By Frank Bekeakpo
As Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye marks his first anniversary in office as the Executive Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, a compelling narrative of transformational leadership and purposeful governance emerges. His emergence was not only a product of political momentum but also a clear, people-centered vision that has since reshaped the trajectory of Bomadi LGA.
From the onset, Hon. Andaye distinguished himself as a grassroots leader with uncommon resolve. Long before his swearing-in on July 15, 2024, by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, he had already undertaken the renovation of the vital Bomadi/Ohoro Road—an infrastructure project that not only enhanced mobility but also mitigated security threats in the area.
This self-initiated intervention, carried out before formally assuming office, signaled a leader who was prepared to act decisively and take ownership of the people’s challenges.
Hon. Andaye’s administration is firmly aligned with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. In line with these pillars, he has pursued a comprehensive development agenda that prioritizes inclusive governance, strategic infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic revitalization, healthcare delivery, educational advancement, and peacebuilding.
One of his first executive actions was the inauguration of the Local Government Legislative Arm on July 18, 2024, followed by the appointment of Supervisors on August 26, 2024. These key appointments stabilized the administrative structure and demonstrated his commitment to operational efficiency and functional governance.
In just one year, Hon. Andaye has delivered a remarkable portfolio of infrastructure projects, many of which are now completed and ready for commissioning. These include the renovation of the Chairman’s Lodge, construction of the Vice Chairman’s Residential Lodge, the Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori Ultra-Modern Multipurpose Event Centre, and a model chapel to promote spiritual growth. Others are paved walkways with drainage leading to the Chairman’s Office, residential quarters for the High Court Judge, full renovation of the High Court Complex, construction of the High Court Road and residential quarters for principal officers, and the establishment of an Internal Audit Block to enhance transparency and accountability. Notably, his administration also reconnected Bomadi to the national grid after 15 years of blackout, alongside rehabilitating and repainting the Secretariat Offices and Main Pavilion. These achievements reflect an administration that is not only strategic in planning but holistic in execution—touching every critical aspect of community development.
Central to Hon. Andaye’s leadership is a deep commitment to people-focused empowerment. His administration has introduced various initiatives aimed at uplifting the vulnerable and equipping the youth with skills for economic independence. Among these are the Bomadi Elderly Citizens Empowerment Programme (BECEP), which provides monthly stipends to over 400 senior citizens, restoring dignity and offering financial relief. The Bomadi Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme has trained hundreds of youths in trades such as catering, wig making, makeup artistry, chemical production, and shoemaking, with starter packs promised upon graduation. Intervention programmes for persons with disabilities and the underprivileged have further enhanced inclusivity, while the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage has placed Bomadi at the forefront of staff welfare among local governments in Nigeria.
In the health sector, his administration has provided medical equipment and furniture to the Bomadi General Hospital and Primary Health Centres. It has also collaborated with the Health Authority on immunization campaigns, disease surveillance, and epidemic containment, particularly in response to the recent cholera outbreak. The education sector has seen similar progress with the renovation of public nursery and primary schools, provision of learning materials, reactivation of vocational centers, and collaboration with the Local Government Education Authority to secure approval for 12 additional primary schools—an essential intervention in a local government previously noted for having the fewest schools in the state.
Hon. Andaye has also placed security and conflict resolution at the heart of his governance strategy. He inaugurated the Bomadi Local Government Security/Advisory Council, comprising retired security experts, statesmen, and stakeholders. Through this platform, he successfully mediated conflicts in communities such as Okoloba, Okuama, Ogodobiri, Ezebiri, and Kalafuigbene. To further bolster local security, his administration provided financial support and increased allowances for security operatives, delivered patrol vehicles, and ensured decent accommodation for security agencies like the JTF and Eagle-Net. Logistics and training support have also been offered to enhance security surveillance.
Given Bomadi’s vulnerability to perennial flooding, proactive environmental measures have been implemented. These include the clearing and maintenance of critical drainage channels in Bomadi, Kpakiama, Ogriagbene, and other flood-prone communities, enforcement of monthly sanitation exercises, and community sensitization campaigns on flood preparedness and environmental sustainability.
To institutionalize participatory governance, Hon. Andaye introduced several engagement platforms. These include the Bomadi Critical Stakeholders Interface held in November 2024, which provided a forum for feedback and accountability, and the Bomadi Local Government Caucus, which has enhanced political unity and policy inclusivity. His administration also established the Bomadi Project Monitoring Unit to oversee project implementation and launched a functional Local Government website to promote transparency and public access to information. Regular quarterly reports to the Delta State Government further reinforce his administration’s commitment to transparency and performance tracking.
In alignment with his Action Plan, Hon. Andaye has set ambitious targets for the years ahead. These include the completion of all link roads in Bomadi by 2026, training 500 youths in entrepreneurship and vocational skills, increasing agricultural productivity by 25 percent, reducing maternal mortality by 40 percent, boosting immunization coverage, constructing two new vocational centers, increasing literacy by 15 percent, reducing the crime rate by 40 percent, and establishing functional conflict resolution mechanisms across communities. He also plans to hold quarterly stakeholder and town hall meetings to foster dialogue, community ownership, and shared responsibility in governance.
One year into his tenure, Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye has redefined local government leadership—not as a ceremonial position or political stepping stone, but as a true platform for grassroots transformation. His administration’s unique blend of infrastructural development, citizen empowerment, fiscal accountability, and community engagement sets a high standard in local governance. With a clear vision, demonstrable results, and a deep connection to the needs and aspirations of his people, Hon. Andaye has proven that even at the local level, leadership can be purposeful, responsive, and profoundly impactful.
The upcoming commissioning of completed projects—accompanied by testimonials, public reports, and a keynote address—will not merely celebrate milestones achieved. It will stand as a public testament to what governance can deliver when driven by sincerity, integrity, and service.
As Bomadi continues to rise under his leadership, the future holds promise, progress, and greater possibilities. One year down—many transformative years ahead.
