Surprisingly, the day broke with calmness, the
sun was shining timidly, but it was a gentle and friendly day of 27 August, 1991 when Delta State came into being. The State came with mixed feelings
to a people who have differing cultures with divergent identity and differing linguistic
heritage, whose fond sobriquet is “Big Heart.”
From inception, however, the State promised to
be transformed with various administrative machineries put in place by
successive governments to drive its development. The present administration,
the 8th on the leadership row of the State, with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the
Chief Executive Officer, has indeed tailored its S.M.A.R.T agenda, working with
several MDAs, towards delivering efficiently, the gains of democracy to the
good people of Delta State.
Interestingly, since this government came on
stream on 29 May, 2015, the people of Delta State have been awed by the level
of depth, insight and strength the Governor has brought to bear in piloting the
affairs of the State.
Governor Okowa, a well-groomed and an
experienced politician, has kept to his words by directing and monitoring the State’s
resources efficiently towards ensuring judicious utilization of State’s funds.
This explains the prevalent accomplishments within the period under review. Hence,
among all the States in the Federation, Delta State is making all the waves in
its visionary impetus, in spite of the dwindling fortunes of its main source of
income.
Armed with the S.M.A.R.T agenda of job creation,
poverty alleviation, wealth creation, economic and political inclusion,
infrastructural consolidation and expansion, the Governor has made great
strides in virtually all sectors in line with his determination to fulfil his
campaign promises to change the landscape of the State and its people for good.
This is why he has made many accomplishments.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led government has
successfully undertaken and completed multi-billion-naira life-touching
projects in different parts of the State. Some are ongoing, while others were
inaugurated in commemoration of 2016 Democracy Day Celebration. Over 200km of
new roads across the State were constructed.
In its drive for wealth creation, this
administration has collated data on small, medium and large farm operations
from local farmers throughout the State, and explored World Bank and CBN
opportunities. Farmers in the State are mobilized, sensitized and empowered
through the PPSP.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led government employment
scheme, YAGEP and STEP have reduced unemployment including getting our youths
ready to take advantage of the imminent agricultural and industrial boom in the
State. This, of course, has awakened the spirit of enterprise among our youths.
The scheme, through micro-franchise, enterprise programmes, job programmes and the
micro-credit programme, has engaged well over 17,171 people directly and
indirectly, including creating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The comment of the Orodje of Okpe in a welcome address during
the commissioning of some road projects to mark 2016 Democracy Day is worth noting.
The Monarch thanked Governor Okowa for his developmental projects stating,
"I want it to be on record that
since ten years, that I have been on the throne, this is the first time that
contracts for projects are awarded, duly completed and commissioned in Okpe
Kingdom by the State government." This landmark comment tells a story
that needs no further elucidation.
In the same vein, His Royal Highness Ogurime-rime Ukori 1,
Ovie of Agbon Kingdom applauded Governor Okowa for “working and delivering on
his electoral promises despite the economic problems, because he was prepared
for governance since 2007.”
Truth be told! Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
is committed to the ideals of good governance with a view to realizing his
vision for the State. It therefore, suffices to say that Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa’s exceptional accomplishments within the period under review is
beyond contemplation, given the parlous State of the national economy. Bravo,
the people’s government!
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