GGOVERNOR OKOWA CALLS FOR SOBER REFLECTION ON NIGERIA'S FUTURE, AS DELTA STATE LEGISLATURE HOLDS THANKSGIVING

As Nigeria continues to suffer financial woes as a result of fall in oil revenue, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for sober reflection on what should be done to put the country in irreversible part of progress.

Governor Okowa made the call at the first anniversary thanksgiving service of the 6th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) at the Divine Way Baptist Church, Asaba.

Speaker of DTHA, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya took the first reading at the service which was attended by top political office holders, traditional rulers, clergy men, among others.

According to Governor Okowa, the price of oil nose-dived in 2014 and since then, the country has been faced with how to meet its her financial obligations, observing that the multiplier effects of the dwindling revenue were affecting all arms of government.

While stating that Nigerians deserve to reflect on what happened during the oil windfall periods, Governor Okowa called for prayers so that the situation can be turned around by God.

"In the midst of plenty that we had, within a space of one day, the price of oil started going down and it has continued," he said, reiterating, "we are not only grappling with poor oil price, but, we are even unable to produce 50 per cent of our allotted capacity; it is time to return to God, only God can heal the land and deliver us, He is able to unite us, bring the glory back, if genuinely we call on His name, the Lord will definitely bless us but, we need to present our hearts to Him to turn things around."

He congratulated the House of Assembly for a successful one year, saying that putting God first in every situation is the best thing to do.

Rt. Hon. Igbuya at the occasion, commended Governor Okowa for effective management of resources to deliver democratic dividends to the people despite the tough economic situation.

"The last one year has been very rewarding, Governor Okowa has shown wonderful fatherhood to the legislature, in spite of the bad economy, you have been very good to us, come 2019, you will not campaign, we will campaign for you," the Speaker emphasized.

Delivering a sermon at the occasion, the Vice President (Ministerial), Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Dickson Madogwe thanked God for the unity of purpose between the three arms of government in Delta State, and re-echoed the need to thank God, noting, "we can say that without God, we will not be able to achieve what we have achieved."

Rev. Madogwe who spoke on the theme, "Our song of victory', stated, "leadership is tough, leadership is not easy, but God remain God, if He has placed you there, you will remain there, our life is anchored by God, so, hold on to God, look for every opportunity to make impact and trust God for your future, because of your future don't go and dabble into fetish things; if you see yourself that God has appointed you, you will see Him as the one who will take care of your future and your future will continue to be a testimony."

High point of the occasion was special thanksgiving by members of the Delta State House of Assembly accompanied by the Governor, his Deputy, Barr. Otuaro and other dignitaries.The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa led the cream of top government functionaries, which included the  Deputy Governor Barr Kingsley Otuaro, Justice Marshall Umukoro, Secretary to the State Government Hon Festus Agas, Delta PDP Chairman Kingsley Esiso and other top dignitaries to join the Delta State House of Assembly Members led by the Speaker Rt. Hon Monday Ovwigho Igbuya and Deputy Rt. Hon Osanebi Ossai Friday to the 1st anniversary thanksgiving  service  of the 6th assembly at divine-way  Baptist Church.