Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area in Delta State, Comrade Friday Ovoke Warri, has emphasized the fundamental role of education in societal advancement during a recent visit to Okugbe Primary School in Ikpide-Irri.
Comrade Warri who was shocked when he discovered that only one teacher was responsible for educating over 170 pupils, called the situation unacceptable and pledging swift intervention.
The visit, prompted by advocacy from the social and pressure group Concerned Indigenes of Ikpide-Irri for Development (CIID), underscored the council's commitment to equal infrastructure development and improved quality of life across Isoko South. "Education is the foundation of any society, and it holds a paramount place in our administration’s priorities," Warri affirmed.
Accompanied by council officials and enthusiastic community members, Warri conducted a comprehensive tour of the area, inspecting facilities such as the primary school, health center, market, and water infrastructure.
He assured residents that within a month, additional teachers would be assigned to Okugbe Primary School to bridge the educational gap.
Addressing residents at the community’s town hall, Warri outlined his administration’s dedication to enhancing essential services, including education, healthcare, and clean water. He emphasized that limited resources may require some projects to receive additional support from the state government, expressing confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s backing for local development.
Warri declared that, '"My administration values investments in education, healthcare infrastructure, clean water, and strategic development projects, all designed to improve living standards and make government services more accessible, where women and children can seek medical care and children can pursue education.
"The arrival of Warri will bring respite from our troubles; we acknowledge the existing challenges. As local government, our mission is to improve constituent lives, albeit with restricted resources. We will address feasible tasks and seek Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori state government intervention for matters beyond our capacity, relying on his demonstrated commitment to supporting local governance."
The Chairman of Ikpide-Irri, Mike Ighoboro, expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that it's a significant moment for the community. CIID spokesperson Comrade Obruozie Tom Odiuzou presented a detailed appeal for urgent needs, including healthcare improvements, street lighting, and accessible water.
Odiuzou also highlighted the community’s agricultural contributions and urged the council boss to address gaps in social services, citing the recent loss of a resident due to inadequate healthcare facilities.
“We are an agrarian community, specializes in the production of farm produce such as garri, starch, plantains, yams and peppers etc to guarantee food security in the state. Our Comrade chairman, sir, we graciously appeal to you to assist our beloved community in the following above pressing areas. Last year, we lost a pregnant woman during labour but had to be rushed to Kaiama in Bayelsa state where every local goes now for health care. We passionately appeal to you to do everything in your power to make our healthcare centre functional again." CIID had complained.
The visit signals a promising step toward addressing the long-standing needs of Ikpide-Irri, with Warri’s administration committing to prioritize basic amenities and partner with the state to tackle broader infrastructure challenges.
