By Lucky Isibor
The Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Abdullahi Momodu, on Wednesday, September 16, continued his familiarisation tour of the council area with a meeting with staff of the local government, followed by courtesy visits to traditional rulers in the area.
Momodu met with the council staff at the Council Secretariat Hall, where he charged them to remain committed to their responsibilities and work collectively towards the development of the local government.
Addressing the staff, the chairman called on them to put in their best and create values that would stand the test of time.
He said: “I am pleased to meet with you all. I call on everyone to be committed more than ever before in your respective responsibilities. We have a lot of work to do, and by the grace of God, together, we can and will achieve our goal.”
Responding on behalf of the staff, the Head of Local Government Administration, HoLGA, Mrs. Doris Orasanye, thanked the chairman for convening the meeting and urged staff to communicate their concerns through the appropriate channels.
She said: “I operate an open door policy. Please, always come to me and discuss your concerns with me; but if what you are coming to tell me is not verifiable, don’t come to tell me, because I don’t keep secrets. I will confront whoever you have come to report, to a certain what is true.
“I know we have a listening Chairman, and I will always approach him to convey your concerns.”
The HoLGA also appealed to members of staff to work in unity and support the leadership of the local government in its efforts to move the council area forward.
The chairman and his entourage subsequently visited the Okaijesan Palace, where he was formally presented to the Ojirrua of Irrua Kingdom and Okaijesan of Esanland, Alhaji W. O. Momodu II.
Introducing the chairman to the Royal father, the Establishment Officer and President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Raymond Omomele noted that “the leadership of Esan Central local government area are here to formaly introduce the new Chairman of this local government to you. He is Hon. Prince Abdullahi Momodu.
“We know we are in his house, but tradition and the formality demand that we come to present him to you and also to seek your blessings and guidance.”
The Ojirrua welcomed the delegation and thanked the chairman for the visit, while praying for his success as he leads the local government.
The Okaijesan, in his remarks, expressed confidence in the chairman’s ability to lead the council effectively.
“He is my son, I trained him very well. I am confident in his ability to lead and lead effectively.”
Speaking on the Edo State Government, the monarch said: “I prayed for the governor of Edo State to come from Esanland, and I am happy that the governor of Edo state, who we are all proud of, is from this kingdom. Our governor will not disappoint us in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. So also, will be the story of the new Chairman of our local government.”
The Okaijesan subsequently prayed for members of staff of the local government council and advised them to always listen to and adhere to the voice of good reasoning in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The chairman also visited other royal palaces across Esan Central Local Government Area, where he received royal blessings and prayers for a successful tenure.
At the palace of the Onojie of Ugbegun Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Obade II, the chairman and his entourage were received warmly, with the monarch sharing several stories and recollections of past events.
The Onojie noted that the Okaijesan of Esanland had been on the throne since the period when he was still serving in the military, adding that “the Ojirrua of Irrua kingdom is not only the longest serving king on the throne, he is also a father of fathers.”
The monarch also appreciated the wife of the council chairman, Dr. Mrs. Harriet Momodu, for her efforts in caring for the Okaijesan in her capacity as a medical doctor.
He also thanked God for the long life and visionary leadership of the Okaijesan of Esanland.
Responding, Momodu thanked the Onojie of Ugbegun Kingdom for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.
He assured the monarch and people of Ugbegun that he would do everything within his power to ensure that whatever is due to the kingdom was actualised.
Those in the chairman’s entourage included the Vice Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Health Izokpu; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Oseigba; Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Okodute Innocent; councillors representing the various wards in the local government; HoLGA, Mrs. Doris Oronsaye; and other members of the Council Management.