The Man of the Year Award also came on the
heels of the endorsement by the World Bank, just three months ago, of Okowa’s
job and wealth creation initiatives that are geared towards ensuring prosperity
for Deltans.
It
was during the Products Exhibition and Business Fair of the Delta State
Government by beneficiaries of its Job Creation Scheme in December last year in
Asaba.
Tunde
Adekola, a Senior Education Specialist in the bank, noted that “Delta is the
only state that has demonstrated its commitment to skills development in
practical terms.” According to him, “the World Bank will continue to support
the Delta State government in the areas of skills and technical development and
will work with the Job Creation Office of the state government to strengthen their
labour market observatory system in order to make Governor Okowa’s dream of
re-creating the middle class a reality.”
These
three recognition and endorsements are perfect and eloquent testimonies to the
far reaching positive goals of the well thought-out S.M.A.R.T. agenda of the
Okowa administration. Not many things gladden the heart of a man or woman and
stir up a determination to do more, than the awareness that his or her
contributions toward the uplift of humanity’s collective good are recognized and
appreciated. And when such recognition are accompanied by official awards by
high profile institutions, the recipient goes home with a determination to do
even more.
It was, therefore, not surprising that on
Monday, January 15, when the management of Independent Newspapers led by its
Managing Director cum Editor-in-Chief, Chief Ade Ogidan, went to present the
nomination letter, Governor Okowa solemnly promised to do more for the well
being of everybody residing in the state.
Governor
Okowa, fondly called Ekwueme, (his traditional chieftaincy title) by his
teeming admirers, deserves the accolades. Why not? As it is written in the
programme booklet: “Despite the severe economic challenges facing the country
and the state, Governor Okowa has displayed remarkable resourcefulness,
resilience and strong managerial acumen as reflected in the spread of
infrastructural projects across the three senatorial districts; employment generation
and notable transformation in the education sector.
“In
just two years, his administration has embarked upon over 150 road projects
with over 60 of them already completed. Also, his administration has created
41,532 direct and indirect private sector jobs through policies, programmes and
initiatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies….and Delta is the first
state to launch the Universal Healthcare coverage with the creation of the
Delta State Contributory Health Commission.”
All
things considered, the award is a heart-warming development both for the
Governor and the people of the state. For keen observers of the goings-on in
Delta State, the award did not come to them as a surprise. If anything, it only
reaffirms the popular believe in many quarters that Delta is not only on the
right path but also in safe hands. The award represents an uncommon vote of
confidence on Governor Okowa, his programmes and policies and the direction of
his administration.
What’s
more, it is instructive to state here that the presence of the two former
Governors of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr Emmanuel Ewetan
Uduaghan, other political heavyweights and time tested entrepreneurs, community
leaders and sundry associates from across the state underscores the high
approval rating of the Okowa administration in the state.
During
the 2017 University of Ibadan Alumni Association Awards, Governor Okowa as the
Guest Lecturer on Good Governance For Wealth Creation And Sustainable
Development: Experiences and Lessons stressed that “Given the current economic
challenges facing government at all levels, we are constantly exploring ways to
partner with private sector, World bank and other privileged Nigerians in our
quest to create wealth for sustainable development. This entails them investing
in skills training programmes that would empower unemployed youths to start
their businesses. This, I believe, will greatly mitigate the unemployment
crisis, and move the nation on the path of wealth creation and sustainable development”.
Hopefully, with the
encouragement that comes with this latest award and his unwavering commitment
to the full implementation of the S.M.A.R.T agenda, the future looks good for
Delta State and her people.
Courtesy: Avwode lives in Asaba
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