By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Executive Chairman of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State chapter, Hon. Maurice Orwough, has described his two years in office as a period of responsibility, challenges, learning, service and commitment to the people.
Orwough stated this while briefing journalists in Makurdi as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, with the theme, “Two Years of Leadership, Development, Service and Impact.”
The chairman said leadership was not merely about occupying an office but about touching lives, responding to the needs of the people and executing projects and establishing institutions capable of serving communities beyond the tenure of an administration.
He said the second anniversary provided an opportunity to account for his administration’s achievements, acknowledge challenges and renew its commitment to doing more for the people of Guma.
“As we mark this second anniversary, I consider it an important milestone for the people of Guma. It is also an opportunity for me to give an account of what we have done, acknowledge the challenges we have faced and reaffirm my commitment to doing more,” he said.
Infrastructure and Road Development
Orwough listed the ongoing asphalt construction of the Ngban-Udei Road among the major infrastructure projects undertaken by his administration.
Other projects, he said, include the construction of five major culverts along the Daudu-Uikpam route and the reconstruction of the collapsed culvert along the Origbo-Gbajimba Road.
He also listed the construction and reconstruction of the Guma Local Government Chairman’s Office and Administrative Block, Personnel Department Block and Finance Department Block at the council headquarters.
According to him, his administration is also remodeling the Chairman’s Residence and constructing a Traditional Town Hall in Daudu.
Healthcare and Water Supply
In the health sector, the chairman said his administration had constructed a clinic at Ukaa in Uvir Council Ward, while construction of another clinic was ongoing at Aninge in Mbadwem Council Ward.He added that the ALGON Clinic at Torkula had also been renovated.
On water supply, Orwough said motorised boreholes had been provided at Uikpam in Mbabai Ward, Abinsi in Abinsi Ward, Kwenev in Kaambe Ward, Umenger in Mbadwem Ward and Yogbo in Mbayer/Yandev Ward.
Agriculture and Security
The chairman said his administration had supported farmers across the local government with herbicides and fertilisers to boost agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
On security, he disclosed that construction of a police station was ongoing at Udei in Nyiev Council Ward, while the Daudu Police Station had been reconstructed.
He added that the council had provided a vehicle and motorcycles to support security operations and improve the mobility and response capacity of security personnel.
Orwough also said the council supported the best graduating student in academics at the Police Training School, Wannune, who hails from Guma, with $41 million.
Education and Human Capital Development
According to him, his administration has established a scholarship programme for students from Guma, with annual scholarship support provided for 200 students across the 10 council wards.
He said the initiative was aimed at supporting education and reducing the financial burden on families.
Traditional Institutions and Local Government Officials
Orwough said his administration had provided cars to district heads and motorcycles to kindred heads across Guma.
He said the ongoing construction of the Traditional Town Hall in Daudu would further provide a platform for traditional institutions and communities to hold meetings and other activities.
The chairman also disclosed that official cars had been purchased and presented to the Council Secretary and Legislative Leader, while motorcycles were provided to supervisory councillors and local government advisers.
He added that selected Guma stakeholders had also received car gifts in recognition of their contributions to the development of the local government.
Community Engagement
The chairman said his administration had continued to implement development interventions across the council wards based on identified community needs.
He added that regular engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents had helped the council identify and address development and security concerns at the grassroots.
Orwough, however, acknowledged that despite the achievements recorded in the past two years, much more remained to be done.
“There are roads that require attention. There are communities that need more water facilities. There are healthcare needs to address.
There are security challenges that require continuous attention, and there are ongoing projects that must be completed.
“For me, the work continues. My commitment is to ensure that we build on what we have started, complete ongoing projects and respond to the needs of more communities across Guma,” he said.
The chairman attributed the progress recorded by his administration to the support of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whom he said had provided a conducive environment for transformation at the grassroots.
He also appreciated the people of Guma, stakeholders and party faithful for their support, criticisms and suggestions, saying their contributions had helped his administration remain focused on its responsibilities.
Orwough pledged to continue engaging the people, listening to their concerns and working with stakeholders to address challenges confronting communities across the local government.
“The journey of development does not end after two years. We still have more work to do, and we will continue to do our best to serve the people.
“As we mark this second anniversary, I want the people of Guma to know that our administration remains focused on development, service, accountability and the wellbeing of our people. Two years have passed, but the work continues,” he said.
