At a period when most narratives point to ‘The Recession’ as an
excuse for the crippling growth/performance across various governments, the story
of the Delta State presents a refreshing perspective as to how, against all
odds, concise people-centered development is possible.
While it may be easy to heap the blame of this economic downturn on
the present leadership in the State, but like all sunsets, the State arrived at
this sorry pass, thanks to the maladministration of the economy.
While on the topic of maladministered economies, it goes without
saying that critical infrastructure in the State by the inauguration of the administration
of Governor Okowa in May 29, 2015, were largely in comatose, as abandoned
projects littered across the State. Economic activities had also largely slowed
down with considerable capital flight and movement of companies out of the
State.
Two options were available: Continue in the traditional cosmetic
governance: repaint a few state-owned buildings, patch a few roads here and
there, pay salaries of civil-servants; or take Delta towards the path of
sustainable economic development by making a case for concerted investments and
using creative means to raise fund for critical physical and human
infrastructure that will in turn spur private investments and economic growth.
Without any gainsaying, building roads, bridges, rehabilitating schools
and hospitals among other physical infrastructure, creates jobs, enriches the
local economy and gives access to market for farmers (many of whom dwell in the
rural areas).
The present administration has delivered over 250
km of roads, either freshly tarred or rehabilitated. The administration is also
on course to deliver the next set of roads, with many more are still being
conceived. The development of the State capital is also receiving priority attention of the State government, especially on road infrastructure.
Delta State is investing in the empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises - MSME - given the trickle-up impact these make to socio-economic development. This is targeted at market women, small scale farmers, artisans and physically-challenged individuals.
As many States became fiscally unstable and
shortfall in federally collected revenues continued to challenge salaries payment,
the government of Delta State has sustained the payment of salaries to its work
force.
The impact of the decisions taken by the present
administration in the State continues to yield positive results from all
available indices.
No doubt, when you have a square peg in a square
hole, especially as the governor of a State, lapses of any sort can be avoided,
while you get effective, efficient and good governance. Governor Okowa is
demonstrating astuteness and resolve to better the lives of Deltans.
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