Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Friday Ovoke Warri, has marked his first year in office with a detailed account of his administration’s achievements, highlighting strides in infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, security, and economic empowerment.
Addressing journalists at the council’s conference room on Monday, Hon. Warri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and accountability. The briefing also featured a tour of ongoing and completed projects within the council premises.
Prior to the press conference, the chairman fulfilled a key campaign promise by disbursing ₦11 million in business support grants to 55 women—five from each of the 11 wards in the LGA. Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to boost her small enterprise.
Warri urged the women to invest the funds in productive ventures, cautioning against spending on non-essentials like clothing.
He stressed that the initiative was designed to promote long-term economic independence for women across the council area.
During the media tour, the chairman showcased several infrastructure projects that have either been completed or are underway.
Anong the projects are the renovation of the Council Secretariat and the reconstruction of the main entrance gate, both of which have enhanced the appearance and functionality of the council headquarters.
Further improvements include the completion of new residential quarters for the Council Secretary and the Head of Personnel Management (HPM), aimed at providing dignified accommodation for top council officials and boosting administrative efficiency.
A new legislative building is currently under construction and will house fully equipped offices for council lawmakers—an initiative aimed at strengthening local democratic institutions.
In the education sector, the council has carried out renovation work in several primary schools across the area.
To support learning, thousands of exercise books were also distributed to pupils—an effort Hon. Warri said demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving basic education.
He also revealed that his administration had combated crisis in Igbide and Olomoro, putting end to the warring factions and ensuring peace in both communities.
One of the most talked-about initiatives is the council’s pepper farm, located within the Secretariat premises. Journalists observed workers harvesting a unique variety of pepper cultivated under the local government’s supervision.
The farm has drawn praise as a creative step toward food security and a model for local government involvement in sustainable agriculture.
The chairman also highlighted interventions in the health sector, particularly a recent collaboration with the OMIWA Foundation to organize a free medical outreach.
The program offered residents free consultations, medications, eye glasses, and lab tests—meeting critical healthcare needs across several communities.
On the issue of security, Hon. Warri acknowledged initial concerns over herdsmen-related disturbances that had threatened farming activities in the area.
However, he reported that through effective collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders, the council was able to address the threat and restore farmers’ confidence.
Throughout the past year, Hon. Warri’s leadership has earned commendation for being accessible, transparent, and community-focused.
The chairman revealed that his objective is to put Isoko South people first in his administration, noting that the funds coming to the council belongs to the people and should be used for their good.
