By: Amb Kanjal Awam
The Local Government administration is the third tier of government and closest to people. The supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy gave the people a ray of hope and a sigh of relief as expectations of the people are now high and responsibilities for Council Chairmen is glaring. It’s beyond 60 days into the administration of Hon. Christopher Agbeh, Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, and Inside Cross River News Magazine is keeping tabs on the achievements of the Chairman.
Recall that Governor Bassey Otu inaugurated the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen on November 4th, 2024, with a charge on them to be transparent and deliver dividends to the grassroot. So far, Hon. Christopher Agbeh has not rested on his oars, he has embarked on far reaching initiatives and executed policy decisions that have distinguished him among his peers.
On assumption of office, Hon. Christopher Agbeh has executed his mandate with a high level of dedication and ingenuity. He has maintained the pace through smart initiatives, policies and programs. To curry the support of the grassroot he has embarked on radical decisions that form the nucleus of his administration from day one.
Security and transport infrastructure are pivotal to the socioeconomic development and transformation of the people. While security guarantees the safety of lives and property, transport infrastructure fosters human interaction, movement of goods and services, socioeconomic development and wellbeing of the people.
The launch of the Ogoja Council Line shuttle Services by Hon. Christopher Agbeh in December 2024, was a game changer for transportation infrastructure for Ogoja. Investigation by our Reporter in Ogoja, reveals that the transportation burden is eased, people now have alternative means of transportation as competition is rife. Before now transport fares to Ndok Junction was ranging between #1500 and #2000, but with the launch of the Council’s Shuttle Services, a ride is now #500 to Ndok Junction, giving the people a new lease of life.
One of the parameters for measuring sustainable development is the Human Development Index (HDI). It is a statistical composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which is used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.
Going by our assessment, beyond 60 Days in office of 18 Council Chairmen in Cross River State and placing Ogoja side by side with other Local Government Areas. The scorecard and deliverables are high, suffice to say that the records are a clear indication of early start which speaks for itself. At the launch of the Ogoja Council Shuttle Services, Governor Otu lauded the Chairman’s early achievements, particularly the unveiling of a mass transit fleet within just one month in office, an impressive feat accomplished without external funding. The Governor pledged to return to Ogoja with additional support and goodwill. Reacting during the launch of Ogoja Council Line Shuttle Services, the Chairman Hon. Christopher Agbeh reiterated his commitment to improve the living conditions of the people. The statement reads; “to aggressively reduce poverty, hunger and hardship, thus the floating of the Bus Shuttle will reduce transportation fare and increase IGR as well as engage the youths meaningfully”.
Another milestone recorded by the Chairman is the launch of Okada Riders Vest. Before now activities of Okada Riders were left unchecked, with criminals infiltrating the business to unleash mayhem on law abiding citizens. Highlighting the launch of the Security Vest for Okada Riders, Hon. Christopher Agbeh said it is part of his commitment in enhancing the living conditions of the people and boosting the infrastructural development of Ogoja.
Like the African proverb that says you will know a good dancer by his dance steps. Hon. Christopher Agbeh has paid the supreme price for quality representation, Ogoja is in for real business of good governance.
