The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State reaffirms commitment to women’s inclusion in governance, while presenting the council’s 2025 Supplementary Budget of over N6 billion
By Jude Nnzenanya, Port Harcourt
Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Charles Wobodo, has re-affirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting women’s inclusion in governance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wobodo, who made the pledge through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Wariso Wariso, disclosed that the Chairman made the declaration during a courtesy visit by the Ikwerre Women Renewed Family, popularly known as the “Jagaban Women”, at the council headquarters in isiokpo.
He expressed his appreciation to the women for their visit and encouraged them to sustain their enthusiasm and unity of purpose. He emphasized that his administration recognizes the vital role of women in community development, leadership, and grassroots governance.
Earlier in her good will message, Mrs. Silver Nwanosike, wife of the former Chairman of the council, Hon,. Samuel Nwanosike, commended Wobodo for his inclusive leadership style, noting that the women of KELGA are grateful for the administration’s efforts in carrying women along in governance and pledged that their support for the current Chairman would surpass that given to his predecessor.
Also speaking, State women Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Mirian Ogbonna, commended Ikwerre women for their consistency, resilience and for standing out as a model for women across Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
Vice-Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Mrs. Ethel Kinika, described Wobodo as a leader with vision and integrity, noting that his inclusive policies are a clear demonstration of good governance and effective leadership.
The visit, which was graced by Jagaban Women from various wards across the LGA, featured a special prayer session led by Lady honorable Asonye Ibifuro, Ikwerre PDP women Leader, and Mrs. Doris Atako, APC Kelga Women Leader.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of a portrait and the ceremonial decoration of the chairman and his wife, Mrs. Christina Charles Wobodo.
Also, on Monday November 10, 2025, the KELGA boss presented a supplementary budget of N6.2 billion before the Ikwerre tenth Legislative Assembly.
Giving the breakdown of the budget, Wobodo said that the budget estimate of N6.2 has N4.5 billion as Recurrent Expenditure with a capital expenditure of N1.6 billion.
He revealed that the Ikwerre Local Government Council intends to source the revenue from the following sources, which includes, Federation Account of N6.1 billion, Statutory Allocation, N50 million, with an estimated Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N50 million and an unspecified revenue amounting to N50 million, giving the total figure of N6.2 billion
He further stated that the council intends to spend on Personnel Cost to the tune of N1.9 billion and overhead cost of N2.6 billion, stressing that N1.9 billion is earmarked for the remaining fiscal year, because of increased personnel cost, and the overhead cost of N2.6 billion is due to the appointment of political aides, as well as transfer to reserve and contribution to the local government.
On the estimated capital expenditure, Wobodo said N1.6 million will would be spent on the purchase of fixed assets general, amounting to N130 million, while total construction provision of fixed assets general amounts to N200 million just as the total rehabilitation and repair of fixed assets –general gulps N570 million adding that preservation of environment would cost the council 250,000,000.00, giving the total figure of 1,650,000,000.00.
Wobodo also expressed the hope that the Ikwerre Legislative Assembly will give the appropriation bill an accelerated debate and passage.
