Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Movudu Egbo, has defended the financial capacity of the council, saying huge recurrent expenditures and security obligations have limited its ability to undertake billion-naira road projects, even as he unveiled the achievements of his administration in the last two years.
Speaking during a press briefing to mark his second anniversary in office on Wednesday, Egbo explained that while the Delta State Government awards one-kilometre road projects at about ₦1 billion and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at about ₦1.2 billion, local governments lack the financial capacity to execute such projects.
He said although the council receives about ₦600 million as statutory allocation monthly, over ₦450 million goes to staff salaries, while between ₦50 million and ₦60 million is refunded monthly to Zenith Bank for a loan obtained to pay pensioners.
According to him, the council also provides statutory support to traditional rulers and funds security operations, including five Tactical Patrol Units (TPUs), three Area Commands and Operation Delta Sweep.
Egbo noted that Ughelli North, being the largest local government in Delta State, also has about 75 public primary schools and 35 primary healthcare centres, making its financial obligations enormous.
Despite these challenges, he said his administration had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, security and education.
The chairman listed the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern council secretariat and gate complex, rehabilitation of the Legislative Assembly Complex, completion of a dual-court complex, construction of modern market stalls and the rehabilitation of Post Office Road with drainage and asphalt overlay.
He also highlighted the completion and operation of the Tobore Oborevwori Cottage Hospital, installation of three transformers, deployment of hybrid solar-powered streetlights, donation of a patrol vehicle to the Police Mobile Force, construction of a police post and renovation of a building now occupied by Operation Delta Sweep.
In education, Egbo said the council distributed over 300 school desks, uniforms and learning materials to public primary schools, while continuing its partnership with the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
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He added that the administration had cleared outstanding NULGE obligations, renovated key offices within the secretariat and procured operational vehicles, including an 18-seater bus for the council’s Press Unit.
Egbo assured residents that the remaining two years of his administration would focus on expanding infrastructure, improving healthcare and education, strengthening security, empowering youths and women, and promoting economic development.
He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies and the people of Ughelli North for their support, pledging to sustain transparent and accountable governance.
