro Patrick Fovie on 13th December, 1991.
Dr. A.P. Fovie was sworn – in as the first Elected Executive Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council on 4th December, 1991 and took over from the Sole Administrator – Mr. Luke E. Ejohwomu on 13th December, 1991.
The Administration of Dr. Fovie was made up of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislative Arm of Government with the following persons serving in their respective offices:
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Dr. A.P. Fovie – Executive Chairman of the Council
2. Chief T. B. Aviokirhie – Vice Chairman / Supervisor for Finance.
3. Mr. P.D. Awhotu – Secretary to the Local Government
4. Mr. F. Jovon – Supervisor for works
5. Mr. J. Uhawha – Supervisor for education
6. Princess Mrs E.E.Mrakpor – Supervisor for Health
7. Mr. S. Kraka – Supervisor for Agriculture
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ARM
1. Mr. L. S. Emaya – Leader of the House
2. Mr. F. Gbakeji – Deputy Leader
3. Mr. G.O. Ijomone – Councillor
4. Mr. J. Efeakpokrire – Councillor
5. Mr. Odafe Bourdillon – Councillor
6. Mr. P.L. Onomuefe – Councillor
7. Mr. A. U. Adushoke – Councillor
8. Mr. J.I. Oniuwherin – Councillor
It is very important to observe that the staff strength of the council during this administration moved from one hundred and seventy seven (177) to two hundred and twenty nine (229) while that of primary school teachers moved from four hundred and thirteen (413) to five hundred and twenty two(522) as at the end of the tenure on 26th November, 1993 when Dr. A. P. Fovie formally handed over to the Head of Personnel Management – Mr. G.P. Gbogidi showing his concern for human capital development.
This administration saw the full acquisition of the Council’s Permanent site of about 36.127 Hectres and completion of its Permanent Secretariat Complex which was Commissioned on 4th March, 1994. The Head of Personnel Management – Mr. G.P.Gbogidi was transferred from Ughelli South thus he handed over the administration to Mr. R. M. Njibromah on 30th June, 1994 but was later reported to Ughelli South on the 22nd November, 1994 – during this period, a Caretaker Committee made up of the following persons was inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the Council.
1. Mr. Faith Gbagi – Chairman
2. Mrs Elizabeth Ziregbe – Supervisor for Health
3. Mr. Collins Omonemu – Supervisor for Education
4. Mr. Commander O. Peter – Supervisor for Agriculture
5. Mr. David R. Uhawha – Supervisor for works
Mr. Faith Gbagi who was Sworn – in on 7th April, 1994 by the then Military Administrator Col. Bassey Asuquo and assumed duty on 11th April, 1994 completed his tenure and handed over to Mr. Matthew A. Alibor – the newly Elected Executive Chairman of Ughelli South on 3rd April, 1996.
The Council’s Composition during the administration of Mr. Matthew Akporode Alibor include the following:
EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Matthew A. Alibor – Executive Chairman
2. Mr. Francis Aguonigho – Vice Chairman
3. Chief G.O.A.Ojoba – Supervisor for works
4. Prince Burne Ohwovoriole – Supervisor for Health
THE LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. DR. A.C. Sagua – Councillor, Jeremi 2
2. Barr. J.O.Pippah – Councillor, Jeremi 3
3. Mr. Paul Etaga – Councillor, Ewu 1
4. Mr. E. Ophorokpa – Councillor, Ewu 2
5. Mr. Jabin D. Etadafe – Councillor
6. Mr. Collins E. Mukoro – Councillor, Jeremi 1
Mr. Matthew Akporode Alibor was Sworn – in as the second elected Executive Chairman of Ughelli South on 30th March, 1996 by the then Military Administrator of Delta State Group Capt. Ibrahim Kefas but resigned and handed over to Mr. W.O.Augoye the then Director of Personnel Management on 10th December, 1996.
