By Sunday Apah
Joy enveloped the headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area as the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Dagid Rawlings Andaye, unveiled over fourteen completed projects ready for commissioning, aimed at promoting the “Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E Agenda” of the State and Federal Governments.
Andaye, who made this known to newsmen during a press briefing at his office in the Bomadi Local Government Council Secretariat with selected journalists, stated that the projects cut across all key areas of government function.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the platform for him to serve at the Local Government Council level.
He listed the projects to include the following: renovation and rehabilitation of the Chairman’s Lodge; construction of a residential building for the Vice Chairman; construction of a 3,000-seat capacity Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori Ultra-Modern Multipurpose Event Centre, named in honor of the State’s First Lady; construction of a modern chapel; construction of concrete pavements with drainage leading to the Chairman’s office; construction of a residential building for the High Court Judge; full renovation of the High Court Complex/Chambers; construction of High Court Road; construction of residential quarters for principal officers; renovation of I.A. and Accountant quarters; construction of Engr. Atlas Obi Way, off Dabapou Road, Bomadi; painting of secretariat offices; rehabilitation of the Main Pavilion; and connecting Bomadi Local Government Area to the National Grid.
His administration has also launched inclusive initiatives that uplift the vulnerable, empower the youth, and honor the elderly.
According to him, through the Bomadi Elderly Citizens Empowerment Programme (BECEP), over 400 elderly citizens now receive monthly stipends, restoring dignity and providing financial relief.
“Through the Bomadi Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, young people have been trained in vital trades, including catering, chemical production, wig making, makeup, and shoemaking, unlocking fresh opportunities for economic independence.
“Through the Empowerment and Intervention Programme for Persons with Disabilities and the Underprivileged, support and empowerment have been provided to persons with disabilities and the underprivileged, aiming to provide financial assistance, promote inclusivity and social justice, and enhance their quality of life.
“In the area of health, furniture and electrical equipment have been provided for the Bomadi General Hospital. We have also partnered with the Local Government Health Authority on disease surveillance and immunization programs, including the containment of disease epidemics, such as the recent cholera outbreak in Bomadi Local Government Area.
“In the area of education and skills development, we have provided educational materials and writing aids for primary school pupils, and we have also reactivated the Bomadi Local Government Vocational Centers.
“In the area of security and conflict resolution, we inaugurated the Bomadi Local Government Security/Advisory Council, brokered peace accords between Okoloba and Okuama communities, resolved disputes between Ogodobiri and Ezebiri communities, addressed intra-communal conflicts in Kalafuigbene community, provided financial support and increased allowances for security chiefs and vigilantes, provided patrol vehicles for the police and vigilante groups, enhanced logistics and equipment for efficient security surveillance, conducted training programs to boost capacity and expertise, and provided accommodation for JTF and Eagle-Net.
“On flood control and environmental sustainability, we understand the perennial flood challenges in our area and have implemented proactive measures to mitigate their impact, including comprehensive drainage clearing and maintenance; enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises; community sensitization and awareness programs; and flood control measures in Bomadi, Kpakiama, Ogriagbene, etc.
“Our focus may be on the headquarters of the local government area for now, but we know that before the end of my first tenure, every community in Bomadi Local Government Area will benefit from development projects.
In a chat with women, youth, the elderly, and those with disabilities, which included Mrs. Ebilade Liverpool, Mrs. Cinema Fadama, Mr. Alex Freeman, Mr. Kute, and Mr. Bonoh Oweibena, all lauded Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, describing him as a gift from God and the best that has ever served as Chairman of the Bomadi Local Government Council.