By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
As the Director of Dekina Local Government Area, Mr Johnson Adegbe-Umoru marks his three months of purposeful leadership in office, one could anticipate more efforts towards enhancing the welfare of workers and the people of the local area.
What necessitated the the establishment of the local councils as the third tier by the Federal System of government in Nigeria actually paved way for accelerated growth and development of rural areas.
This, to some, may not go down well as they argue that the much anticipated development at the grassroots is yet to be realized due to some factors. This may not be far from the non granting the councils the deserved autonomy which actually affected the much needed development at the local areas.
However, in Kogi State the present administration of Governor Yahya Bello has demonstrated its political will to elect chairmen and councillors as a justification for true Democratic tenet.
This political will by the government according to observers has so far being demonstrated by Governor Yahya Bello through the Constitution of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, which has hitherto, announced 12th December 2020 as the date for the Local Government elections.
To avoid a vacuum in the day-to-day running of the Local Governments, the government in its wisdom, saw the need to allow Directors of Local Governments (DLGS) take charge until the conduct of the council polls.
Consequently, Mr.Johnson Adegbe-Umoru was appointed as Director of Dekina Local Government and assumed office on the 20th July,2020.
Despite the acts of draw-him back syndrome that surrounded his assumption, the appointment was greeted with jubilation, hence the various commendations for Governor Bello for putting a round peg in a round hole.
Obviously, those who reacted to the appointment of Mr. Johnson Adegbe-Umoru expressed optimism that he will deliver optimally in line with the New Direction policy of the present administration and even meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
As an astute administrator, Mr Johnson Adegbe-Umoru on assumption in office consulted far and wide with a view to repositioning Dekina Local Government for the benefit of all.
To kick-start his leadership, the DLG met with the NULGE Executive, the Senior and Junior management committees, traditional rulers, youth and women groups respectively.
The interactions afforded him the opportunity to galvanize ideas towards addressing some of the immediate challenges confronting the people, which already, are being gradually addressed.
It is basic that a major problem in today’s political scenario is that of trust on the part of the leadership, this he has restored confidence into goverance in the Local Government.
It is evidence that normal official activities commenced during his time as this was achievable through the restoration of power to the Local Government Secretariat which was known to be a home for domestic animals.
In the same vein, security has been provided through due collaboration and identifying with the vigilance services in the area.
In his bid to enhance the socio-economic lives of the people, Johnson Adegbe-Umoru restored electricity to Tudun-Wada Community in Dekina town which was thrown into darkness for long due to vandalization which attracted a letter of commendation by the Turn Wada Youth Association.
Equally, the defunct Dekina Hotel is being revived as the bushy environment has been cleared, while the stadium is gradually being given a face-lift to encourage sporting activities with the aim of discouraging youths’ involvement in social vices.
It is worthy of note that staff welfare is already receiving attention in addition to promotion exercise through renewed commitment of the senior management committee (SMC),
in acceptance of the leadership style of Mr Johnson Adegbe- Umoru.
Youths groups and all sons and daughters of the land at home had resolved to give him the needed support in his quest to leave the Local Government better than he met it.
Despite scarce resources in the state, the Director of Dekina Local Government should be given a path on the back for making positive difference in the leadership of the area which is obviously a departure from the past.
With these achievements recorded within three months, it is hoped that the management and the people will sustain their support in his bid to actualizing the dream of all for Dekina Local Government.