Mr. M. A. Ifeta took over the Administration of Ughelli South from Mr. W.O. Augoye on 16th December, 1996 following his appointment as Sole Administrator of Ughelli South Local Government Council but officially handed over to Mr. Collins College Omonemu – the third Elected Executive Chairman of Ughelli South on 11th April, 1997. The Administration of Mr. C. C. Omonemu stayed as chairman for one year and one month before his administration was truncated by the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998.
Mr Collins College Omonemu administration was consist of the following persons:
THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. C. C. Omonemu – Executive Chairman
2. Prince Macaulay Dase – Vice Chairman
3. Mr. Patrick Akpodavwemure – Supervisory Councillor for works
4. Mr. Francis Ikiki – Supervisory Councillor for Education
5. Mr. Lawson Oghorurhobo – Supervisory Councillor for Health
6. Mr. Godwin Akpokemerha – Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture
THE LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. D. O. Okotie – Councillor, Ewu 1
2. Mr. J. Obuweya – Councillor, Ewu 2
3. Mr. A. Agi – Councillor, Effurun Otor
4. Mr. L. Erhyivwo – Councillor, Olomu
5. Mr. M. Djegbe – Councillor, Jeremi 2
6. Mr. S. Ejukolemu – Councillor, Jeremi 4
7. Mr. M. Agberia – Councillor, Jeremi 6
Mr. C.C.Omonemu handed over to a new sole administrator Mr. A.O.Isiayei on July, 1998.
Chief Dr. A. P. Fovie was elected in as council chairman for the second time in 1999 When Nigeria returned to Democracy and his administration ran till 2002 and he was given another six months to served as Caretaker Committee Chairman.
The tenure of Chief Fovie witnessed some forms of growth in areas of electricity, health, education, infrastructures developments like building of concrete culverts in the riverine communities, building of Ughelli South Staff quarters among others.
After Fovie's administration, the baton of leadership fell on Barrister Monday Emuvakpor following his appointment as Transition Committee Chairman in July 2002 and ended his administration in June 2003.
Barrister Emuvakpor during his one year stay in office engaged youths in various skill acquisition trainings. His administration also addressed issues of epileptic power supplies in most communities by providing transformers, the council during his tenure employed council staff, built markets among others.
Mr Matthew Akporayen was elected as the next council chairman of Ughelli South but his administration witnessed several court cases and in 2006 was removed by court thereby giving way for the Leader of the Ughelli South Legislative Arm of Government Hon Racheal Ugherakpoteni to served as the council chairman.
Honourable Rachael Ugherakpoteni happened to be the first woman to occupy the chairmanship position in Ughelli South Local Government.
The administration of Honourable Rachael Ugherakpoteni saw the acquisition of four Toyota Corolla cars and a Bus, built and equipped eight hospitals, paid debts, ensured a proper conduct of the 2006 National Census Exercise in the council area. Built waiting shields.
She eventually handed over her tenure on 24 of August 2006.
Honourable Dennis Djomah was elected as the next council chairman of Ughelli South in 2006 and ended his first tenure in 2009. Djoma's first tenure brought massive infrastructural development to Ughelli South in terms of building of Class room blocks across schools in Ughelli south, renovation of Health Centers across the Local Government, Construction of office Complex in the Council Secretariat among others.
At the end of his tenure, Hon. Princess Josephine Oduaran , the then Leader of Ughelli South Legislative Arm immediately became the Council Chairman from August 1st to September 29th, 2009. Honourable Princess Oduaran became the second lady to be council chairman in Ughelli South Local Government.
During her brief tenure, Honourable Princess Oduaran was able to effect payment of stipends to Traditional Rulers, ensured sanitation activities are carried out in the LGA among others.
Barr. Dennis Djoma was elected for the second tenure as Executive Chairman in September 2009 but death cut short his administration in 2011 paving the way for the Vice Chairman, Chief Vincent Otidi who took over the Chairmanship seat from 2011 to 2012.
THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Barr. Dennis Djoma – Executive Chairman
2. Chief Vincent Otidi – Vice Chairman
3. Mr. Godspower Muomufu – Secretary
4. Mr. Matthew Oguma – Supervisor
5. Mr. Luke Aguemuria – Supervisor
6. Mr. Godwin Sito – Supervisor
7. Mr. John Ajeke - Supervisor
8. Mr. Newman Ighedo - Supervisor
LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Precious Onome Ejenake – Leader of the House
2. Mrs. Tessy Idama – Deputy Leader of the House
3. Mr. Richard Ebrobota – Majority Leader of the House
4. Mr. Charles Kwode – Chief Whip
5. Mr. Kenneth Fovie – Deputy Majority Leader of the House.
6. Mr. Omejevwe Duku – Deputy whip of the house
7. Princess Josephine Oduaran – Councillor, Ewu 1
8. Mr. Joseph Uhawa – Councillor, Ewu 3
9. Mrs Rachael Ugherakpoteni – Councillor, Ewu 4
10. Mr. Ovie Noah– Councillor, Ewu 5
11. Mr. Kennedy Onovie – Councillor, Ewu 6
12. Mr. Onome Ubini – Councillor, Olomu 1
13. Mr. Wisdom Umolo – Councillor, Olomu 2
14. Mr. Stephen Asheshe – Councillor, Okpare ward
15. Miss Faith Oloya– Councillor, Jeremi 2
16. Mr. Michael Oghenegueke – Councillor, Jeremi 3
17. Mr. James Ovwomakpa Majomi – Councillor, Jeremi 4
18. Mr. Joseph Maka – Councillor, Jeremi 5
19. Mr. Wilson Oghenemu – Councillor, Jeremi 7
20. Mr. Moses Agberia – Councillor, Jeremi 8.
It
In Continuation of Governance in Ughelli South, Chief Anthony Oviri Uto was Sworn – in as Transition THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Paul Etaga – Executive Chairman
2. Mrs Unice Oguma – Vice Chairman
3. Prince Burne Ohwovoriole – Secretary
4. Mr. Matthew Utuama – Supervisor
5. Mr. Bourdelon Odafe – Supervisor
6. Mr. Samson Onodjeshere – Supervisor
LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Sunny Appa – Leader of the House
2. Mr. Matthew Oguma – Deputy Leader of the House
3. Mr. Andrew Arhavwarien – Majority Leader of the House
4. Mr. Happy Gbeke – Chief Whip
5. Mr. Friday Ijomone – Councillor, Olomu 2
6. Mr. Maxwell Orogun –Councillor, Ewu 4
7. Mr. Kenneth Fovie – Councillor, Jeremi 1
8. Mr. Peter Ighoroghwa – Councillor, Ewu 1
9. Mr. Emmanuel Akpataku – Councillor, Ewu 2
10. Mr. Emmanuel Ebikawe – Councillor, Ewu 5
11. Mr. Lucky Odibo – Councillor, Ewu 6
12. Mr. Friday Temisa – Councillor, Olomu 1
13. Mr. Blessing Oguori – Councillor, Olomu 3
14. Mr. Dennis Obodje – Councillor, Okpare ward
15. Mr. Ruse Akpakpa – Councillor, Jeremi 2
16. Mr. Koto Nelson – Councillor, Jeremi 4
17. Mr. Onovughe Sakpakpa – Councillor, Jeremi 5
18. Mr. Samson Kpeven – Councillor, Jeremi 6
19. Mr. December Seromare Samsaro – Councillor, Jeremi 7
20. Mr. Peter D. Motor – Councillor, Jeremi 8 Chairman on 3rd December, 2012 – along side nineteen other members of the Committee with each representing their wards.
Chief Uto during his hundred days in office commissioned two projects, addressed the epileptic power supply in the council, fenced the council, provided portable drinking water in riverine communities to help tackle cholera disease, built markets, as well as commissioned several projects totaling fifty eight projects before handing over.
Chief Uto handed over the batten of leadership of the Council to Hon. Paul Etaga on 27th October, 2014 following his victory at the Local Government Election Conducted by the Delta State Independence Electoral Commission (DISEC) held on Saturday 2th October, 2014 throughout the State.
