The Comrade Joel Tonjoh-led Executive Council of Benikrukru Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has handed over the leadership of the oil-rich community to the newly elected executives led by Pastor Blessing Tortor.

Other members of the outgoing executives are Freedom Tonfawei (Vice chairman), Boyitie Paul Odiyrin (Secretary), Jonah Juweigha (Assistant Secretary), Believed T. Ajolosemi (Treasurer), ThankGod Officer (Public Relations Officer), Akada Julius (Financial Secretary), Bright Tortor (Assistant PRO), Pudie Peter (Organizing Secretary), Tombra Newyear (Welfare Officer) and Perebo Alaye (Chief Whip).

Comrade Tonjoh, while delivering his address during the handover ceremony in the Oboro Ultra Modern Playground on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, listed the achievements of his led administration which commenced November 25, 2022.

According to the outgoing Chairman, "a lot of developmental strides was recorded: ranging from infrastructural developments, human capital development, improve educational access and facilities, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, housing development, health and employment".

Among the projects listed are the redirection of the existing drainage system to improve ease of flow of water during raining season, construction of internal access road to enhance accessibility and commerce, and construction of four twin self-contained Corper's lodge and recreation center.

Others are the procurement of pipes for extension of community water scheme (Phase 2) to enhance access to clean and potable water, the establishment of Benikrukru Secondary School to improve access to quality education, and the renovation of community health center to improve our community's healthcare services.

In the area of electricity, Comr. Tonjoh revealed that his led administration embarked on electrification extension to expand access to electricity supply supply, and the procurement of two sets of 100KVA generators and construction of generator house to provide reliable water supply to our community.

For empowerment initiatives, he stated that over 500 people benefited from job opportunities created, while over 300 people benefited from bush clearing opportunities, as well as employment of Benikrukru's sons and daughters into companies such as NNPCL, FIRS, MATON and FENOG as well as Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) contract servicing companies. 

"It will further interest you to know that our community has also benefited from the philanthropic donations from notable sons of the community and the kingdom at large, through the constructive engagements of this administration," he added.

Among such donations as listed are: the electrification extension by Mr. Jimmy Ogida and Chief (Dr.) Jeffrey Ojogun, clearing of Benikrukru satellite communities by Tantita, 100 school desks to Oboro Primary School by Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, 10 grass cutting machines by Dr. Paul Bebenimibo (as former Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC), 250 desks and 12 chairs and tables to Oboro Primary School by Engr. Michael Tonlagha, and installation of 2 sets of 2500KVA turbine generators by MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited.

Other donations also made include Chevron's 1000KVA turbine generator to complement the existing 750KVA, pending the full installation of the 2500KVA donated by MATON to Benikrukru Community to improve power supply as a result of the rapid development in the community.

Other projects from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Delta State Government to the community include the construction of 2.5KM road (completed), provision and installation of solar lights (completed), shore protection/piling and sand filling, construction of 10KM road (ongoing), construction of 2.8KM Ogono-Ebizor Zion and another adjoining road (ongoing).

Comr. Tonjoh, who noted that there are still challenges and opportunities ahead, called on members of the community to join hands together to build on existing foundations, just as he counseled the incoming exco to not let down the confidence imposed on them by the people, who have choose them them to pilot the community's affairs.

Awards of recognition were also presented to Benikrukru patriarch, sons and daughters for their contributions to the growth and development of the community, and as a way “to inspire others to strive for excellence”.

View photos of the handover: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16fdjmmDmB/

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