Former Delta Council Chairmen Unite, Elect New Executives to Drive Grassroots Development
**Wants benefits for Former LGA Council Chairmen in Nigeria
Rt. Hon. Shaba advocates for genuine Local Government autonomy, says it would improve service delivery, tackle poverty, insecurity
The National Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen of Nigeria (NALGON Emeritus) has inaugurated its Delta State Chapter with the election of a new state executive council, reaffirming its commitment to promoting grassroots development, improving the welfare of former Local Government Chairmen, and advancing national unity.
The inauguration which held Friday July 3 in Asaba, was presided over by the National Chairman of NALGON Emeritus, Rt. Hon. Shaba Ibrahim, who described the event as another milestone in strengthening the association across the country.
Addressing members shortly after the inauguration, Rt. Hon. Shaba announced that NALGON has been officially registered as an Incorporated Trustee, giving the association legal recognition and enabling it to pursue its objectives more effectively.
He said the Association was established to ensure that former elected Local Government Chairmen are not forgotten after leaving office, noting that many of them devoted their time and resources to grassroots development but receive little or no welfare support after completing their tenure.
According to him, one of the association’s major priorities is to advocate for post-service benefits, including gratuity or pension for former Local Government Chairmen, similar to what is available to other elected executive office holders.
He lamented that while legislators and governors in many states enjoy retirement benefits, former Local Government Chairmen, who serve closest to the people, often have no welfare package despite their contributions to nation-building.
Rt. Hon. Shaba also reiterated the association’s commitment to the campaign for genuine Local Government autonomy, urging governments to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment affirming Local Governments as an independent and constitutionally recognised third tier of government.
He argued that strengthening Local Governments would improve service delivery, tackle poverty and insecurity, and accelerate development at the grassroots.
The National Chairman also unveiled the association’s One Nigeria Project, a nationwide initiative designed to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity by encouraging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions.
He said members of the association, who have served across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas, are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, unity, and national integration through grassroots engagement.
While stressing that NALGON remains a non-partisan organisation, Shaba noted that the association would continue to support policies and leaders committed to national development regardless of political affiliation.
He also urged members across the country to remain united and uphold decisions taken at the national level to preserve the strength and credibility of the association.
The National Chairman commended the Delta State chapter for its successful inauguration and praised the state for its warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the event.
Speaking on behalf of the Delta State Chairman, Dr Austin Obidi, the State Vice Chairman and Delta Central Zonal Chairman, Hon. Andrew Orugbo Esq., said the newly inaugurated executive would align its programmes with the national vision of the association.
According to Orugbo, the welfare of former Local Government Chairmen remains a top priority, as they are among the few elected public office holders without structured post-service benefits.
He said the Delta chapter would also focus on keeping former Chairmen actively involved in governance by leveraging their experience to support grassroots development and public administration.
He added that the chapter would vigorously support the One Nigeria Project, emphasising that former Local Government Chairmen, having served at the grassroots across the country, have a responsibility to promote unity and discourage divisive politics based on ethnicity and religion.
Orugbo further stated that members of NALGON possess extensive experience that can be deployed to strengthen Local Government administration, mentor serving public office holders, and contribute to policy formulation whenever called upon.
He welcomed the increasing number of former Local Government Chairmen occupying strategic positions in government, describing it as recognition of the leadership experience gained at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Assistant Financial Secretary of the Delta State chapter, Hon. Christian Othuke Iteire, described NALGON as an important platform for strengthening governance at the grassroots.
He said the association would serve as a bridge between former and serving Local Government officials by offering guidance, mediation, and practical solutions to governance challenges based on members’ wealth of experience.
Iteire observed that many former Local Government Chairmen now serve in the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, executive positions, and other strategic public offices, demonstrating that grassroots leadership prepares individuals for higher responsibilities.
According to him, such opportunities are earned through outstanding performance, dedication, integrity, commitment, and loyalty to public service.
The event also featured the inauguration of the newly elected Delta State Executive Council, led by Dr Austin Obidi as State Chairman and Delta North Zonal Chairman.
Other elected officials include Hon. Andrew Orugbo Esq. as State Vice Chairman and Delta Central Zonal Chairman; Rt. Hon. Evelyn Omavowan Oboro Esq., State Secretary; Barr. Victor Ebonka (Alan K), Treasurer; Hon. Emmanuel Sorokwu, Organising Secretary; Hon. Anthony Uti, Assistant State Secretary; Hon. Izuka Okolo; Hon. Nkechi Chukwura- Welfare Officer, Hon. Ejaife Odebala Esq., Legal Adviser; Chief Faith Majemite, Financial Secretary; Hon. Dr. Richard Kofi, Assistant Welfare Secretary; Hon. Solomon Goley, Assistant Organising Secretary; R.B. Guannah, Deputy Chairman; Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Second Vice Chairman; immediate past Council Chairmen Of Warri South West, Hon. Taye Duke, Public Relations Officer; Hon. Deigha Macaulay, Auditor; Dr. Michael Tidi, Assistant Secretary; and Hon. Dcn. Christian Othuke Iteire, Assistant Financial Secretary.
The association expressed optimism that the new leadership would strengthen the Delta State chapter while advancing the welfare of former Local Government Chairmen, promoting grassroots development, and supporting national unity initiatives across the state and the country.
