Iipinge demands ethical and hard work from regional leaders

Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has issued a stern mandate to newly elected regional and local authority councillors, demanding a ‘results-orientated mindset’ to drive the region’s development over the next five years.

Iipinge made the remark on Wednesday during a consultative meeting where he emphasised that leadership must be defined by professionalism and effective governance rather than personal comfort.

The meeting followed an induction workshop focused on the legal and governance frameworks that will guide the officials' new terms.

Every cent counts

Iipinge did not hold back in addressing the systemic issues that hinder progress.

He called on leaders to confront difficult truths, noting that development is frequently weakened by mismanagement, poor work ethics, absenteeism and corruption.

"Public resources are sacred," Iipinge reminded the group.

"Every dollar lost through negligence or misuse is a meal taken from a household, medicine taken from a clinic, or a classroom left incomplete.”

The governor outlined a comprehensive vision for the region, placing particular emphasis on economic empowerment in order to address youth unemployment by shifting from a culture of job seekers to job creators through skills development and entrepreneurship.

He also called on promoting local value addition, agro-processing and community food production projects to combat poverty.

Iipinge warned against the weak project management and "silo" mentalities that have previously led to funds being returned to treasury.

He stressed that regional councils, local authorities and central government must function as a single, coordinated system.

[email protected]