Hon. Paul Etaga served for a three year term which terminated on Thursday 26th October, 2017 having govern the Council with his team of Executive Committee and elected Councillors thus handed over to Mr. Michael I. Mosindi – the Head of Personnel Management after successful completion of his tenure.
The administration of Paul Etaga was characterized with difficulties of paying salaries to council workers and primary school teachers because of the paucity of funds to the council.
Paul Etaga during his tenure was able to complete the Otokutu modern market and others.
The following persons made up the administration of Hon. Paul Etaga:
THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Paul Etaga – Executive Chairman
2. Mrs Unice Oguma – Vice Chairman
3. Prince Burne Ohwovoriole – Secretary
4. Mr. Matthew Utuama – Supervisor
5. Mr. Bourdelon Odafe – Supervisor
6. Mr. Samson Onodjeshere – Supervisor
LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Mr. Sunny Appa – Leader of the House
2. Mr. Matthew Oguma – Deputy Leader of the House
3. Mr. Andrew Arhavwarien – Majority Leader of the House
4. Mr. Happy Gbeke – Chief Whip
5. Mr. Friday Ijomone – Councillor, Olomu 2
6. Mr. Maxwell Orogun –Councillor, Ewu 4
7. Mr. Kenneth Fovie – Councillor, Jeremi 1
8. Mr. Peter Ighoroghwa – Councillor, Ewu 1
9. Mr. Emmanuel Akpataku – Councillor, Ewu 2
10. Mr. Emmanuel Ebikawe – Councillor, Ewu 5
11. Mr. Lucky Odibo – Councillor, Ewu 6
12. Mr. Friday Temisa – Councillor, Olomu 1
13. Mr. Blessing Oguori – Councillor, Olomu 3
14. Mr. Dennis Obodje – Councillor, Okpare ward
15. Mr. Ruse Akpakpa – Councillor, Jeremi 2
16. Mr. Koto Nelson – Councillor, Jeremi 4
17. Mr. Onovughe Sakpakpa – Councillor, Jeremi 5
18. Mr. Samson Kpeven – Councillor, Jeremi 6
19. Mr. December Seromare Samsaro – Councillor, Jeremi 7
20. Mr. Peter D. Motor – Councillor, Jeremi 8
Hon Dr. Richard Onorievuroghene Kofi JP, was officially sworn in as Executive Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Council alongside with his Vice Chairman, Hon Chief Matthew Ofioguma JP on Monday the 8th day of January, 2018 after a resounding electoral victory at the polls.
Upon assumption of office and having taken over the hem of affairs from the then acting Chairman, Mr. Mosidin Michael, Head of Personnel Management, Ughelli South Local Government on Tuesday 9th, January, 2018, Dr. kofi pledged to make a difference in the administration of the Council and Ughelli South Local Government Area in general.
Having inaugurated the Legislative Arm of the Local Government as stipulated by Law, the Chairman sprang into action by first appointing Mr Joseph Okeoghene Ubrurhe as Secretary to the Local Government and thereafter constituted the Executive Committee of Ughelli South Local Government comprising of seasoned personality drawn from the various constituencies of the LGA.
THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
1. Dr. Richard Kofi Executive Chairman
2. Chief Matthew Ofioguma Vice Chairman
3. Mr. Joseph Okeoghene Ubrurhe Secretary
4. Olorogun John Ewenede JP Supervisor for Education, Comm. Dev., Youths & Sports
5. Chief Godwin Akpokemerha Supervisor for Finance
6. Hon Sylvester Uzoh Supervisor for Agric and Environment
7. Hon Charles Kwode Supervisor for Works
8. Margaret Evurosa Supervisor for Health
THE LEGISLATIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL
Hon Victor Kpologen Leader
Hon Matthew Oguma Deputy Leader
Hon Andrew Arhavwarien Majority Leader
Hon Happy Gbeke Chief Whip
Hon Fidelis Ofigo Deputy Majority
Hon Alfred Waka Deputy Whip
Hon Peter Onas Ighorowha Member
Hon Michael Aye Member
Hon Stephen Ashemuke Member
Hon Jacob Akemor Member
Hon (Prince) Kenneth Ogbon Member
Hon Friday Ijomone Member
Hon Dick Okagbare Member
Hon Tejiri R. Oghoegberu Member
Hon Lucky O. Orusara Member
Hon Christiana Umukoro Member
Hon Luckyson Oniyan Member
Hon RobinaOmoko Member
Hon William Mere Member
Hon Peter O. Motor Member.
