Isoko South Chairman Warri Pledges Urgent Action to Address Education, Infrastructure Deficits in Ikpide-Irri

IKPIDI-IRRI/Nigeria: The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Comrade Friday Ovoke Warri, has stressed the critical role of education in societal development, vowing to address the acute shortage of teachers in Okugbe Primary School, Ikpide-Irri, where one teacher currently handles over 170 pupils.

Warri made this declaration during an unscheduled visit to the school, which was initiated by the social group Concerned Indigenes of Ikpide-Irri 4-Development (CIID).

Shocked by the dire state of education in the community, Warri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing projects that promote education, healthcare, and other key social amenities in the area.

“Education is the bedrock of every society, and I will not joke with it. It remains utmost in my heart, and my administration will focus on projects that enhance the welfare of our people, particularly in the education sector,” Warri said, highlighting the significance of education in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.

The council chairman, along with his vice and other council officials, toured the community on foot for over three kilometers, evaluating essential infrastructure including the primary school, health center, market, and water borehole tank.

The visit was met with appreciation from local residents, who have long awaited government intervention.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at the community town hall, Warri stated, “My administration is committed to investing in education, healthcare infrastructure, clean water, and development projects that will improve living standards and make government services more accessible, especially for women and children who need medical care and educational opportunities.”

He assured the residents that within the next month, additional teachers would be posted to Okugbe Primary School to close the gap between the pupils and quality education.

He also pledged to seek the intervention of the state government on larger projects beyond the local government’s capacity, citing Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to supporting local governance.

In his remarks, the chairman of Ikpide-Irri community, Mike Ighoboro, expressed his joy at receiving a sitting local government chairman, noting that such a visit had not occurred in the community for years.

The visit follows a courtesy call made by the Concerned Indigenes of Ikpide-Irri 4-Development (CIID) to the Isoko South council chairman on August 26, 2024.

The group had appealed to the chairman to address the lack of teachers in the primary school, inadequate healthcare services, and the absence of basic amenities such as street lights, water, and a functional market.

Speaking on behalf of CIID, Comrade Obruozie Tom Odiuzou, supported by ex-President General of Ikpide-Irri Progress Union Chief Joseph Ubeleke, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in their agrarian community, which plays a key role in food production for the state.

He lamented the loss of a pregnant woman last year who had to be rushed to a health facility in neighboring Bayelsa State due to the absence of functional healthcare services in Ikpide-Irri.

“We appeal to you, Comrade Chairman, to help restore our healthcare center and other pressing needs. Our people are hardworking farmers who contribute to the state’s food security, and we deserve better access to social amenities,” Odiuzou said.

Warri pledged to address the community’s needs, promising that his administration would take steps to alleviate their challenges and ensure that development reaches all corners of Isoko South.