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By Cynthia Eruoto
Delta State newly sworn in Governor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said his administration would not leave any stone unturned in the growth and development of the state. Governor Oborevwori stated this in his inaugural speech in Asaba, the state capital. He said, the issues that confront this administration are not new saying, he is ready to improve the quality of life of the people by building bridges of social cohesion and give the people the hope of a better tomorrow anchored on accelerated development . According to him, this demands a creative thinking, proactive action, and exemplary leadership from him and all those who will have the privilege to serve as elected officials and political appointees.
He said, he was ready to run an open and responsive government that meet the needs and aspirations of Deltans by representing, consolidating and advancement as he is to continue from where the previous government stopped to propel Delta State to greater heights in the area of economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal and peace and security saying, he is committed to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for the people.
He said:” I pledge to run an open and responsive government that meets the needs and aspirations of our people. I represent consolidation and advancement; consolidation because I am continuing from where the previous government stopped, and advancement because I am advancing Delta State to greater heights in inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, and peace and security. I am committed to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for our people”.
Against this background, he said, among other things, his administration would foster sustainable economic growth and job creation, boost human capital, build an enabling infrastructure, enhance accountability systems for improved service delivery and strengthen public financial management.
He said, in furthering these objectives, the existing entrepreneurship development programmes will be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus, creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crimes and anti-social activities among the vibrant youths.
According to him, his administration will also enhance the existing social investment programmes for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable groups, including widows and People Living with Disabilities, through microcredit, training, and business networking saying, he would develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas just as he said, the administration will complete all existing projects across the state.
He said:” This administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure. As you all know, government cannot do it alone. Hence, we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy”.
On agricultural sector, he said, the administration shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth that would ensure that agro-industrial parks are accelerated because, there are potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security.
He said, the recent approval of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) for Koko and Kwale is a welcome development as it has the capacity to unleash the growth potentials of the state saying, since the board is already in place, there shall be immediate steps taken to make it fully operational and attract investors .
According to him, Delta State has been relatively peaceful in the last eight years, notwithstanding, with the recent security breaches in the Warri and its environs, with the assistance of security agencies, steps would be taken to ensure that the situation is brought under control in its entirety.
Speaking further, he said, Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state , will be given special attention saying, the entire process has already commenced with the establishment of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) adding, before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift just as he said, the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium will be expedited.
He said:”,Warri the commercial nerve centre of the State, will be given special attention under this administration. The process has already commenced with the establishment of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA). Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift. Similarly, the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium will be expedited”.
On the area of civil service, he said , priority will be given to boost its efficiency and enhance its service delivery adding that, merit will be the yardstick for elevation of civil servants to top management positions to encourage the entry into and retention of the best brains in the public service just as he said, his administration will render all the necessary supports to the judiciary to enable it carry out its functions effectively.
The Governor used the medium to express gratitude to the former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for steering the affairs of the state in the right direction even in the face of many challenges when he took over the mantle of leadership especially with the issues of COVID -19 which plagued the country at a time saying, with wisdom and God’s guardians, he was able to scale through.
The Governor also acknowledged the roles played by the founding fathers of the state, the military and civilian, whose sacrifice and dedication that helped to nurture the state from infancy saying, It goes to show that the state flourished under the current democratic dispensation that began in 1999 and therefore thanked Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan for their roles in this regard.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to his former colleagues in the Sixth and Seventh Assemblies, for their support while serving a Speaker saying, it was through their prayers and counsels that made him scale through in this direction. He also thanked the traditional rulers for words of wisdom and prayers given to him while in the office as a Speaker just as he promised to always support them.
The Governor therefore prayed for God’s wisdom and direction to enable him achieve the goals that he has set for this administration adding although, the tasks ahead are tough, the choices not easy but with Deltans’ supports with prayers and others, he would be able to do the needful.