South -South Development Commission Executive Director Urges New Edo Council Chairmen to Prioritise Peace, Unity and Grassroots Development
September 04, 2026
The Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development of the South-South Development Commission, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, has congratulated the newly sworn-in chairmen of the 18 local government areas of Edo State, urging them to make peace, unity and grassroots development the cornerstone of their administration.
Ugheoke, who is a former Local Government Chairman in Edo State, gave the advice while speaking with journalists at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected council chairmen at the Edo State Government House, Benin City.
He described the swearing-in as an important milestone in the democratic development of the state, particularly because local government remains the closest tier of government to the people.
According to him, the new council chairmen have been entrusted with a significant responsibility to translate government policies and programmes into tangible benefits for residents at the grassroots.
The South-South Development Commission Executive Director stressed the importance of inclusiveness, urging the new council leaders to bring all stakeholders together irrespective of political, social or personal differences.
He said the success of any administration at the local government level would depend largely on its ability to promote peace, accommodate diverse interests and create an atmosphere where citizens can actively participate in governance.
Ugheoke urged the chairmen to see their election as a call to service rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment, reminding them that the people who elected them expect visible improvements in their communities.
He said, “I want to congratulate the newly elected chairmen. This is an important development, especially for the masses at the grassroots. We are here today to show our support, our love and to encourage them as they begin their tenure.”
The former Council Chairman also called on the newly inaugurated officials to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and other stakeholders in order to identify and address the pressing needs of their respective local government areas.
He maintained that effective grassroots administration requires constant engagement with the people, noting that local government authorities are strategically positioned to understand the immediate challenges confronting communities.
Ugheoke further appealed to the chairmen to maintain peace within their councils and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions among political stakeholders and residents.
“As a former chairman, I encourage them to ensure peace, preach peace and bring everybody together. They should make sure that everybody is carried along because governance is about the people,” he stated.
He also urged the council chairmen to work diligently and improve their performance, stressing that their achievements at the grassroots would contribute significantly to the overall development of Edo State.
According to him, there is a need for all hands to be on deck to strengthen grassroots governance and improve the confidence of citizens in democratic institutions.
He noted that the people expect their leaders to deliver practical development in areas such as roads, sanitation, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and other basic services within the capacity of local governments.
Ugheoke therefore encouraged the new council chairmen to remain accessible, accountable and responsive to the needs of their constituents, adding that their success would ultimately be measured by the positive impact their administrations make on the lives of ordinary people.
He expressed optimism that the newly elected chairmen would justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate and work in partnership with the Edo State government to advance development across the 18 local government areas.
The former council chairman also called on political leaders and party members to support the new administrations and give them the necessary cooperation to deliver on their mandates.
He emphasised that sustainable development could only be achieved when political differences were set aside and leaders collectively focused on improving the welfare of the people.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, brought together government officials, political leaders, party stakeholders, traditional rulers, family members and supporters to witness the formal commencement of the new council administrations.