Dr Kofi faced with the challenge of huge financial burden of council workers and primary school teachers salaries, contractors debts but with strategy support from the Delta State Government he was able to cleared up salary arrears as well as set up committee to come up with modalities on how to pay owing contractors and also verify fake contract claim.
Feel with the concern of empowering youths of Ughelli South, Dr Kofi later came up with Youth Entrepreneural Agricultural Skills Acquisition Programme known as YEASAP.
YEASAP thus far has so far seen over six hundred youths being trained on different skills and trades.
Dr Kofi in his two years in was also able to construct a two kilometers interlocking road in the council complex, erected a befitting gate in the council complex, paint the fences and building of the council.
DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, UGHELLI SOUTH CONSTITUENCY – REPRESENTATIVES FROM 1991 TILL DATE.
Upon creation of Delta State in 1991 the Delta State House of Assembly were constituted and the pioneers lawmakers that represented Ughelli South were Honourable Dogood Mokpo representing Ughelli South Constituency Two and Late Honourable J K W Juvwu represented Ughelli South Constituency One.
The two pioneers state lawmakers representing Ughelli South constituencies were faced with the challenge of coping with legislative matters, delayed of release of official vehicles, operating from a temporary legislative complex among others.
The first Delta State House of Assembly was truncated by the returned of the military to government in 1993.
Upon resumption to democracy Late Pius Akpor Ewherido who hailed from Otor Ewu was elected in April 1999 to represent Ughelli South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly. He brought great Style of leadership and true representation thus he was appointed Deputy Speaker of the house when it convened in June 1999. From 15th May, 2000 until 20th March, 2001 he was leader of the Assembly. Ewherido was re–elected in April 2003, and was Deputy Speaker of the Assembly from May 2003 until May 2007 when he successfully Completed his tenure. Late Pius Ewherido built the foundation of true representation in the house of Assembly and was driven by his passion to find solution to the yearnings of the people. His tenure in office was characterized with service delivery in terms of sponsoring of bills, infrastructural and human capital development to the people, thus he earned the political title “GOGOROGO”.
In 2007, late Pius Ewherido Completed his second tenure and another illustrious son of Ughelli South – Olorogun Taleb Tebite was elected to represent the people at Delta State House of Assembly, Ughelli South Constituency.
Tebite built on the leadership foundation laid by late Pius Ewherido thus he brought meaning to representation and his style of leadership was second to none. He was elected by his colleagues as Deputy Majority Leader of the State Assembly because of his distinct leadership qualities. As a legislator, he sponsored and co–sponsored many bills which was passed into law. Hon Tebite worked very hard for the development of his Constituency, distinguishing himself as extraordinary representative of the people thus providing infrastructures such as good road network, health centers, electrification projects, water project, school buildings. He also provided human capital development in terms of skill acquisition programmes with starter packs presented to beneficiaries.
Olorogun Tebite expressed concern, demonstrated love and passion for his people thus some called him “THE TB JOSHUA OF UGHELLI SOUTH”, others said he is “THE POLITICAL STABILIZER” in Ughelli South but I say he is the most generous man of our time, he is a veritable asset to Ughelli South, a philanthropist, a man of integrity and commitment, a man with the big heart, the pride of the people of Ughelli South.
He was reelected as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly to represent Ughelli South Constituency for the second time in 2011, though his mandate was stolen by the opposition party but he reclaimed it through legal process. Hon. Taleb Tebite Continued in his desire to fast track the development of Ughelli South through out his second tenure and handed over to Hon. (Barr.) Reuben Rume Yakubu Izeze who was elected in 2015.
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