By Wasita Royal
A major province-wide initiative to train local leaders has started in Kokopo District on Monday January 12th, 2026 and is set to conclude this Friday.
About 180 elected officials and community representatives are in attendance at the Malapau Beach Resort for a five-day induction program that is being designed to sharpen their governance skills.
This program was launched last week by the East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, and aims to create a unified front for service delivery across the province.
The first session was officially opened by Member for Kokopo Ereman Tobaining Jnr, who delivered a strong call for collaborative leadership.
The significant focus of the first day was the “Healthy Island Concept,” a community-based health strategy presented by the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, led by Acting CEO Dr. Patrick Kiromat. MP Tobaining used the session to reaffirm the district’s commitment to rolling out this concept into every ward.
“We are here to deliver services for our people. I urge all of you to set politics aside and work together to serve the people of Kokopo,” Tobaining Jnr said.
Kokopo City Mayor, Presidents of the Raluana, Bitapaka, and Duke of York LLGs were present with the 84 ward members, and their supporting Ward Development Committee members and recorders. The ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano expressed the importance of everyone in the province for development.
“Everyone is equally important, whether you are a driver, cleaner, or administrator. Each role contributes to the overall achievements. You were all mandated by the people who trust and believe in you to lead them,” Mano said.
The induction addressed a critical need and that is equipping local-level government leaders with the practical knowledge to manage their communities effectively and align their efforts with broader provincial plans.
Tobaining further commended leaders from the remote areas like the Duke of York Islands for making the journey, noting their sacrifice would benefit the entire district.
The “Healthy Island Concept” itself represents a shift in thinking and focusing not just on clinics, but on how people’s daily lives, work, and environment impact their well-being.
