The Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State has pledged to deploy CCTV cameras at strategic locations and enhance the operational tools for vigilante groups as part of initiatives to strengthen surveillance, deter crime, and support community safety.
The council also introduced a comprehensive framework aimed at improving administrative efficiency, reinforcing regulatory systems, and accelerating infrastructural development throughout the area.
Council Chairman Dr. Gift Worlu made the announcement at the 2025 Economic and Investment Summit titled, “Obalga Arise, Building a Sustainable Economy for Obio-Akpor LGA,” held in Port Harcourt.
He said the council was collaborating closely with security agencies, community leaders, and youths to improve surveillance, response capacity, and intervention time.
The council boss noted that his administration was committed to uniting communities, addressing the root causes of conflict, combating drug abuse, curbing land grabbing, and promoting non-violent dispute resolution, adding that the summit marked a turning point for economic transformation in the LGA.
He said, “We are working hand-in-hand with the police, DSS, Civil Defence, and most importantly with you our community leaders and young people. We are putting eyes in the sky (cameras) and giving our vigilante groups better tools.
“But more than that, we are giving our young men and women skills and jobs so that crime stops looking like the only option and normal.
“Peace is priceless. We are uniting our people, removing conditions for conflict and resolving disagreements among our people. We are fighting ignorance, drug abuse, land grabbing etc.
“We are building and sustaining meaningful relationships with businesses and institutions within and outside our LGA. We are also creating inter-local government collaborations to tackle common problems, challenges and opportunities alike.”
The council chairman further announced plans to introduce digital levy payments, online permit processing, and stricter standards for staff conduct to enhance public service delivery in Obio-Akpor.
He explained that the council had finalised measures to simplify business procedures, remove outdated regulations, and improve transparency in approvals and fees to attract more investment.
Worlu emphasised that the council would partner with the state government to expand internet connectivity, construct new markets, upgrade schools and health centres, and enhance street lighting.
He said, “I am tired of hearing people say if you go to Obio Akpor Local Government, you will suffer, that pains me. So we are changing the narrative, very soon, you pay your levies using your phone in minutes. You will apply for permits online and track them like you track a Bolt ride.
“No more missing files, no more come back tomorrow. We are training our staff to treat you like family (because you are). When you walk into our offices, I want you to feel proud, not frustrated.”
In his keynote address, the General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Igo Weli, urged investors and business owners to collaborate with the council to strengthen the local economy.
He said the ARISE agenda provided a clear roadmap for generating wealth that would benefit both current and future generations.
He said, “This summit is the first of its kind, for me it’s something that should be commended, we need to really key into the ARISE agenda driven by the local government chairman Honourable Gift Worlu.
“As a corporate organization Renaissance Africa, we key into the ARISE agenda and we are hoping that in a few years to come, we will see the fruits of the ARISE agenda in terms of more development in Obio Akpor, Rivers State and Nigeria.”
The summit culminated with the unveiling of the OBALGA ARISE scheme and the official launch of the Obio-Akpor LGA digital revenue platform.
