ONNA: Umoren priotises welfare of village heads

Village heads in ONNA local government area, have been assured that their welfare remains a priority.

Giving the assurance on Thursday, March 6, during an interactive session with traditional leaders from all villages in the area, the Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren, said the gesture was a fulfillment of his campaign promise of monthly allowance to village heads and town criers.

The council helmsman, who said that the meeting was meant to discuss community welfare and seek ways of collaboration with the traditional institution, appreciated the village heads for their support of government policies and programs.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to regular engagement with the traditional leaders to address their needs and those of the wider community.

 “This partnership is vital for the progress of ONNA,” the council boss averred.

Placing education as the focus during the interactive session, Hon. Umoren, who described it as “a right, not a privilege”, urged village heads to ensure all children in their domains attend school and announced a soon-to-be established, Health & Education Committee.

According to the Chairman, the committee will monitor teachers’ attendance in schools as well as uphold educational standards across ONNA by reinforcing the government’s policy for quality education.  

The meeting also tackled youth leadership, with Hon. Kufre Umoren, outlining a new rotational system for electing youth presidents in each village. Under the agreed framework, the position will rotate among families, with the order determined by ballot, to promote fairness and inclusivity.

Also, family nominees will represent their communities, encouraging youth participation through affirmation or peer influence as the Chairman advised village heads to refrain from interfering in the selection process, a measure he said would preserve the integrity and moral authority of youth leadership.

Highlighting his administration’s focus on youth development, Hon. Umoren informed them of ongoing and planned programs, including medical outreach, oil and gas training, JAMB registration support, and computer classes.

The Chairman used the occasion to announce a three-month allowance in arrears for village heads and town criers respectively, effective immediately, with a commitment to regular monthly disbursements thereafter. The decision was met with jubilation among the village heads, who praised the Chairman for fulfilling his campaign promise to them.